See a virtual tour of our building.

Please note this was created some time ago and we now use an alternative entrance for our cafe.

There are signs outside the building to guide you to the correct door.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!

The Usual Place is a fully accessible building with a Changing Places Toilet.

The Building’s History

From Townhead U.F. Church, via school dining hall to a thriving café and training centre.

The Usual Place opened its doors on 31^st July 2015.  Following extensive refurbishment, the building now includes a large contemporary community cafe, kitchen area and flexible training / meeting rooms which are named after two well-loved Ministers of Townhead Church, the Reverends William Thomson and William Duncan Crombie (1922-2018).

The Reverend Crombie’s first charge was Townhead Church, he was also the last Minister to preach in Townhead Church before it united with South Church in Dumfries. He knew about our work here at The Usual Place and said he was greatly honoured by the fact that we had named a room after him. When we asked his permission to use his name he said: ‘you usually have to wait until you kick the bucket before people name things after you’! Reverend Crombie was clearly well loved and respected and was recognised particularly for his achievements with and for young people.

The beautiful sandstone walls, stunning windows and vaulted ceiling have been retained and it is still a place of welcome to everyone. Its purposes may have changed throughout the years, but this building exudes consistent themes of community, togetherness, belief in the potential of young people, breaking bread… and food (although we like to think the lunches are much improved!).

Of all the original features maintained or restored in its several rebirths, the original stained-glass window which overlooks our café is one of the most beautiful.

The stained-glass piece, named Enoch and Simeon, was created between 1899 – 1900 by artist Stephen Adam and Son.