Sadness as a popular community cafe in Wigan announces it will close
A Wigan community cafe is set to close its doors at the end of the week.
The Straw Bale Cafe, at Greenslate Farm in Billinge, will shut on Sunday due to financial issues, it has been announced.
It is run by the farm’s charity partner BAC O’Connor, a Staffordshire-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation service.
A statement on behalf of BAC O’Connor was posted on the farm’s Facebook page, saying: “The Straw Bale Café at Greenslate Farm has been warmly welcomed by the local community and as part of the community rehabilitation programme. When it first opened, our hope was that the café would become fully self‑sustaining. However, the current economic climate has made this increasingly difficult.
“We have provided additional funding for some time to help keep the café running, but unfortunately we are no longer able to meet the ongoing costs. It is therefore with a heavy heart that we confirm the Straw Bale Café will close on March 29, 2026.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and we are deeply saddened by the impact it may have on our customers, staff, volunteers and the wider community.
“We want to reassure everyone that all recovery services at Greenslate Farm will continue as normal.”
They said the building would still be used by Greenslate’s pre-loved shop and as a community space.
They continued: “Our clients, staff and volunteers remain our absolute priority, and we are committed to supporting them through this transition.
“Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are working towards a world without stigma for people experiencing drug and alcohol challenges — and that mission continues."
A spokesman for Greenslate Farm revealed the cafe could have new operators in future.
They said: “Please rest assured knowing Greenslate are doing everything we can to keep our community space available for all our supporting members.
"We will be running our pop-up cafes, and have some wonderful people interested in running the cafe going forward.”
The announcement was met with disappointment from regular diners, who shared their thoughts on the Facebook post.
Sue Shaw wrote: “Oh that’s such a shame. It was a wonderful place with gorgeous cakes and food. Surely there is something the community can do to save it. It will be such a loss, especially coming into spring.”
Gail Glover wrote: “That's so sad, loved calling in with the grandchildren. The staff were always so cheerful and helpful. They should be really proud of themselves. We wish them well moving forward, a real loss to the farm. The food was always yummy too!”
Janet Dumican wrote: “A sad loss. Food was amazing and staff so friendly. Our favourite breakfast spot.”
Sue Lester wrote: “I hope somebody takes it over soon. It’s a great place, so much potential and a valuable community asset.”
Claire Casson wrote: “This is such sad news! We are regular cafe goers, it is such a lovely and warm space.”
Karen Hunter wrote: “This is so sad to hear. The cafe was a great part of the community. I loved calling in with my grandson every week.”