Sure, it’s only moving round the corner to Greenwood Place – you know, the cobbled backwater behind The Forum – but double-fronted Flapjacks Cafe has been on Kentish Town Road for so long that we’ll genuinely miss it. And, of course, it’s another empty shop vacated by soaring rents.
If you’ve never made it beyond its shiny red exterior, Flapjacks has dished up laidback scran for an impressive twenty years, from home-made soups and salads to panini and speciality coffees.
There’s also have a gallery space for local artists and photographers to exhibit their work. What you might not know, however, is that it’s a community project, a social enterprise café run by Holmes Road-based charity The Camden Society and staffed by people with learning disabilities.
Starting out as a campaigning organisation 40 years ago, the Society supports over 600 people across London and Oxfordshire, working in partnership with more than a hundred local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary organisations. Its key work is promoting the human rights of people with disabilities.
So in short, this is a cafe that needs everyone’s continued support. It was also the subject of our first ever reader contribution seven years ago.
“I’m heartened that it exists,” said local James Beevers at the time, “that there are patient, caring, supportive people who want to work there and help their colleagues. I’m heartened too that there are places to go for those who haven’t been dealt the best hand, where they can have a purpose, make a difference and earn some money. In short, when I go in there I’m glad to be alive.”
Wise words, indeed. And with its move to the Centre For Independent Living it’s worth not forgetting to pop in and say hi to the team at their new home.
