Fuckoffee
A GLORIOUSLY OFFENSIVE COFFEE SHOP
I went all the way to Bethnal Green just so I could go to one of my favourite coffee shops "Second Shot". I used to go there before the pandemic, not just because of the good coffee or location, but for what they stand for. In summary, they help people affected by homelessness by employing them, training them and transitioning them into long term employment. They look to resolve the underlying problem, not just put a bandaid on the wound as many do. They also operate a "pay it forward" system whereby customers pre-pay for a "second shot" of coffee, hence the name, so that someone in need such as a homeless person can get something to eat or drink for free. It's such an awesome, sustainable system.
You'd understand why I was gutted to find that the shop had closed. Not just temporarily shut due to the ongoing road works in front of it and adjacent shops, but closed-closed. Probably another victim of the pandemic. They had the dreaded "To Let" sign posted on the window and the interior had been gutted. I felt a deep sense of sadness and just stood there staring at the shop for a few minutes. There is another one at Marylebone. I hope that one is still open, and that they will open another shop elsewhere.
After the disappointment I made my way back towards Shoreditch to find another coffee to chill at and one caught my eye. Just as there are cafes that are no longer on Bethanl Green road, having closed, there is one that must have just recently opened. "Fuckoffee" is a gloriously offensive cafe, beginning with even the name, filled with all manner of edgy trollish merch and insignia. They've caused a few social media spats due to some of their jokes. I can understand why some people feel offended by some of their "extreme" material, especially those poking fun at mental illness, but they're unapologetically non-PC.
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I was only aware of one of their shops, located at the Shoreditch end of Bethnal Green road, but this one I spotted was closer to Bethnal Green station, on the other end of the road. I decided to have my coffee there. It is a little smaller than their older shop, but just as offensive, with mugs and T-shirts with outrageous things written on them. There's even a bowl of water for dogs to drink out of with a penis shaped bone on it. That's an innuendo obviously, LOL.
Fuckoffee is also involved in a lot of activism, specifically to do with human rights and justice. One example of what they're involved in is the "Coffee For Freedom" movement to help end the ongoing "genocide" in West Papua. They're also quite heavily displaying support for Ukraine, judging by the displayed flag of Ukraine right next to the West Papua one, and all around the windows. You can also purchase "Fuck Putin" bracelets for only £2.00, the proceeds of which go to Red Cross in support of Ukraine. You could alternatively opt for a "Fuck Boris" bracelet, which too is selling like hot cakes, apparently.
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The coffee itself is as I remember. A black Americano, which is one of the two drinks I take in that cafe. The other is a filtered black coffee. The music is banging, but the interior vibe is not as hipster as the older shop. It may be a reflection of the distance from the epicentre of London hipster culture, Shoreditch.
A lot of people know about Fuckoffee in the general Bethnal Green and Shoreditch area, but now and again a tourist, or someone not familiar with the shop would walk in or walk by and do a double take at the window. It's so funny to watch.
Mindful coffee drinking
I drink a lot of coffee, like many people in this city and the world over. While I do so, I try to be as mindful as possible about many issues surrounding my coffee drinking. There are issues of fairly trading with the growers, who are often impoverished and exploited. There are issues around sustainability and the environment. There are also issues of activism and human rights. The list goes on.
As a human being, who sometimes just wants to enjoy a hot brew, I can't always tick all the boxes. I have some of my favourite joints that I know at least care about some of these issues. One of them is Fuckoffee. Yes, they're non-PC and quite outrageous, but their staff are always conscious of the issues and are usually themselves activists. I've even seen who I assume is the "owner" of the business getting hands-on with everything. It's not a big chain, it's clearly a labour of love as I can't imagine he's making that much profit here.
Another coffee shop business that I love is called "Crisis" who is also involved with helping the homeless, much like Second Shot. It makes me feel good that while I feed my brains demands for caffeine, at least some of the money is going to do good things.
Peace & Love,
Adé