We are delighted to name Walters House of Coffee, Cocktails & Champagne as our Employer of the Month for October 2026.
Based on Whitchurch High Street, Walters House is a welcoming coffee shop by day and a lively champagne and cocktail bar by night. Owners Joshua and Dan Smyth have embraced the opportunity to give supported intern Cari meaningful experience across every area of the business.
Cari approached Walters House herself to ask about a placement. Joshua and Dan were impressed by her confidence and welcomed the chance to offer an inclusive and supportive workplace where she could learn, contribute and thrive. She now works at the café once a week as part of her supported internship.
Chance to shine
Since joining the team, Cari has taken on a wide variety of responsibilities, including serving customers, taking payments, preparing food, cleaning and collecting orders from the business’s other shop. Her enthusiasm, ability and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impression.
Joshua and Dan have described working with Cari as “breathtakingly beautiful and heartwarming”. They said: “Standout moments have included Cari teaching customers and staff Makaton sign language. She just does everything and is always willing to go above and beyond.”
Joshua and Dan said they were inspired to offer work experience because they believe everyone deserves a chance and an opportunity to experience a loving workplace.
A positive impact on the whole team
The placement has brought benefits far beyond the practical skills Cari has developed. Joshua and Dan say that taking on Cari has helped create a workplace culture full of fun and happiness.
“Hosting has benefitted us as a business by allowing us to work on a different level and understand that working with a person with additional needs is humbling and inspirational.”
Walters House say they would wholeheartedly recommend work experience and supported internships to other employers, recognising the powerful opportunity they give young people with additional needs to shine.
Congratulations, Walters House
Derwen College is proud to celebrate Walters House for the team’s kindness, encouragement and commitment to inclusive employment. By recognising Cari’s potential and giving her meaningful responsibilities, Joshua, Dan and their team have created an experience in which everyone can learn and grow.
Congratulations to Walters House of Coffee, Cocktails & Champagne, our very deserving Employer of the Month for October 2026, and thank you for making such a positive difference.
Cari’s supported internship programme also includes placements at Fun Zone in Whitchurch and McDonald’s, alongside vocational experience at Derwen College’s Food Centre, our training hotel, Hotel 751, and our Walled Garden Café.
Could your organisation offer a work experience placement or supported internship? Working in partnership with Derwen College can help a young person build confidence, develop workplace skills and take an important step towards employment. To find out more, contact Natalie Martin, Work Experience and Supported Internship Coordinator, at natalie.martin@derwen.ac.uk.