Don’t we all love a café with cosy vibes, good food, and fresh brews? Those aren’t hard to find in London, but if a place serves good coffee while supporting a good cause, it’s even easier to get behind. Head Room Café in Golders Green ticks all the boxes, as the cute coffee shop is actually much more than a place to stop for a cappuccino and a slice of cake: The social enterprise café is actively helping to remove the stigma of mental illness, while encouraging guests to talk openly about mental health.
Their approach to bettering mental health goes beyond serving comfort food and mesmerising latte art in a relaxing atmosphere. Brought to us by a mental health service for the Jewish community called Jami, the social enterprise café also offers a monthly programme of (currently virtual) events to promote personal and communal wellbeing. From peer support groups to poetry readings, community reflections, “kind” coworking sessions, and short classes tackling topics such as stress management, qi gong, and laughter yoga, there’s something for every occasion.
Upon entering the café, you can find creative wall art and décor delivering positive messages and affirmations. A boutique shop sells vintage and designer goods, with all proceeds (from the shop and the café) contributing to Jami’s mental health services. Head Room Café serves delicious middle Eastern-inspired food and drinks, as well as universal breakfast and brunch classics such as pancakes and smoked salmon and egg on sourdough.
In the spirit of kindness and connection, diners can participate in sweet initiatives like the “Pay It Forward Coffee” program, which encourages guests to buy two coffees instead of one, which can then be redeemed for free by someone who needs it.
It’s obvious that Head Room Café is an amazing place all-round, but it’s also approved by our Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who has previously stopped by the coffee shop to discuss the importance of maintaining social connections and value of community.
To learn more about their mission, find their website here. As of October 10, 2022, Head Room Café’s primary location, at 89 Golders Green Road, is currently closed for renovation. Their recent second location, however, at 12 The Broadway, NW7 3LL, remains open for their events an outreach.