An innovative charity looks to open a brand new coffee shop, The Key Café, on Gloucester Road very soon. Its mission? To reduce reoffending rates of ex-convicts by providing practical skills and work experience to individuals transitioning from prison. It will be run and built by former prisoners!
Established by The Restore Trust, an organisation dedicated to rehabilitation, The Key Café is described as more than just a coffee shop – “it’s a lifeline for those seeking a fresh start.” It’s also partnering with Bristol favourites Single Variety Co., Canton Tea, and Triple Co Roast, to ensure it’s not only about social purpose but a place for high-quality food and drink too.
The award-winning jam makers, Single Variety Co. will not only supply the café but also lead hands-on jam-making workshops with prisoners. These will aim to equip participants with culinary skills and confidence for life after incarceration. Plus, pots of ‘Jail Jar Jam’ will be available from Clifton’s Papadeli from November, with proceeds going back into the project.
“As a local company, we’ve always sought ways to give back to our community,” said Ross Elliot, Director at Single Variety Co. “The Key Café’s mission of reducing reoffending through practical training really resonated with us. We’re thrilled to help create a unique jam for the café and, more importantly, offer new skills to individuals looking to turn their lives around.”
You’ll be exclusively able to tuck into these bespoke jams at The Key Café when it opens – which likely won’t be for a couple of months. Work is currently underway on Gloucester Road, carried out by Bristol Together – a construction company that provides full-time jobs and training for recently released prisoners in a range of building skills.