The Grumpy Cook is a not-for-profit café founded by Barry Ashley, located in the heart of Hastings. This unique establishment operates as a Community Interest Company, ensuring that all proceeds are reinvested into community services. The café emerged from Barry’s passion for baking and his commitment to social causes, particularly focusing on combating food poverty and loneliness among the elderly.
The Grumpy Cook offers a welcoming space for various community members, including a safe haven for teenagers to study and access affordable food, and a social setting for the over-65s to connect and enjoy free cream teas. The café also engages in educational activities, providing cookery lessons for parents on budget-friendly meals and training for hospitality staff.
Visitors can enjoy a hearty menu that includes options like The Grumpy Breakfast and The Grumpy Veggie, alongside a selection of sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, and soups. A dedicated children’s menu ensures meals are accessible at a minimal cost, with special provisions like free meals once a week for those in need, reflecting the café’s community-oriented ethos.
