The team behind the acclaimed Wayland’s Yard has unveiled a new venture in Worcester with the opening of Kyndfolk, a café and community space located within the beautifully restored Victorian Pump House in Gheluvelt Park. The venue aims to become a local hub, offering food, coffee and a welcoming environment for a diverse range of visitors.
Kyndfolk offers a flexible layout tailored to various visitor needs. Indoor facilities include 50 covers, with an additional 44 seats in a sun-drenched rear courtyard and 36 under shaded pergolas to the side—all festoon-lit to heighten the cosy, inclusive atmosphere. Whether the occasion calls for a morning coffee, a family brunch or a spot to work in tranquillity, the space adapts to meet different moods and needs.
The café has retained the architectural charm of the Pump House, positioning heritage as an integral part of the customer experience. Its menu features ethically sourced Odd Kin Coffee, complemented by a seasonally curated food offer designed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences. This local touch reinforces the venue’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
“Our goal with Kyndfolk is simple; to create a place where community can thrive,” says Adam Edney, founder of Kyndfolk. “Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, meeting a friend, or spending the day with your family, this is a space where you can always feel at home. And we’re proud to offer a space with real values at its heart.”
Among its most notable facilities is the Community Room, located upstairs and available for free bookings on weekdays. The room supports local special interest groups and classes such as Pilates, yoga, toddler-parent sessions, art workshops, health and wellbeing activities, and charity meetings. Outside opening hours, it can be rented for private events or children’s parties with only a food booking required.
Adjacent to this is the Family Room—designed specifically for parents and young children. It includes a 3‑metre changing counter, low‑level chairs, footrests and a semi‑sheer curtain for privacy during breastfeeding. The space also provides a quieter environment for children with sensory sensitivities, offering families a restful retreat within the café.
Outdoor seating is another highlight. A front garden with views over Gheluvelt Park, a spacious side courtyard, and a quiet rear courtyard create varied outdoor environments to suit different preferences—from social dining to peaceful reflection or remote working.
This summer, Kyndfolk will launch A Kynd of Late Night, a weekend evening series running every Friday and Saturday from 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The courtyard will host street food vendors, an outdoor drinks bar and an ice cream station, all set under festoon lighting with acoustic live music. Family friendly in tone, the series begins on 13 and 14 June with Buddha Belly, celebrated for its Thai street food.
In a further move to strengthen community ties, Kyndfolk is developing a community garden. This initiative, in partnership with local schools and community groups, will cultivate fresh produce destined for the café’s seasonal menu. Participants will earn loyalty rewards redeemable at the café, fostering a tangible connection between the produce grown and the food served.
Kyndfolk also promotes eco-friendly practices through its ‘Cup That’s Kynd’ initiative. Customers can bring their own reusable cups and receive a discount on takeaway drinks with each use, underscoring the café’s community-led and sustainable approach.
By combining thoughtful design with a clear community focus, Kyndfolk offers a multifaceted venue that goes beyond the typical café experience. It provides spaces attuned to diverse needs—families, gatherings, remote work, wellness and social events—set within an engaging heritage environment.
The Pump House at Gheluvelt Park now hosts a venue that truly blends food, coffee and community. Kyndfolk’s combination of practical design, seasonal menu, inclusive spaces and sustainability initiatives signals its ambition to become a central meeting point for Worcester residents and park visitors alike.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
