All around the world, Liverpool is known for its music legacy, as the birthplace of The Beatles. As a result, Strawberry Field is a must-visit attraction for most visitors, exploring the grounds where John Lennon came to play and take respite from war-torn Woolton back in the day. Strawberry Field is now home to Imagine More Cafe, still run by The Salvation Army.
While the spot is well-known to locals, Strawberry Field and Imagine More Cafe receive hundreds of visitors every week, mostly from outside of the area. The spot provides sustainable employment opportunities, giving people the chance to gain experience and the skills needed to advance in the hospitality and catering sector.
Built in 1867, Strawberry Field was originally an orphanage founded by George Warren. The original Victorian house was then gifted to The Salvation Army in 1934, and in 1936, it became a safe home for vulnerable children, operating for 70 years.
John Lennon would actually jump the fence and serenade the children, despite the fact he was not allowed to do so. It is said John would find respite and calm within the grounds himself, leaving somewhat of a legend behind. Now, the spot is covered in Beatles references and is open to the public to discover.
The Imagine Now Cafe is open during Strawberry Field opening hours, with free entry to the cafe. Guests can enjoy a generous selection of breakfast and lunch options, such as a Full English Breakfast, wraps, quiches and sandwiches, as well as sweet treats and baked goods.
The majority of the cafe’s staff are neurodiverse or people with barriers to empoyment and have gone through the 10-week training programme (Steps To Work) to receive a work placement at Strawberry Field. Because of this, visitors are advised to practice patience and understanding when being served.
Speaking of the Imagine More Cafe and the Steps To Work scheme, Community manager Sue Harvey told Liverpool Echo: “It’s a brilliant place for them because they have expectations and know what they are entering every day. It is their strength, and when their placement is complete, they are too good for us to let go, so we’ve brought them back in and given them employment here.”
“Getting to see the gates every day is amazing, and being around the Imagine piano is just something else.”
“Strawberry Fields is obviously synonymous with The Beatles, and because of this, it’s a bucket-list place for many. Coming here is a massive tick in their fan book.”
“But we also have a lot of repeat people. We are outside of the city, so people don’t want to venture that far in. We have had a man who has come every morning for breakfast for years. You always build strong relationships with customers in a very special place.” heartwarming