A friendly family run café set in the heart of Hackney does more than just food and drink.

Coffee Afrique, run by siblings Simeera and Abdi Hassan, offers everything from authentic African food to arts workshops, coding classes, business advice and catering services.

“Our core belief is to make everyone feel at ease and serve amazing African inspired food and hospitality,” said Simeera, the general manager.

They employ staff with special needs as they believe everyone deserves a chance to succeed. Prices are kept affordable so that everyone is welcome.

It is located in the Pembury Community centre, a building provided by the Peabody Housing Association.

Simeera has extensive experience in community outreach having worked with domestic abuse survivors. She is also on the verge of receiving a grant from the Canadian government to help build water pumps throughout her native Somaliland.

Along with being a published poet, she also helps women throughout Africa set up their own micro-businesses.

“We started our relationship with the Peabody Association so that they could help us with the challenges, such as crime and poverty, which this community faces,” said Abdi, the operations manager.

Coffee Afrique work closely with the staff in helping organise and provide events, as well as provide catering.

However the centre is not just for the young. One of the conference rooms was booked out for an over 60s belly-dancing class.

“We want this centre to be used by everyone in the community,” said Abdi. “We want them to know it is there for everyone.”

On the 23rd of June they are hosting an Eid celebration.

For more information, click here.