A new coffee shop is the first in our city to offer suspended coffees.
The Boardroom on Duke Street Arcade has been accepting orders for suspended coffees ever since it opened its doors on March 14. It’s a simple idea: kind hearted individuals can purchase a tea or coffee in advance for someone who cannot afford it themselves. Guests at The Boardroom can buy either a small Americano or a tea, both of which cost £2.
In the eight weeks since the board sports inspired coffee shop opened, an impressive 35 suspended drinks have been purchased. But, while the beverages have been available in ever increasing number, there has so far been a shortage of takers.
“It’s really hard getting the word out” says Caroline Nieuwenhuis, director of The Boardroom. She explains, “We tried giving out leaflets to people on the streets; contacting shelters; contacting the Salvation Army. It’s only recently that people have actually picked up on it and come in to collect their coffees.”
“What we’re saying is that you can come in and there are coffees waiting for you.”
The café currently has 31 teas or coffees waiting to be picked up but, with the first few cuppas claimed, Nieuwenhuis is optimistic that the message is spreading.
“Someone claimed one yesterday and came back again this morning with someone else. That’s great because most of it is going to be by word of mouth”, she states.
But the scheme is about more than just a comforting brew or two. Nieuwenhuis remarks that recent recipients have commented how great it was to have somewhere nice and warm to sit and read a paper.
“I think there’s this barrier” she says, “People on the streets wouldn’t normally go into a coffee shop. They don’t know how people are going to judge them when they come in. What we’re saying is that you can come in and there are coffees waiting for you.”
Photos: Tom Carter