Haven Coffee in Walthamstow is a unique café run by refugees. It supports asylum seekers through training and community-building, creating a welcoming space for all.
Walthamstow: Stepping into Haven Coffee, the smell of fresh coffee hits you. Usman Khalid, the founder, is busy making a flat white. It’s a cozy spot, and you can feel the warmth.
This café is special. It’s run by refugees, helping others like them. Usman started it in 2019 to create a safe space for those who’ve lost their homes. He wants to help them fit into UK life.
Usman knows this journey well. He came to London in 2007 from Pakistan, seeking freedom from strict religious rules. He’s been through a lot, but he’s turned his experiences into something positive.
He loves coffee and sees it as a symbol of migration. “Coffee tells a story,” he says. “It connects people, just like we do in our community.”
Haven Coffee isn’t just about drinks. They offer barista training, art workshops, and even comedy classes. Usman believes these skills help refugees find jobs and change how people see them.
He shared a success story about two sisters who trained at Haven. After getting their refugee status, they landed jobs at Costa Coffee. It shows that refugees have skills and want to contribute.
Usman is passionate about changing negative views on refugees. He insists they’re not a burden but talented individuals ready to build new lives.
His path to opening Haven Coffee wasn’t easy. He faced loneliness and betrayal after arriving in the UK. But he found strength in London’s diversity and community.
“I love London! It connects you to people from everywhere,” he says. Inspired by this, he created Haven Coffee to offer others the same support he found.
Now, Usman is looking for help to expand. He dreams of opening more coffee spots and catering events. They also sell coffee online, but they need funds to keep going.
Haven Coffee has locations in Walthamstow and Paddington. If you want to support them, visit the cafés or check out their website for coffee bags and more info.
