In South Africa, September is celebrated as the National Month of Deaf People, a time to recognise and support the deaf community.
It’s a month that resonates deeply with the mission of I Love Coffee, a coffee shop with a heartwarming goal. Since its inception in June 2016, this artisanal coffee supplier has been perfecting the art of roasting coffee while making a profound impact on the deaf community.
This year, in 2023, I Love Coffee expanded its reach by opening its first four sites in London, inside WeWork co-working offices. This move marks a significant step in their journey to spread their message of inclusivity and create opportunities for the deaf community in the UK.
I Love Coffee firmly believes that coffee is a universal language, a medium that transcends the boundaries of hearing and deaf communities. Through their coffee, they’ve found common ground to foster a shared experience.

What sets I Love Coffee apart is not just their exceptional coffee but also their commitment to the deaf community. They operate their cafes just like any other specialty coffee shop, but with a unique mission: to serve both coffee and the community.
By partnering with I Love Coffee, businesses have the opportunity to contribute significantly to deaf employment and the creation of an inclusive environment that celebrates human connections.
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Corporate Partnerships are a key component of their model. Through these collaborations, businesses can support I Love Coffee’s mission by procuring coffee, food services or hiring trained deaf baristas. More jobs mean greater societal and economic integration for the deaf community.
Today, I Love Coffee’s impact speaks for itself. An impressive 70% of their workforce is deaf or hard of hearing. Beyond employment, they provide crucial skills training to their staff, opening doors to future careers within the hospitality industry.

With 14 locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg and London, I Love Coffee’s reach continues to grow. They roast their beans in Cape Town using a Prodat Ug22 roaster, a true artisanal gem restored to its former glory.
Their head roaster, Mike Morritt-Smith, brings nearly two decades of coffee expertise to the table, having helped establish Truth Coffee, voted the best coffee shop in the world by The Telegraph.
I Love Coffee encourages customers to ‘learn to sign your order’ through simple phrases and coffee orders in sign language available on their website. This initiative not only fosters inclusivity but also celebrates the deaf community’s unique culture and language.
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As they continue to expand their presence, their mission to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing communities through coffee remains at the heart of their endeavours.
Head over to Claremont to support this wonderful spot.
Details:
- Location: 103 Garfield Rd, Claremont
- Times: Monday to Friday ,8am to 4pm | Saturday, 8am to 2pm
- Website: ilovecoffeegroup.co.za
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Picture: I Love Coffee Group / Facebook