Cafes Offer So Much More Than Just a Cup of Coffee

The ‘Third Place’:

"a space separate from the home and the workplace, where people gather together for informal social interactions, relaxation and for human connection".

Third Places generally foster community building and are places where culture and community go hand in hand. Parks, libraries, town squares and community centres all act as Third Places, but perhaps one of the most notable examples is the humble coffee shop or cafe. 

Some have even coined the term “Community Living Rooms” to describe cafes and coffee shops, as they are helpful in preventing social isolation and possible loneliness. A home away from home which offers Character, Conversation and Connection. 

We are, after all, social creatures. 

Sure, when we visit a cafe we’re expecting a decent cup of coffee, expertly prepared by a skilled Barista, oftentimes along with some quality food to match, but is that all we expect? 

It’s probably fair to say we all expect something more than just that… 

We’re after a certain atmosphere and ambience, most likely one that is conducive to socialising. We’re looking for great service and a warm, genuine hospitality. 

We enjoy the familiar smile we get from our Barista each time we visit…we like it that they know our name and our favourite order, along with the rapport that is built and the casual exchange of friendly banter. 

We love our cafes as a space to catch up with friends and family, to get out of the house, to socialise, and to allow ourselves a well deserved treat in a pleasant environment. 

In many ways a cafe visit is just as much about the atmosphere and the experience it offers as it is the coffee itself.

It is also the customers, not just the staff, that help shape the culture and atmosphere of a cafe, and cafes make up an important part of many communities. 

When embracing their roles as cultural and social hubs, cafes remind us that often the most valuable thing isn’t just what’s in our cup, but the connections we make, the moments we share and the memories we create. 

Let’s sip to that, and make an effort to help support our local cafes, for our neighbourhoods wouldn’t be the same without them.