Hi Street! highlights
Contents
- Go Play Kids - Wellingborough
- The Bee Friendly Store at Nene Court in Wellingborough
- Sarah's Sweet Tooth and Cozy Creations
- Seasons Garden Centre - Burton Latimer
- The Ashgrove Clinic - Higham Ferrers
- Shotfeet Emporium - Kettering
- June Plum - Wellingborough
- Chloe Goodman Pilates and Wellness - Irthlingborough
- Pagan Pearl Emporium
- Bywater Herring and Blue Moon Mortgages
- Ink Therapy - Corby
- Burditts Electrical - Kettering
- Nana’s Hair Salon - Kettering
- The Overstone Arms - Pytchley
- Caroline Ridge Counselling - Kettering
- Café Oak - Geddington
Café Oak - Geddington
Have you discovered Café Oak in Geddington yet? This welcoming community cafe is proof that when vision meets opportunity, amazing things can happen.
The café is a cosy spot in a beautiful village setting where you can enjoy delicious homemade food and drinks, and it provides life-changing opportunities for young people.
Café Oak was born from the vision of Cindy, CEO of Youth Works, an organisation dedicated to providing alternative educational opportunities and supporting young people aged 14 to 16 who aren’t in mainstream school. Projects delivered by Youth Works such as Café Oak, help students build confidence, develop practical skills, and prepare for a brighter future.
When the lease for the Geddington café became available, Cindy saw the perfect chance to turn an idea she had into reality, where she wanted to put in place a training programme that combines real-world experience with building skills and gaining qualifications. In August 2024, Café Oak opened its doors and has been buzzing with activity ever since!
Students from Youth Works work in the café to learn all aspects of running a business including serving customers. preparing orders, food hygiene, making delicious food and drinks and more. Their confidence grows as they engage with the public, take on responsibilities, and discover their own talents, while they work towards qualifications. These experiences build trust, resilience, and transferable skills for future opportunities.
The success of the project speaks for itself as Café Oak recently won Best Community Café at the Weetabix Food and Drink Awards, a proud moment for the entire team.
Beyond the café counter, there’s a garden area where students can put their bricklaying and horticultural training into practice working on landscaping projects and growing produce. Having a physical space where young people can learn makes all the difference because it’s real, it’s hands-on, and it’s supported by a team that truly cares.
Café Oak is a vibrant social space, they also host the local knitting group and welcome customers of all ages, and dogs are welcome too.
Inside, the décor is a mix of country style with a contemporary twist that is warm, vibrant, and inviting thanks to Charlotte, who works alongside Cindy and the team. Charlotte is full of creativity and loves a small budget! You’ll find thrifted furniture, donated pictures, trinkets from local charity shops, reclaimed church pews, and a sharing table that encourages new connections.
Inclusivity is at the heart of Café Oak. It’s a safe space for everyone whatever your age, background, or circumstances. Children are welcome with a lovely kids menu, toys, and a relaxed atmosphere where noise is never a problem.
The menu is packed with freshly made dishes, with dietary needs covered - from hearty breakfasts and brunches to homemade granola, sausage rolls, American-style pancakes, and mouthwatering burgers which are always popular! Daily specials keep things exciting, and while we visited, Cindy’s was busy making apple and cinnamon vegan muffins using apples from Keystone, the home of Youth Works.
Local produce and handmade goods including jams, sauces, marmalade, candles, greeting cards, and dog treats are also available to buy, supporting other small businesses and makers in the area
As the festive season approaches, Charlotte is busy planning Christmas décor at the cafe and working with the team to organise upcoming events, including a floral centrepiece workshop and Breakfast with Santa, perfect for families looking for something special this season.
Café Oak is a small business with a big heart! Pop in to enjoy great coffee, tasty homemade food, and a warm welcome from the friendly team. You can be part of something special and support a project that’s making a big difference! It’s open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm.
Support this wonderful local business by:
- Visiting the café on Queen Street, Geddington
- Finding out more about the project on Youth Works website
- Liking Café Oak Facebook page and following Café Oak's Instagram
- Leaving a positive review online
- Telling your friends about them
Last updated 26 November 2025