A decorative round object with a scalloped edge and a pattern of dark teal dots arranged in concentric circles.

Great Coffee. Real Change.

Ground Up at Theatre Porto,

Ellesmere Port

Based inside Theatre Porto, it’s not just about high-quality food and great coffee, it’s about opportunity. Our first Ground Up Café is a vibrant, inclusive space at the heart of The Ground Up Project, staffed by our team, and Petty Pool College Hospitality learners.

Two people standing next to a blackboard sign outside a brick building. The man is giving thumbs up, partially hidden behind the sign. The woman is smiling, wearing glasses, a green Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, and has plush toys hanging from her lanyard. The sign says 'Welcome to Ground Up! Specialty Coffee, Delicious Food served all day, Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.' There is a window and a blue lottery sign on the building. 
Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 9:30-4:30
Saturday: 9:30-4:00
Sunday: Closed

Location

Whitby Hall, Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port, CH65 6QY

Accessibility Info

We’re wheelchair accessible and have a sensory-friendly space available.

 

Ground Up at The Proud Place, Manchester

The Ground Up at The Proud Place in Manchester is our second café, creating meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent young people. Serving great coffee and food in a welcoming, inclusive space, within The Proud Place, a warm, welcoming, beautiful location in central Manchester. 

Now Open! 
Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 9:30am-4:00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm

Location

The Proud Place LGBT+ Community Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, Manchester M1 7HB

Accessibility Info

At the Proud Place, there’s step-free access to every floor, and gender-neutral and accessible toilets on every level

 

Ground Up at University Centre,

Birkenhead

The Ground Up at University Centre, Birkenhead is our third café, opening soon! Creating meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent young people. Serving great coffee and food in a welcoming, inclusive space, within The university Centre.

Located within Marriss House in the heart of Birkenhead, the new Ground Up café will serve nursing students, university staff and the wider professional community based within the building. The centre is home to specialist teaching facilities where future healthcare professionals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they will go on to use caring for people across the region.  

While every Ground Up café reflects the community it serves, the mission remains the same. The Ground Up Project exists to create opportunities, build confidence and develop skills through welcoming café spaces where great coffee brings people together. Every location is designed to be far more than somewhere to grab a drink. It is a place to connect, recharge and feel part of a community.  

Now open! 
Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 3.30pm

Location

Marris House, University Centre Birkenhead, Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AL

Accessibility Info

At the Marris House, there’s easy access to the cafe area.

 

Ground Up at Petty Pool College

Petty Pool College is our fourth café, now open and creating meaningful opportunities for our college students. Serving great coffee and food in a welcoming, inclusive space, within The Petty Pool Trust which is where the concept of Ground Up was born.

While every Ground Up café reflects the community it serves, the mission remains the same. The Ground Up Project exists to create opportunities, build confidence and develop skills through welcoming café spaces where great coffee brings people together. Every location is designed to be far more than somewhere to grab a drink. It is a place to connect, recharge and feel part of a community.  

Now open! 
Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 3.30pm

Location

Petty Pool College

Accessibility Info

Fully Accessible

 

We can come to you

From our mobile coffee van for events to inclusive event catering at your venue — Ground Up delivers great food, great coffee, and a social enterprise experience that makes a real impact.

A woman with long brown hair serving coffee at a small outdoor coffee stand to a customer with blonde hair. The stand has a wooden exterior and items like coffee bags and a coffee machine inside. 
Ground Up and Go

Looking for a mobile coffee van for events in Cheshire? Our Ground Up and Go Coffee Van serves delicious, barista-made coffee, powered by a team of young neurodivergent people gaining real-world experience.

By booking us, you’re choosing more than great coffee, you’re backing inclusive employment and a social enterprise that’s changing lives.

A wooden table set for a celebration with empty wine glasses, small desserts, and fairy lights near a window with a view of the outside. 
Catering With Heart and a Mission

Let us cater your next event with food that feeds more than just hunger. Our inclusive event catering brings freshly prepared dishes made with care — while providing supported internships to young people with SEND.

We offer custom catering options for small or large events, including gluten-free and vegetarian menus.

Download our Catering Menu