Café Opportunity at MOTE

Café Opportunity at MOTE

Bring Your Vision to Life

We’re looking for an independent café operator, food business, social enterprise or creative entrepreneur to become part of something exciting at MOTE, one of Ipswich’s most distinctive historic buildings.

Located within the home of MOTE (Museum of the Environment), this café space offers the opportunity to create a welcoming destination at the heart of a growing creative and cultural community.

Whether you’re an established business looking for a new home or someone with an exciting idea ready for its next chapter, we’d love to hear from you.

Why This Space?

As MOTE develops its programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks and events, the café has the opportunity to become an integral part of the visitor experience—a place to meet, relax, work, learn and connect.

With its historic character, central location and growing audience, this is a rare opportunity to shape a space with real personality and purpose.

Who Might This Be For?

We’d love to hear from:

  • Independent cafés and coffee businesses
  • Bakers and artisan food producers
  • Sustainable food ventures
  • Social enterprises
  • Community-focused hospitality projects
  • Creative entrepreneurs with a fresh idea

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone enthusiastic, welcoming and excited about becoming part of Ipswich’s cultural landscape!!

Please note: This video was filmed when the building was operating as Arlingtons. Since then, the space has become home to MOTE (Museum of the Environment) and is currently undergoing renovations as we transform it into a vibrant museum and community hub. While many of the building’s historic features remain, you’ll notice exciting changes as we bring MOTE to life.

Not Ready for a Permanent Space? Try a Pop-Up.

If you’re not looking for a long-term premises just yet, MOTE is also offering short-term pop-up opportunities within our café space.

This is an ideal opportunity to test a new concept, introduce your business to new audiences or simply experience trading from one of Ipswich’s most unique cultural venues.

Whether you’re an independent café, baker, coffee roaster, street food business, social enterprise or local producer, you can take over the café for a short residency while becoming part of MOTE’s creative programme.

Our exhibitions, workshops, talks and events attract artists, families, students, researchers and visitors from across Suffolk and beyond, which offers a fantastic opportunity to build your customer base, gain valuable feedback and connect with the incredible local community.

Pop-up opportunities include:

  • Short-term café residencies
  • Catering exhibition openings and workshops
  • Seasonal menus and collaborations
  • Product launches and community events

For some businesses, a pop-up can be the perfect first step before taking on a permanent café space.

What are you waiting for ……. Join Us!

Get in Touch

If you’re interested in taking on the café, arranging a viewing or discussing a pop-up opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send us a brief introduction to yourself or your business, along with any ideas you have for the space.

We’re excited to hear from people who can help make this special corner of Ipswich their own.