Learning as we go
If you are a regular, each time you come to the Waiting Room, you’ll probably notice things often change. That’s because we started the project as a prototype, an experiment, where we learn and iterate as we go.
We didn’t startup with big funding but instead, an investment of time, passion, love and commitment. Ultimately we are testing how a community can run a cultural facility – DIY style – for themselves. Not on a volunteer basis or 100% reliant on funding but on a cooperative enterprising footing.
We want to be resilient and independent with the freedom to run alternative events and take risks on supporting new ventures and ideas.
Yesterday our team got together to train each other on how to serve the best beer and coffee in town. We’re the first to admit, we’ve got a way to go before we reach that aim, but we’re working with some of the best producers from our surrounding community.
We’ve started in the right place – the rest is down to us.
We’ve recruited resident ‘experts’ who have stepped forward and taken the lead to research different products. Yesterday Mike (pictured below, with a bit of help from Martin from CAMRA) shared what he’s learned on the subject of Beer, while he has been developing relationships with our suppliers and other local experts. Gabriella (pictured above) shared her newly acquired Coffee expertise from the lovely people at The Coffee Officina.
Our approach does mean we don’t always get things right. After all, none of us have run a venue like this before. However, it does mean we learn fast, react quickly and you should see us improve each time you visit. We’re still trying to perfect our milk frothing technique!
Next time you visit, do feedback if we don’t get things quite right and talk to our team about the products we sell, the events we organise and whats it’s like to be involved. We’re all equally passionate about different aspects of the project and who knows, maybe we can convince you to join us in our grand experiment too!
Big thanks to Clare Marsh for the photos