01387 253485 The Usual Place, Academy Street, Dumfries, DG1 1BZ
The Usual Place
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Weddings

Have the magical day you have always dreamed of with The Usual Place, in our charming and historic building.

 
Ceremony + Reception

 

Reception Only

© The Usual Place/Inspired Community Enterprise Trust Ltd (ICET)

ICET is a company limited by guarantee.

Company Number: SC412597

Registered Charity in Scotland Number: SC050602.

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In a rush and can’t stop for a sit-down meal? 

 

Don’t worry – we have you covered!

 

Our takeaway menu is available for:

  • Breakfast (9-11.30am)
  • Lunch (11.45am-2pm)
  • Snacking (9am-3.30pm) 

 

 

View our Takeaway Menu

All of our food is made to order by our kitchen team of trainees and mentors.

 

Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a fulfilling lunch or a delicious treat, we are sure we will have the perfect meal for you!

 

Our delectable Afternoon Tea for Two is available from 1.45pm (or earlier if you pre-book!) for just £16.00 and our impressive All Day Breakfast can be yours for £7.00, and is available until 3.30pm.

 

The Usual Place has gained the Healthy Living Award.

 

A range of vegetarian and vegan options are available, and we can accommodate most dietary requirements.

 

Pre-book your meal by calling 01387 253485 or emailing admin@theusualplace.org.

 

View our Main Menu

Send us a message

PLEASE NOTE: If you are trying to book a table then please use our Table Booking Form. 

    The Usual Place Core Values
    • Everyone is of equal worth

    • Everyone can contribute to the community

    • Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect

    What does this mean?

    • These values guide to our behaviour towards anyone and everyone

    • They help us make the correct decisions and choices

    • They shape our attitudes and opinions

    • We uphold these values in all that we say and all that we do

    • We expect everyone who works, trains and volunteers with us to uphold these values

    Who are ICET?

    Inspired Community Enterprise Trust LTD (ICET) was set up in November 2011 with the aim of responding to the voice of young disabled people who shared their concerns and fears about the lack of employment, Further Education and community-based opportunities available to young people with additional support needs.

    Young people wanted us to develop employment and training opportunities and enable their wider community relationships and citizenship opportunities.

    We acquired the use of the former Townhead Church building which was latterly used as Dumfries Academy Dining Room, from Dumfries and Galloway Council. Following extensive refurbishment, the building includes a large contemporary community cafe, kitchen area and flexible training / meeting rooms The Usual Place opened on July 31st, 2015.

    We created an innovative partnership with Dumfries and Galloway College and developed an accessible approach to delivering an externally accredited SVQ Qualification in Hospitality. Young people successfully piloted this qualification leading developments. 

    We now deliver 4 accessible SVQ’s and a range of other qualifications including Food Safety and First Aid 

    Video

    Trainee Induction Programme

    Before a young person can become a trainee at The Usual Place, they will complete a 12-week induction programme.

    This programme is designed for people aged 14-26 years who have additional support needs.

    The programme has several aims:

    • To give volunteer experience in hospitality at The Usual Place once a week
    • To empower the young person to achieve their ambitions in both life and work
    • To allow the young person to learn effective handwashing techniques, food safety procedure such as allergy awareness, good customer care and work towards a food hygiene certificate.

    Over the first six weeks, the volunteer will experience all aspects of our business while supported by a mentor.

    The volunteer will spend two weeks in each of our key areas:  the kitchen, the café and the retail shop.

    • In the kitchen, the volunteer will learn baking and cookery skills and kitchen cleanliness and safety, as well as helping with washing the dishes and cutlery.
    • In the café, the volunteer will learn all about working behind the counter. This involves serving food and drinks from the counter and pass, clearing and cleaning tables, keeping the café environment safe and clean for themselves and for customers and keeping toilets to The Usual Place’s standards, as well as general customer service skills.
    • In the retail store, the volunteer will learn skills in pricing products, taking stock, arranging shelves, till operations as well as how to keep the environment clean and safe for themselves and customers.

    After trialling each sector, the volunteer can pick their favourite to work in for their remaining six weeks.

    At the end of this twelve-week placement the volunteer, if they so choose, will become a trainee at The Usual Place.

    They will continue to gain life and work skills and experience while working towards an SVQ with a choice of professional cookery, hospitality services, retail services and facilities services.

    Our beautiful and historic refurbished church building is the perfect backdrop for a magical wedding day.

     

    Whether you are looking for an all-day package, a ceremony or a reception, we have catering options to suit your needs:

     

    View Wedding Menu

    Local businesses and parties can order food from The Usual Place straight to their door! 

     

    The available options include pre-made meals such as soup, buffet options including sandwiches, nibbles and canapes or even our popular Afternoon Tea!

     

    Please contact us to arrange a bespoke package, or to make pricing enquiries, on 01387253485 or by emailing hospitality@theusualplace.org

    Do you have a corporate event, party or canape night coming up? 

     

    Why not have it at The Usual Place?

     

    For full information on corporate hire, please visit our Venue Hire page.

     

    Have a look at our options below:

     

    View Corporate Menu

     

    View Room Hire Menu

    Facilities Hire Enquiry

      YOUR DETAILS

      DATES REQUIRED

      From
      To    

      Times : From To:

      How many people attending?

      ROOM DETAILS

      Please note that access to the room is available for a maximum of 15 minutes both prior and after the meeting.
      All rooms must be cancelled 24 hours in advance or be charged for the full amount.
      Tea and coffee are available in the rooms, if required, and are detailed below:

      Crombie Room, Small, £12.00 per hour, Max Conference Style(12), Max Theatre Style(24)

      Thomson Room, Large, £15.00 per hour, Max Conference Style(25), Max Theatre Style(45)

      Both rooms, £25.00 per hour

      Cafe Area, price on application and all prices include VAT

      Which room(s) do you require?
      Crombie RoomThomson RoomBoth Rooms

      Do you require the cafe area ?


      SERVICES REQUIRED

      Internet Access will be available in all rooms, please ask for the WiFi password.

      Other services available are detailed below , please choose which you require:

      ProjectorScreen(Fixed)Flipchart (Up to 3)LaptopConnection to Projector

      CATERING

      Other catering is available on request, but the fixed menu is as follows:

      ROOM OPTIONS
      Not RequiredTea & Coffee @ £1.00 per personTea&coffee and biscuit @ £1.50 per personTea&coffee and traybake @ £2.00 per personTea&coffee and scone @ £2.50 per person

      Would you like to add Fruit Bowl @ £0.50 per person

       
       
      LUNCH OPTIONS
      Not RequiredSoup @ £3.50 per personSoup & Sandwiches @ £7.00 per personSandwiches @ £4.00 per personSoup,sandwiches,traybake @ £8.00 per personSandwiches and traybake @ £5.00 per person

      Would you like to add Fruit Platter @ £2.00 per person


       

      Final numbers will be required 48 hours before the event and this will be the numbers charged for.

      If you have any questions or queries then please contact Kate or Jayne on 01387 253485
      or email admin@theusualplace.org

      Graduation

      This innovative training project will help young people improve their confidence, gain transferable skills in a real work environment and move into paid employment within mainstream workplaces.

      Volunteer Application

        Meg's Story