Coffee bar at Portchester Castle sets up suspended coffee scheme to spread a little joy

Seahorse Coffee Bar, which operates out of a converted horse box in the grounds of Portchester Castle, has set up a board where people can pick up tokens to cash in for free goodies, as part of a pay it forward community scheme.

The idea is that customers buy an extra drink or snack with their order, that is then suspended so someone in need can redeem.

Owner Sam White said: ‘I’d seen a couple of American coffee shops doing it and then a few weeks ago saw a Facebook post promoting a café offering it too so I thought it would be lovely to try and pay it forward.

‘I’m conscious of how lucky my family and I are whilst also being aware that life is very different for some.

‘Anyone is welcome to redeem a token, they might have just come out without their wallet, they may want to treat their children, they may need a little lift that day but can’t justify the spend.

‘There are no questions, no judgement, no explanation needed.

‘The board is on the back of our horsebox, it is very discreet, and only one person – the person who serves you – will see it being handed over. ’

The kindhearted business owner, who started the coffee bar last November, filled the board to start it off.

And she said she was delighted to see so many people making donations.

Sam, who lives in nearby Castle Street, with husband Lee, and son Callaghan, 11, said: ‘One person even contacted me to donate £20.

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‘I do hope that people redeem the tokens, Portchester Castle is a beautiful place to come for a walk hopefully these little acts of kindness by others will bring a little joy.’

Sam is now in discussions with Portchester Methodist Church and she hopes to be able to offer vouchers through the local food banks.

She said: ‘None of us is very far away from serious debt, we could all find ourselves in that situation. We have all counted pennies at one time in our lives. I hope that by doing this I can help in some small way.’

Sam’s business Seahorse Coffee Bar can be found on Facebook at facebook.co.uk/SeahorseCoffeeBar

The News has launched the #supportlocal campaign to encourage shoppers and diners – and coffee drinkers – to choose local outlets where they can, whether in person or online if shops are closed in the lockdown. We are highlighting both the personal touch that independents offer, and also the fact that they add variety to high streets – as well as keeping money in the lcoal economy.

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