We won!

Everyone at YMCA Cheshire is delighted to announce that GLO Café has been named Best Community Café (Cheshire) at the England’s Business Awards 2026, marking a fantastic achievement as the café celebrates its fifth anniversary year.

The award recognises businesses that demonstrate excellence within their sector and make a meaningful contribution to their communities. For GLO Café, it is a celebration not only of great food and hospitality, but also of the positive impact the café has made on the lives of local people since opening its doors officially on the 4th of May 2021.

Located at YMCA Cheshire’s Gresty Road site in Crewe, GLO Café has grown into much more than a café. It is one of YMCA Cheshire’s social enterprise, it provides volunteering opportunities, work experience and employability support, while generating income that helps YMCA Cheshire continue its work with young people, families and communities across Cheshire.

Over the past five years, the café has become a welcoming hub where people can connect over quality food and drink, while supporting a business with a purpose.

Fatima Perriman, Head of Business and Finance at YMCA Cheshire and the driving force behind the creation of GLO Café during the COVID-19 pandemic, said:

“Winning Best Community Café is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone connected to GLO Café. What started as an idea during a challenging time has grown into a thriving community space that creates opportunities, brings people together and supports the wider work of YMCA Cheshire. This award is a reflection of the passion, dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteers, as well as the loyalty of our customers and supporters who have been part of our journey over the last five years.”

Since opening, GLO Café has welcomed thousands of customers, supported volunteers and staff on their employment journeys, delivered community-focused initiatives and expanded its offering to include catering services and its popular themed soirées.

The café’s success has always been built on people. From the volunteers who generously give their time, to the customers who continue to support the café, every individual has helped shape GLO Café into the award-winning venue it is today.

The England’s Business Awards recognition which was attended by staff of GLO Cafe comes at a particularly significant moment as the café celebrates five years of serving the community. What began as a bold vision during a period of uncertainty has evolved into a thriving social enterprise that continues to embody its name: Growth, Life and Opportunities.

Michael Ronan, Hospitality Manager and Head Chef at YMCA Cheshire, said:

“Every day, our team strives to create a welcoming environment where people can enjoy great food, excellent service and a genuine sense of community. We are passionate about using hospitality as a way to create opportunities for others, whether through volunteering, training or employment. To see that recognised through this award is incredibly rewarding and a testament to the commitment of everyone involved with GLO Café.”

For YMCA Cheshire, this achievement reflects the power of social enterprise to create lasting change. Every meal served, every coffee purchased and every event hosted contributes towards creating opportunities and supporting communities across Cheshire.

As we celebrate this milestone, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our staff, volunteers, customers, supporters and partners. Your belief in GLO Café and the wider mission of YMCA Cheshire has helped make this achievement possible.

This award belongs to all of you.

And the celebrations do not stop here.

GLO Café is open and ready to welcome you for your favourite meals, cakes and coffee.

Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and experience for yourself why GLO Café has been recognised as Cheshire’s Best Community Café.

Visit GLO Café

📍 189 Gresty Road, Crewe, CW2 6EL
☕ Fresh coffee, homemade food and delicious meals
❤️ Every purchase helps support the work of YMCA Cheshire

GLO Café: Growth. Life. Opportunities. 🏆