Nestled behind the High Street in Winchester, Projects Cafe is more than just a spot for your daily caffeine fix.

It uses locally sourced ingredients to create an affordable and delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, providing vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. But don’t be deceived; it is so much more than that - with a unique focus on reducing waste through its shop and zero-waste scheme, monthly live music nights, as well as lessons for you to perfect your musical skills.

With a particular focus on sustainability, Projects serves as one of the only zero-waste refilleries in Winchester through its Project Zero scheme. This encourages customers to fill up reusable glass containers with dried goods, cleaning, and bath products to reduce waste created from single-use plastic packaging.

Sustainability is also achieved in Projects through its shop - where preloved and vintage clothes are restored and sold to be given a second life in the age of fast fashion, playing their part in reducing the 300,000 tonnes of clothing that are thrown away in the UK on average per year.

Through this, Projects makes the environmentally-friendly choice easy and accessible, whilst also repurposing items which would otherwise end up in landfill.

It builds an overwhelming sense of community spirit in Winchester through its monthly Jam Nights. On the first Friday of every month, Projects opens its doors and invites music enthusiasts to a night of live performances, with a laid-back and supportive atmosphere where anyone can join in, or simply just enjoy a relaxing evening with drinks and good tunes.

In addition to this, Projects also offers lessons in guitar, ukulele and bass - so no matter if you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, or already have some musical experience, these lessons are suited to everyone. 

Whether you seek a good meal or snack without breaking the bank, a browse, or just want to soak up some tunes, Projects Cafe in Winchester has it all - open from morning till afternoon every single day.

Find  Projects at 6 Middle Brook Street, Winchester, SO23 8BQ.

  • This article was written by Issy Morris, from Peter Symonds College, as part of Newsquest's Young Reporter scheme.