NeighbourGood Cafe: Hackney cafe taking payment by ‘good deeds’ instead of money for coffee and cakes

A Hackney coffee shop is accepting “good deeds” instead of money to pay for hot drinks and cakes.

The NeighbourGood Cafe is asking visitors to commit to doing a good deed for their community instead of paying for their food and drink.

Set up by home security company, Ring, the limited edition cafe is aiming to reignite the community spirit that blossomed during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The pop-up will encourage people to connect within the local community, try locally-sourced goods and learn more about the people living in the area.

Whether it was helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping or walking someone else’s dog, neighbours came together during the pandemic.

Chris, a social scientist, told LondonWorld between sips of his coffee: “The good deed I promised was to shop locally, but I will also donate items to local charity shops.”

Dave Ward, from Ring, said: “NeighbourGood Café is about more than just grabbing a quick coffee - it’s about bringing communities together.

“We saw incredible community spirit during the challenges of lockdown, like neighbours helping each other with their shopping, sharing essentials or even baking cakes for one another.

“I’ve personally experienced how empowering it can feel to build strong relationships with those living around you, and we hope NeighbourGood Café can go some way towards celebrating this community spirit.”

The NeighbourGood Cafe is aiming to keep those friendly spirits high, with visitors encouraged to write down their good deeds and pin them to the dedicated pledge board.

Good deeds could be anything ranging from “good skills”, such as helping fix a fence or replant a community garden, to “good minutes”, such as offering to dog sit for a neighbour.

The NeighbourGood Cafe is also encouraging visitors to pledge their “good energy” by introducing themselves to a new neighbour or supporting local businesses and charities.

Not only is the pop-up taking pledges, the cafe will also shine a spotlight on those who have contributed positively to their local community throughout the pandemic and within the last few years.

Local heroes include Marck Maciver from SliderCuts Barbers, who runs a mentoring scheme that offers young people work and free guidance for 13-16 year olds.

Another local hero is Michelle Dornelly who is the CEO of local charity Children with Voices.

Michelle helped distribute over 1,000 free meals throughout the pandemic to vulnerable residents in the local area.

The survey asked the people of Hackney their favourite snacks and drinks and found Brownies came up top of the poll with 35%.

Fleur East, who grew up in nearby Walthamstow, partnered with Ring to inspire the nation to get involved and make their own pledges.

She said: “Ring’s NeighbourGood Café is a unique way to encourage people to do a good deed and give back to their community - especially as small and simple acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s life.

“The community of neighbours and friends I had growing up in Walthamstow was incredible, and it’s this network of support and understanding that saw me through both good and difficult times.

“If the past few years has taught us anything, it’s that we all thrive when we come together and support each other.”

Ring’s NeighbourGood Café can be found at 12 Sidworth Street, E8 3SD until Saturday July 2.