A Harrogate coffee shop has launched a ‘community table’ to allow people to chat to others as fears over the cost of living crisis grow.
Brew Bar, on St Winifred’s Avenue, is also inviting customers to gift a coffee in advance for those who are not in a position to buy a drink.
It comes after what business owner Simon Somerville-Frost described as “a tough few years”.
He said:
“I’m feeling it, like most other people in this world, the daily pressures are visible.
“What a tough few years we’ve all had, and many are feeling nervous about the imminent future, myself included.
“However, it’s normal to feel like this and it is now we rely on those around us.”
To help those struggling, Mr Somerville-Frost has introduced the community table to Brew Bar.
He explained:
“If you’re feeling low and want to chat to someone, or just want to leave the house to gain some headspace, we invite you to sit at our community table to chat to others in similar positions, make friends and see that things will be ok.
“For those who are in a position who unfortunately are unable to purchase a drink, don’t worry, we want you to be apart of our family and we invite customers to gift a coffee in advance for those who would appreciate receiving it.”
Simon Somerville-Frost
Tucked away on a residential street just off the Stray, the Harrogate cafe became a lifeline for the local community and nearby hospital staff. during the pandemic.
Brew Bar opened in May 2018 after Mr Somerville Frost realised that, after nearly a decade of living in the Saints area, he didn’t know any of his neighbours and felt the sense of community had been lost.
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In an effort to put that right, he took on a shop unit opposite his home and soon expanded next door.
Some tried to dissuade him from opening a cafe outside the town centre, but he was confident that it could become the heart of the local community.
And this latest initiative forms part of his ongoing mission to continue rebuild the community network by bringing people together.
Mr Somerville-Frost has previously spoken out about his battle with depression and anxiety after lockdown and how his customers helped him get through it.
Speaking to his customers in a social media post, he said:
“Personally once again, you keep me going, you give me the hope that together things will be ok and for this I thank you immensely.
“It’s not about buying something you can’t live without, it’s about supporting a business and people you don’t want to live without.”
