BaxterStorey backs Social Bite

Social Bite, the social enterprise that aims to end homelessness, has launched its first coffee shop in London in partnership with BaxterStorey. It operates a pay-it-forward system whereby customers who come in to buy a coffee or a sandwich can purchase an additional meal or hot drink in advance for someone who is homeless to redeem later. 

The outlet is Social Bite’s first outside of Scotland and employs people from the homeless community to work there full-time. The charity aims for one in four of their staff to come from a background of homelessness.

The new shop will be a permanent fixture located within the hustle and bustle of the Strand near Covent Garden. The Borough of Westminster, specifically the Strand, is the epicentre of homelessness in the UK with an exceptionally high number of rough sleepers.

Sir Andrew Cubie CBE, executive chair of Social Bite, said: “The work I have witnessed Social Bite do, previously from a distance and more recently at close proximity, has provided a renewed hope for positive change in our communities. This launch into London on Social Bite's tenth anniversary marks the continued commitment and passion for positive change and an end to homelessness through pioneering programmes.”

Ronan Harte, CEO of BaxterStorey, added: “We are acutely aware of the issues around homelessness, not just in London, but across the UK, and are proud to be collaborating with organisations like Social Bite to help tackle some of the challenges facing an increasing number of people today. This café will give many people the opportunity to contribute in their own way, as well as offer some of the most vulnerable people in society a viable route into work.”  

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