Nestled on a cute corner of Camden Passage, Angel, the new cafe TRAMPOLINE is here to provide delicious coffee, sustainably-minded treats, and practical support for refugees.
Launched in February 2022 and founded by the team behind NEMI Teas, they’re a dose of bright, bold optimism even on the greyest of days, designed to support those who need it and enrich the lives of the local community too. They’re committed to supporting refugees through training and employment, but also aim to be a hub for socialising, relaxing or getting creative in a fun and positive space.
I visited to see the cafe in action a few weeks after opening, and loved what I found.
The first thing to draw you in is the visuals. A bright splash of orange livens up a typically quaint street, while quirky illustrations and a warm atmosphere welcome you the moment you step through TRAMPOLINE’s doors. Founder Pranav Chopra envisioned the cafe as a meeting point where different people come together and no one is left behind; it certainly feels that way when you walk inside. It’s a relaxed, friendly space where the smiles and conversation seem to flow freely, a place for anyone to feel at home.
The house coffee is provided by Redemption Roasters, the UK’s first prison-based coffee company, alongside seasonal options from guest roasteries. Food is freshly prepared on-site, with a menu created by the team through creative sessions led by head chef Nafar. Each team member brings their knowledge to the table by sharing recipes and ingredients from their personal background, creating a menu of global flavours alongside freshly baked cakes.
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Practical support for refugees
But TRAMPOLINE offers much more than delicious food and coffee. Built on the values of looking forward, being compassionate, and believing in better, they’re committed to using the cafe business as a force for good and a way to cultivate happy communities.
This cafe is also a social enterprise, providing work and training for refugees. Entering the workforce can be particularly challenging as a refugee; many arrive in the country alone, and the unemployment rate is 5x higher than the UK born population. TRAMPOLINE is here to change that.
The cafe connects with refugees through a partnership with Groundwork London, who mobilise practical community action on poverty and the environment around the UK, and Hotel School, who teach hospitality skills to vulnerable people and those experiencing homelessness, supporting them into finding sustainable employment opportunities. Future team members undertake a comprehensive hospitality training programme and are offered employment in the cafe. Once they’re ready to continue on their journey, TRAMPOLINE works with employment partners to see them take the next step in their careers.
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Supporting independent businesses
TRAMPOLINE also believes in supporting like-minded initiatives, working with other emerging social enterprises and providing them with a jumping off-platform to reach more people. The aim is to support and collaborate with other independents with the same values and quality creations.
Partners include:
- Direct trade, ethical chocolate from Rio Nuevo.
- ChariTea, whose organic and fairtrade products are sourced from cooperatives around the world.
- Karma Drinks, where 1% of each sale of their ethical soft drinks goes towards Cola nut growers and their communities in Sierra Leone.
- NEMI teas, who also provide work and experience to refugees.
TRAMPOLINE is also committed to reducing waste, sustainability, recycling, and using reusable items, as well as carrying vegan options. I can confirm, the food and coffee is delicious!
All in all, the TRAMPOLINE team hope this cafe can represent a hub where everyone is welcome and creative possibilities abound. With multicultural menus, a diverse team and exciting events set to be held in the space, they want to bring a dash of joy and optimism to everyone that passes by or pops in for a drink, all the while helping others and fostering genuine connections.
Founder Pranav aims to eventually open 14 cafes, all of them training and supporting refugees before helping them move on to other work. It’s a wonderful idea, and this is only the beginning.
