A new café has opened inside an unusual location in the heart of Lichfield, Staffordshire's 'best place to live'. The owners promise 'excellent coffee, delicious cakes and genuine hospitality under the shelter of the Cathedral's iconic spires'.
SALT Café at Lichfield Cathedral
In March 2026, the peaceful city of Lichfield was named as Staffordshire's 'best place to live' by lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos. The honour was awarded based on its two Michelin stars, period homes, 'indie hangouts' and fast trains, making it an attractive alternative to Birmingham's hustle and bustle.
Now, a new café called SALT has opened in the heart of Lichfield's most iconic building – the cathedral. The Rt Revd Jan McFarlane, Dean of Lichfield, said: 'We hope SALT will be a place where everyone can relax, feel at home, and experience something of the warmth that lies at the heart of our cathedral life.'
'And we hope in time to be able to offer new opportunities for the community to gather – including creating a supportive space for carers, those who are bereaved, or individuals living with dementia and their families. The Bible tells us a little salt can go a long way and we hope the café will be a place where a little genuine warmth and hospitality can make a big difference.'
Bridging Food Culture and Tradition
SALT aims to bridge the thriving food culture of Lichfield with the Cathedral's centuries-old tradition of hospitality. As part of the café's development, feedback from surveys and listening sessions helped shape everything from menu planning to interior ambiance, ensuring the space feels both 'timeless and contemporary, reflecting the Cathedral's unique role as a living place of gathering and inspiration'.
All profits from the café go towards the ongoing upkeep and work of Lichfield Cathedral. There's lots to enjoy on a day out in Lichfield, from independent shops to browse and markets to mooch, together with festivals and food pop-ups.
How to Get to Lichfield from Birmingham
There are two train stations in Lichfield: Lichfield Trent Valley, making it a swift 40-minute commute into Birmingham New Street, and Lichfield City Station for local stops. It takes just over half an hour to drive into Birmingham, traffic permitting, via the A38.
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