Connect with us: 
Words and photo Olivia Smith
Coffee shops have long been places to enjoy a good coffee, catch up with friends, or settle in with a laptop or a book. Yet for many of us, the high street chains can feel increasingly stagnant; corporate, franchised spaces that leave little room for individuality or change. What’s often overlooked is how different the story is elsewhere.
What many people don’t realise is that some coffee shops are also opening their doors to the community, creating space for groups, meet-ups, events, and meaningful connections. In Southsea, we’re fortunate to have coffee shops that expand on their much-loved purpose, bringing people together in more ways than just over a great cup of coffee.
When I first moved to the city 9 years ago, I found coffee shops hosting a variety of afternoon and evening events, including board game nights, typewriting and craft workshops, coffee-tasting evenings, food pop-ups, and even music events. Walking into these spaces alone for the first time, I felt a familiar mix of excitement and nervousness, unsure of where I would fit or who I might meet. What quickly became clear, though, was how relaxed, welcoming, and inclusive these environments were. By attending these events and open groups, I found myself drawn not just to the activities themselves but to the connections they made possible. Without the pressure to perform or to already belong, I began connecting with people I might never otherwise have crossed paths with, simply being present together as connections formed naturally.
In Southsea, one of our well-established and vibrant coffee shops, Hunter Gatherer, has become a space that offers more than just coffee, as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, it jumped straight back into being a welcoming space for our community. Hunter Gatherer is currently home to two book clubs, poetry and open-mic nights; it hosts a listening bar once a month, inviting guests to bring and play vinyl records; it welcomes running and creative groups, and has hosted local artists in the city. Hunter Gatherer is a perfect example of evolving from a regular coffee shop into a community anchor, a place where people gather, socialise, create, and feel part of something larger. It is easy to overlook the impact of spaces like this, but they quietly shape how people connect, collaborate, and thrive, especially in a world that often feels rushed or transactional; they matter.
As we enter a new year, take a moment to notice these spaces and step inside. You will be surprised by how a conversation over a warming brew, a shared interest, or simply being present can spark connection, strengthen community, and give a sense of belonging.
Posted in: Food & Drink, Local & Community
