The Townhouse Chester and Soul Kitchen launched a brand new employment initiative today (23 May).

Designed to offer real-life hospitality experience for people looking to rebuild their lives, the Sunset Café offers hands-on training in all areas of hospitality - teaching skills such as food preparation, table service and customer interaction.

Following its launch this afternoon, the six-week pilot project will officially open to the public next Friday (30 May) at The Townhouse Chester.

It will operate every Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

The Sunset Café offers hands-on training in all areas of hospitality (Image via: The Sunset Café)

In collaboration with Soul Kitchen Chester's 'Soul in a Bowl' team, the café will serve freshly made food - including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, sausage rolls, cakes and freshly brewed drinks.

Guests can expect a warm welcome with every visit, with each customer directly supporting the development and confidence of people trying to re-enter the workforce.

Soul Kitchen Chester is an entirely volunteer-led charity, committed to supporting individuals affected by homelessness, food poverty and social isolation.

Participants will work alongside experienced hospitality professionals from the hotel team, gaining practical experience and building skills they can carry into future employment.

Soul Kitchen runs a weekly drop-in every Saturday evening at Campbell Hall (Image via: The Sunset Café)

Helen Anthony, chair of Soul Kitchen, said: "We are delighted to be working with Chester Townhouse Hotel, who are kindly offering development opportunities to our Soul in a Bowl team members.

"Every person deserves the opportunity to feel valued, supported and empowered.

"This partnership will help our team members build stable, sustainable futures."

The charity runs a weekly drop-in every Saturday evening at Campbell Hall, where guests are offered hot meals, clothing and compassionate support.

Steven Hesketh, owner of The Townhouse Chester, added: "We are incredibly proud to be part of this project.

The café will serve freshly made food - including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, sausage rolls and cakes (Image via: The Sunset Café)

"Being able to offer real opportunities and support to people who need a hand getting back on their feet is something that means a great deal to me and the whole team.

"Hospitality is all about people and this initiative is a perfect example of how our industry can make a real difference in the community."

The Sunset Café has been designed not only as a training ground, but also as a space where the wider community can play a role in uplifting others.

For more information about Soul Kitchen Chester and their initiatives, please visit here.