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Words and photo Olivia Smith
People often describe coffee shops as their “third space” — somewhere beyond home and work where they can relax, connect with others and feel a sense of community. For me, though, those spaces have overlapped. Coffee shops are where I’ve spent countless hours chatting with friends, meeting new people and finding a quiet place to escape. Somewhere along the way, they evolved from places to meet friends, unwind and find a sense of community into something much deeper: a genuine passion. They’re also where I discovered and have since built what I now proudly call my career.
My curiosity has taken me far beyond my local coffee shops, too. Whenever I travel abroad, one of the things I look forward to is discovering the local coffee scene. The same goes for cities and towns across the UK, where I often find myself “coffee shop hopping”, trying exceptional coffees, discovering new places, connecting with like-minded people, and chatting with those I meet along the way.
Every coffee shop has its own personality, from the way it welcomes customers to the care that goes into each cup. Those experiences have continued to shape my appreciation for speciality coffee shops and have shown me how much passion, creativity and connection they embody.
Being part of Southsea’s coffee scene has given me a sense of belonging, and I am incredibly grateful to now be helping to shape that experience for others as well.
This journey has now led me to a new chapter in my career: becoming Head Barista at Southsea Coffee. It is a role that means a great deal to me, as it represents not only the skills and knowledge I have developed but also the trust placed in me to enhance the customer experience when they walk through our doors. It is also much more than making great coffee; it’s an opportunity to keep learning, share knowledge, support our team, and continue creating a space where people feel comfortable, welcome, and valued. It is also about furthering my growth, both professionally and personally, within the industry.
As someone who has always enjoyed connecting with people, I have found that coffee helps me start conversations and share experiences. Whether they are curious and looking to discover something new, introducing me to coffees they think I’d enjoy, or returning to share how much they loved something I recommended, I really enjoy those moments of connection.
Looking back, it feels incredibly special to now be part of the same spaces that once gave me comfort, inspiration and a sense of belonging. Coffee shops have a unique ability to bring people together, and Southsea is fortunate to have such a vibrant coffee scene. These spaces become part of a place’s fabric; the familiar faces, the conversations and the small moments that bring people back time and again.
Behind every cup is a person with a passion for their craft, and behind every coffee shop are countless stories and connections that make these spaces so special. I feel incredibly lucky to now be part of that story in Southsea.
Posted in: Food & Drink, Local & Community
