A COLCHESTER charity café has opened a new takeaway service which will be supporting work done by a city charity to support vulnerable people. 

ALB, formerly the Anti Loo Roll Bridgade, has launched its first-ever takeaway, in Stanway Lakelands Community Centre.

The centre's café now provides a takeaway service which will be selling breakfast until 11.30am and lunch until 5.30pm, apart from on Sunday, when it closes at 4pm.

Food on offer includes cooked breakfasts, sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, a children's menu and daily specials alongside hot drinks, cakes and ice creams.

Peter Dutch, 55, owner of ALB, said it is 'exciting' to bring this takeaway services to the community.

He said: "We are absolutely thrilled. The Colchester community is vibrant, supportive, and full of energy.

"It’s exciting to bring our successful café offerings into a new takeaway format, and we can’t wait to offer a fresh, affordable dining option for both residents and visitors."

All proceeds from the takeaway will go towards helping people in need.

Peter said: "All proceeds from the takeaway directly support the work we do through the ALB.

"Our mission focuses on helping vulnerable members of the community, including victims of domestic abuse, children who have been abused, and individuals with special needs.

"We provide emergency accommodation, source free furniture, and assist in creating safe and comfortable homes.

"Alongside these efforts, we’re building the Lakelands Centre into a hub for the community—a safe, inclusive space with a hall for hire, a play park, and a café.

"Recently, we concluded the ALB Festival 2024, which allowed families to experience a wonderful festival at an accessible price."

The ALB was founded by Peter Dutch during the pandemic to help those in need, delivering food, prescriptions, and other essentials.

It now continues to support the community by supporting vulnerable city residents, with emergency food and housing, furniture provision, and so much more.

For more information go to lakelandscentre.co.uk.