During the autumn of 2021, when Fairseat Village Hall had been able to take advantage of some government grants to improve village halls during the covid pandemic, Lyn Mannering thought the hall would be an ideal venue to bring the Community of Stansted and Fairseat together by serving a simple, inexpensive, but delicious lunch once a month.

Lyn assembled her team of willing volunteers: Melita Gandolfo, Nita Hills, Nina Sparkes, Christine Stevens, and Sue Bullock (who unfailingly provides table flower arrangements). They put together a menu and advertised the first event, and within a few months, the team were wearing their Fairseat Community Café aprons!

It is now November 2025, and after more than 4 years since the start, the Café is going from strength to strength, serving between 35 and 45 customers, both young and old, on the third Tuesday of each month. The noise level has risen as everyone chats, and new friendships have formed. The lunch price started at £5 per head, but due to rising food costs, it has been increased to £6. Children have always been free. Everyone is welcome.

During the winter months, three homemade soups are served with crusty bread, followed by a selection of homemade cakes and tea or coffee. The summer menu changes to a savoury pastry and salad, with crusty bread, cakes, and tea or coffee. Each year, Lyn has applied to the Parish Council for the Brownes Bequest, which has helped to fund an Easter special lunch prioritising the regular customers.