How South Londoners celebrated UK coffee week
By Charlotte Edwards
Last week was UK coffee week. Every year, the nation comes together to celebrate all things coffee and raise funds for coffee-growing communities.
Hundreds of shops, restaurants, roasters and retailers participate each year by donating every cup or bag of coffee sold to Project Waterfall, a charity which helps people around the world access clean water, sanitation and education.
Founder of Brixton Hill’s Stir Coffee, Anton Taratine, 35, has been participating in the project for more than a decade.
He said: “It’s a great way to bring attention to impoverished communities in developing countries and raise awareness and a bit of money to build some infrastructure that delivers clean water to these areas.
“We love taking part.”
Nola coffee shop in Rye Lane, Peckham, also joined in. Barista Kyumin Jang, 32, said: “Since I started my career 10 years ago, the coffee industry has been busy, many more people drink coffee and new theories are coming every day.
“During that time, I think we’ve learnt to take care of others at every stage in the process.
“I hope this UK coffee week makes people happy.”
In the 13 years since the campaign began, £880,000 has been raised for Project Waterfall. This year, more than 60 businesses in London got involved.
Campaign manager, Bethan Shaw, branded the week a success. Praising London’s contribution, she said: “UK Coffee Week was a fantastic success this year, with so many people getting involved in London and beyond.
“The energy and enthusiasm from the coffee community was truly inspiring.
“Thanks to everyone’s amazing efforts, we’re going to be able to raise vital funds for our latest project in Rwanda, helping to improve access to clean water and education for coffee-growing communities.”
Pictured top: Anton Taratine, founder of Brixton Hill’s Stir Coffee, and his dog Milky (Picture: Charlotte Edwards)