Lockside Café in Grindley Brook has been a part of the canal community for 25 years, run by our family with a lot of love, even through tough times.
The recent canal embankment collapse and towpath closure will hit us hard. So much of our trade comes from boaters, walkers and canal users, and with the towpath closed for an unknown period of time, we’re facing a real challenge.
After much thought and encouragement from our community, we’ve set up this page for anyone who’s enjoyed a stop at Lockside Café over the years and wants to help us weather this storm.
Why we’re asking for help:
We don’t just want to fill a short-term gap, we want to use your support to help us adapt and thrive. Your donations will help us put on new events, support other local independent businesses, and bring people together in Grindley Brook, even while the canal is closed. Dog days, makers & bakers markets, music afternoons—ways to keep the café and our community buzzing during this period of instability.
Every penny will go towards making Lockside Café a welcoming place for regulars and new faces alike, and supporting other small businesses in the area. By helping us, you’re helping keep Grindley Brook a place people want to visit, now and in the future.
There’s no expectation, sharing this page, kind words, or popping in for a cuppa mean just as much. If you do choose to donate, know that you’re helping us keep our doors open and our community spirit alive.
We know fundraising can raise mixed feelings, so please know there’s no pressure whatsoever. This page exists because our community encouraged us to create it, and every small gesture, whether it’s a donation, a visit, or simply spreading the word, helps us keep going. Thank you for all your support over the years.
We’re grateful that our story has been shared by BBC, ITV, and the Shropshire Star, helping to raise awareness of the impact on our café and community. You can find those stories here:
— Jane & the Lockside Café family
The below details our proposed event calendar for 2026, your support will help fund this activity, bringing custom to Grindley Brook.
Quarter 1 (Feb–Mar)
Date Event Name
7 Feb Cyclists’ Coffee – Launch
15 Feb Paws at Lockside — Winter Edition
22 Feb Sandwich and a Strole – Launch
29 Mar Bakers Day — Guest Showcase
Quarter 2 (Apr–Jun)
Date Event Name
12 Apr Spring Makers Market
10 May Paws at Lockside — Summer Edition
25 May Music & Community Day (BH) #1
14 Jun Charity Day
Quarter 3 (Jul–Sep)
Date Event Name
12 Jul Music & Community Day #2
9 Aug Doggie Day
13 Sep Harvest at Lockside
Quarter 4 (Oct–Dec)
Date Event Name
11 Oct Autumn Makers Market
18 Oct Halloween Dog Parade
15 Nov Warm Walker Day
6 Dec Festive Makers Market
13 Dec Christmas Dog Parade & Carols
Organiser
