A new place for a cuppa and cake is available for service personnel at Larkhill

A new focal point for Larkhill’s soldiers officially opened on Friday 4th Dec Friday.

The 60 seat Crossed Cannons cafe was unveiled by the Commandant of the Royal School of Artillery Col AB Phillips and will be managed by Sodexo.

The new facility, which was built and maintained by Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) Limited, complements the significant investment made by the MOD in Larkhill during ABP.

Deputy Garrison Commander Lt Col Pete Gentles said the opportunity to showcase facilities behind the wire was “great for the troops”.

“Despite many aspects of the day-to-day delivery requiring changes that align with public health advice, it is reassuring that the facilities soldiers need to live, work and train will be in place, and that modern useable spaces are available to support the Army now and in the future.”

The cafe allows easy access to refreshments during courses in the adjoining Colin Building, and can be used as an additional break out space for less traditional classroom courses. Several televisions dotted around the café will run rolling news channels and RSS feeds during opening hours although they can also be utilised as presentation screens for more informal gatherings; in addition, the café is fitted with an internet station and laptop/USB charging points.

Soldiers and civilians based at Larkhill will also be able to use a bespoke app to order food and drinks, allowing prompt collections and less queues during rush hours.

Aspire Defence Services Ltd, Managing Director Mark Carr said great effort had been made to ensure Servicemen and women were accommodated safely, and that the high-quality food service and standard of facilities on the garrison would continue to be “first-class”.

“Like countless businesses around the UK during the Covid pandemic, ADSL has followed strict government guidelines on safeguarding our employees and our customer. This new facility has been built despite the obvious difficulties and will provide a fitting place for service personnel and staff on the garrison to take a break, refuel and enjoy the facilities.”