What you can expect
The Gatehouse is a drop-in cafe with an open door for anyone who is 25 or over. It is open Tuesday-Saturday 5.00-7.00 p.m., Sundays 3.00-5.00 p.m., at the Northgate Hall in St. Michael's Street in the centre of Oxford. Location map
You can always get tea, coffee, sandwiches, fresh fruit and cake. Home-made soup is also provided during the winter months. The food is simple but nutritious and filling.
You are welcome to come in to eat, drink, rest or meet others whenever we are open. Our doors are open to everyone who accepts the need for reasonable behaviour. We are sorry that we do not have access for disabled people at the moment. If this affects you, please get in touch and we will try to help.
As well as food we provide newspapers, books and a warm and quiet environment for our guests, with free access to the internet. The clothes store is open for half an hour from 6.00p.m. We try to have up-to-date advice and information for anyone who asks. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the premises (bottles and cans of drink can be handed over for safe-keeping during the session and returned to you when you leave), but we do not pass judgement on anyone's lifestyle outside Gatehouse hours.
We have very few rules but some are essential to ensure the safe running of the project. It is important that we stick to these consistently so that they remain clear and fair to everyone (see rules).
The occasional free paper GateWay is produced with full participation by guests. We also have our own in-house website, to which anyone may contribute.
We aim to provide a safe, pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy. If you have suggestions about how things might be improved, please mention them to a volunteer or member of staff, or e-mail us on suggestions@oxfordgatehouse.org. These will be recorded and followed up.
A number of special services and activities are also available on a weekly or monthly basis.
We look forward to seeing you at the Gatehouse soon!
