Café 1821 Offers a Warm Welcome

A café in Southport which attracts visitors from far and wide is offering everyone the warmest of welcomes this winter.

Café 1821 is right at the heart of Southport town centre, situated at the front of Christ Church on Lord Street.

The venue is famous for its comforting food, the quality of its cafe, and the friendliness of the people there.

Café 1821 serves a range of hot and cold drinks, light snacks, lunches and cakes, and complements the extensive work taking place at the adjoining Christ Church, with events including its popular Midweek Music sessions.

Why not call in for some coffee and cake, or some lunch, before ‘Midweek Music’, one of the free lunchtime concerts they host here?

Café 1821 is open every Tuesday to Saturday between 10.30am and 3.30pm while they also host ‘Winter Warmer’ warm spaces sessions 10.30am-2.30pm every Monday.

Vivesco was the previous name of the café.

It was named in honour of Vivien Dawson, a beloved member of Christ Church who lost her life to cancer. Vivesco aptly means ‘come to life’ in Latin.

It first opened its doors 20 years ago on Tulketh Street, with the aim of sharing God’s love in the community and as a safe meeting place for teenagers in the evenings.

The café has since moved into the Christ Church building and the emphasis has changed into meeting the needs of those who cross their doorstep each day.

Café 1821’s doors are open during the week throughout the year with a small nucleus of paid staff, supported by volunteers.

Trustee Director Sue Barker and Café Manager Jan Lovegrove said:

“The café first opened in 2007 and has been welcoming people ever since.

“We used to be on Tulketh Street, between the back of Marks & Spencer and the former Southport Visiter office, before moving to Christ Church, which is a much more accessible, centrally located venue.

“We moved after the pedestrianisation of Chapel Street and thought it would be a good time to find new premises.

“We started off as an internet café. We had a lot of South African families with us at the time, who would use the computers to keep in touch with everyone back home.

“People love the food we sell, with a menu that includes dishes such as home made soup, baked potatoes, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, bacon rolls, lasagne, cakes and more.

“Our coffee is excellent, we source it from Adams & Russell Coffee Roasters in Wirral.

“How would we describe Café 1821? In three words - as a community friendly café.

“This is such a warm, friendly, welcoming space. Everyone is welcome, whether they’re coming in with friends or family or on their own.

“Many people in society can feel isolated, especially at this time of year, and they shouldn’t be. This is a place for everyone.

“We run Winter Warmers, a warm space, every Monday between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

“It’s all free, all welcome, with tea, coffee and snacks.

“You can come in and sit quietly or come for a chat with one of our friendly volunteers.

“We open up the space behind in the church too. Where people can do jigsaws, play board games, or have a go at some crafts.

“We would love to expand that. And would love to offer some more things for people to do as well.

“We are looking to expand our provision by starting a new Mums’ & Toddlers group in the new year.

“Every Wednesday, Christ Church runs Midweek Music, which features some fantastic musicians.”

The venue is a popular site for those within Southport, and beyond too.

“There are lots of people from Southport who call in, but we also have others who travel to us from further afield. One gentleman comes in every day from Wigan to be here. Others come from places like Preston, Leyland and Liverpool.

“We have some groups meeting here such as Southport U3A who hold their coffee mornings here.

“When Southport Hookers created their famous crochet Spitfire in the Town Hall Gardens nearby, we were honoured to host their celebration event, where VIP guests included the Polish Consul! That was such a special art installation for Southport.

“2026 as a whole is going to be really exciting for Southport, with so many events, including the four major new ones - Lightport, Cristal Palace, the Big Top Festival and Books Alive.

“While people are in town, they are welcome to call into Café 1821 where they can be assured of a warm welcome.”

Café 1821 is at Christ Church, 124 Lord Street, Southport town centre. For more details of what’s on there please check out their Facebook page.