Having worked with WeWork in South Africa since 2019, I Love Coffee has recruited and trained four individuals based in London, who will be stationed at WeWork 1 Waterhouse Square, WeWork 3 Waterhouse Square and WeWork Aviation House in Holborn, as well as WeWork 22 Long Acre in Covent Garden from February 6.

Having launched its first coffee shop in 2016 in South Africa, I Love Coffee is on a mission to break the barriers of communication between the deaf and the hearing through the power of ordering drinks. From pointing to the menu and holding strong eye contact, I Love Coffee’s top tips will be accompanied by an interactive iPad in all four WeWork locations that will show WeWork members in the queue how to order their coffee through sign language.

Gary Hopkins, Founder and Managing Director, I Love Coffee, said: “We’re thrilled to have WeWork’s continued support as they help facilitate our first expansion outside of South Africa, and put down roots in the capital. At I Love Coffee, we look to collaborate with organisations who have a shared interest in creating a positive impact for underserved communities, and so it was a natural fit to expand our partnership to WeWork locations in London. As we continue to strive to create even more opportunities for the deaf community through the life-changing magic of a cup of coffee, we hope to expand operations beyond just baristas to establish roasteries and recruit trainers. Watch this space!”

Mathieu Proust, COO International, WeWork, said: “It’s a real honour to continue to play a part in I Love Coffee’s incredible journey to help create a more accessible and independent future for the Deaf community. Having worked closely with Gary and his team in South Africa, we’re thrilled to be able to support I Love Coffee’s expansion to London, and we look forward to seeing their positive work for the Deaf community ripple across the capital.”

WeWork has an ongoing partnership with Change Please, a social enterprise founded by Cemal Ezel, that provides barista training, jobs paying the London Living Wage, and support for people experiencing homelessness. Change Please supplies both baristas and coffee beans in 22 WeWork locations across the UK and Ireland, and is helping facilitate I Love Coffee’s initial expansion by providing coffee beans and training rooms.