New beginnings blossom as Cherry Tree Café garden gets a makeover

A beautiful new garden was officially opened at New City College’s Cherry Tree Café in Wanstead by Redbridge Council Leader Councillor Kam Rai.

The garden has been completely renovated from an untidy, overgrown yard that was virtually inaccessible for some (see photos at bottom of the page), into a charming and relaxing outdoor space where students can grow plants, herbs and vegetables and visitors can sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The opening ceremony was attended by special guests along with New City College Principal Jackie Mitchell and other staff who saw Councillor Rai cut the ribbon to officially declare the garden open (see photos below).

The Cherry Tree Café is a wonderful community social enterprise project which is run by New City College and provides training for SEND students, giving them life skills that can lead to paid work and financial independence.

At the heart of the garden transformation is a tribute to the café’s namesake – the original cherry tree, which sadly had to be removed, but has been honoured with a handcrafted table made from its stump.

During the event guests were treated to afternoon tea, prepared and served by the students, and watched as Councillor Rai and Jackie Mitchell helped plant a new cherry tree to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the café.

The garden now also features a sensory area with herbs and reeds which produce different smells and sounds – providing a soothing environment for students and visitors and enhancing a feeling of tranquility.

All the improvements were made possible thanks to the sponsorship and support of local businesses and community groups. Daniel Windsor Landscapes brought the vision to life, clearing hedgerows, installing and raising soil beds for easier planting, and extending a pergola to create all-weather seating.

Other key contributions came from Brett Landscaping, PGR, and Travis Perkins, who helped supply materials for the project, and from volunteers at the Woodbine Day Centre and the Wanstead Community Gardeners, whose hard work and support were a huge help. With their continued involvement, the garden will continue to flourish all year round.

Councillor Rai, who visited the Cherry Tree Café in December 2024 for a festive lunch, praised the project, saying: “The Cherry Tree is a lifeline for local college students with special educational needs. This new outdoor space will allow even more activities and social events to take place, including growing herbs and ingredients for the café.

“I want to thank the volunteers and staff who have brought it to life – it’s a great example of how strong communities and active local people make our borough thrive.”

NCC Principal Jackie Mitchell said: “The Cherry Tree Café is a brilliant social enterprise project where SEND students from New City College learn essential hospitality, preparation, cooking, and customer service skills in a real working environment.

“Our new garden enhances this experience, offering a fully accessible and sensory-rich space where the students can grow ingredients for the café menu, socialise with customers, and learn in a calm, natural setting.

“With the planting of the new cherry tree we have begun a new era. It symbolises growth in the community and for our current and future students. It is wonderful to be a part of these outstanding opportunities that New City College is bringing to all, especially to our SEND learners.”

The café serves very reasonably priced food and drink, providing lunch, snacks, coffee, cake and hot meals.

Why not pop in, support the students, and enjoy a cuppa in the peace and quiet of the beautiful new garden?

New City College has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. Apply today and secure your place for September.

See below how the garden used to look before it’s fantastic transformation: