Old Spike: Brewing Change in the Heart of London
Situated on the banks of the murky-brown waters of the River Thames, the city of London beautifully contrasts the dull and dirty water that runs below it. Originally a small Roman settlement called Londinium, over time, it has expanded to become a sprawling metropolis of nearly 10 million people. London is now synonymous with being a melting pot of cultural diversity, culinary arts, and no fewer than 17 different professional football clubs. Historical landmarks, red telephone boxes, double-decker buses, and quaint cafés adorn the streets once walked by the likes of William Shakespeare. London is as elegant as the famed accent and contains sparks of creativity and fervour throughout.
One of these spaces lies deep in the heart of London’s Piccadilly neighbourhood in west London, a small, ornately decorated café by the name of Old Spike. Despite its rather cramped but cozy interior, it offers customers a flavorous and authentic coffee experience. Selling beans from Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Honduras, and Brazil, Old Spike combines meticulous brewing with a touch of artistic magic for a smooth aroma of countless flavours, all in one cup.
What started as a small café in the Peckham area of south London now boasts five different locations all across the city in addition to a state-of-the-art coffee roastery. Unlike larger coffee companies that roast their beans in massive batches, Old Spike does this process in small increments, adding an extra touch of excellence and care unheard of in bigger coffee brands. The coffees served are both high quality and affordable, perfectly supplemented by a delicious array of pastries peering through the display glass.
ABOVE: Old Spike’s Piccadilly location. (PHOTO: Facebook.com/oldspikeroast)
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally, and demand is growing by 2% annually, which means that global production will need to triple by 2050 to match consumer appetite. Farmers around the world who grow coffee as their primary form of income may need to plant in new areas of the forest, often rich in biodiversity. To address this environmental challenge, Old Spike has made the commitment to plant a tree for every bag of coffee they sell, ensuring that the coffee you buy is not only responsibly sourced but contributes positively to the planet as well. However, Old Spike’s yearning to make a strong social impact in the community is truly what sets it apart from its competition.
The company was founded as the first speciality coffee roastery to operate as a social enterprise and, since then, has been at the forefront of using coffee to promote social change. Old Spike’s primary method for achieving this is by training and employing those affected by homelessness. According to Shelter England, 1 in every 51 people in London is homeless, which accounts for the worst ratio in the country. Old Spike hopes to combat this through their newly founded barista training academy, in partnership with sister organization Change Please. This program offers unhomed individuals practical and theory-based learning, mental health support, work-readiness training, financial assistance, and eventually post-training employment. Once placed in the field, program graduates are placed in roles either assisting a head roaster or serving as baristas. Furthermore, 65% of all profits are reinvested back into the social mission of training and employing people experiencing homelessness.
ABOVE: Thomas at Old Spike’s Peckham Street location. (PHOTOS: www.youtube.com/@oldspikeroastery5396)
Thomas Noble, now a seasoned barista at Old Spike, is one of the many individuals who has benefitted from the company’s social mission. While in prison, Thomas stated the one thing he could do by himself was “make a cup of coffee”, which he viewed as an escape from the difficult realities of his life at the time. After his release, he was referred to Old Spike and, over time, was integrated into the organization as a barista. Through the continued help of the group, Thomas’ passion for coffee has only grown, and he yearns to do the same for every customer. Thomas shared that his favourite part about working for a coffee company is “the reactions you get”, as the cup of coffee they receive could be the “two minutes of peacefulness they have” and the “one thing they get to go and enjoy by themselves.” Thomas’s journey is just one example of how Old Spike has helped individuals emerge from challenging circumstances to achieve their goals.
As you wander through the busy streets and famed bridges throughout London, rest assured the few pounds spent on a cup of coffee was worth it. It may make your day, but it can change someone else’s in the process.
Looking for more social enterprises on your travels? Check out ImpactShop.
