The café took the top spot in the 2026 Grounds of Innovation Awards, a prestigious competition run by BRITA Professional that celebrates independent cafés across the country for their unique contributions to coffee, sustainability, and the local community.
Now in its fourth year, the awards recognize businesses that go above and beyond serving a great cup of coffee, looking specifically at how they make a positive impact on their customers and local areas. Camphill Café, which is part of the charity Camphill Milton Keynes, stood out to judges for its exceptional approach to creating meaningful work and training opportunities for adults with a range of abilities.
Since 1981, the charity has been supporting adults with learning disabilities, and the café serves as a vital part of this mission. By providing supported work experience in customer service, food safety, and food preparation—alongside the charity’s artisan bakery, garden, and creative workshops—the café has become a standout example of how hospitality and social impact can thrive together.
Julia Funge from Camphill Café said: "Our café is a welcoming community space where people are encouraged to slow down and enjoy quality food, coffee, art, and conversation. Our ambition from the outset was to create an exceptional café experience within a charitable setting, demonstrating that social impact and commercial quality can go hand in hand."
She added: "This award belongs to every member of our café team. Camphill Café was created to prove that exceptional hospitality and meaningful social impact can thrive together. Winning Grounds of Innovation is wonderful recognition of the hard work, talent, and commitment that our team brings to the café every day."
As the overall winner, Camphill Café will receive a prize package worth over £1,000. This includes a state-of-the-art PURITY C iQ filtration system from BRITA Professional, a sensory session with a water sommelier, and a bespoke latte art masterclass with 2025 UK Latte Art Champion, Ben Lewis.
It is a fantastic achievement for the team at Camphill Café and a proud moment for Milton Keynes. If you haven't visited yet, there has never been a better time to head down, enjoy a coffee, and support a local business that is truly making a difference.
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Published by MK Life, an independent Milton Keynes city guide. Details correct at time of publishing.