About us
All about our repair cafe and what to expect
Our story
It all began in 2021 as a three month pilot, to run a repair café as a social initiative to reduce CO2 emissions and influence change away from the throw-away culture. We want people to value what they have and think about getting things fixed up and repaired.
Since then the popularity of the cafe has grown, and now we have a vibrant and welcoming space with visitors of all ages, bringing all kind of things for repair – or just to enjoy the atmosphere, a cup of coffee and home made cakes. The cafe opens on the second Saturday of the month, from 10am to 2pm.
We have a dedicated group of volunteers, who have expertise in all kinds of areas, just waiting to see what comes in for them to have a go at.
We are entirely self funding and we encourage people to ‘donate what you can’ to help keep the Macclesfield repair café running.
The Vibe
Our visitors & volunteers tell us the repair café has a special vibe. Here’s how they describe it:
“Honestly, before I even got through the door, I could feel the buzz. So much good energy. It’s so warm and welcoming. You walk in and its like the room gives you a big hug. Everyone is so chill and friendly.”
“You feel cared for, like your story and your belongings truly matter.”
“There’s this calm, optimistic hum of activity in the air. It’s a space where success is celebrated, no matter how small.”
“I came here with a toaster and, well, never left! I got sucked in by the people, what drives them, and, honestly, the cakes are amazing.”
“We all love fixing, having a chat and sharing tips with each other and our visitors. It’s so nice seeing people light up when they learn something new.”
“Can we talk about the cakes? The gluten-free ones are SO good. It’s the little things that make it special here.”
“Explain the Vibe? It’s so many things: the mix of energy, caring, purpose and more. To anyone who hasn’t been: you’ve just got to come and feel it for yourself. Then tell us how you explain it.”
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to repair my stuff?
No, all our repairers give their time for free. But to keep the repair cafe going we do ask you to consider a donation.
How do I donate?
Pop into the cafe and make a donation in the box on reception, or by card. We can’t take online donations yet, but we are working on it.
What if my item needs spare parts?
We carry basic spares such as fuses, otherwise your repairer will tell you what you need and where to buy it. If you bring the item back with the part we will finish the repair.
Can I leave my item with you?
We ask visitors to stay and discuss their repairs with the volunteers and learn about what they are doing. You can always grab a drink and some cake at the same time!
Can you repair anything?
Not everything can be repaired. Our repairers will do their very best, but sometimes an item is too old to get spares or is just not repairable. We do manage to fix a lot of what gets brought in and we love a challenge, so try us out!