Social Bite currently operates four cafés in Scotland and a single site in London | Photo credit: Social Bite

Homelessness charity Social Bite is set to open coffee shops across the UK’s university and college estate after unveiling a new partnership with specialty coffee roaster Matthew Algie.
   

In a press release, Edinburgh-based non-profit Social Bite said Matthew Algie is in discussions with several universities and colleges from its existing wholesale customer-base to launch the first cafés during the 2024/25 academic year, commencing September 2024. 

The Social Bite branded stores will serve Matthew Algie’s new Elevator blend, with 10% of profits donated to the charity’s homelessness prevention and support initiatives. 

“Every cup of Elevator coffee sold will help provide people experiencing homelessness with the opportunity to ‘elevate’ their own lives. We hope to bring the brand to our large network of cafés throughout the UK education system, helping raise awareness amongst a key audience while generating funds for the Social Bite cause,” said Raj Juneja, Head of Education, Matthew Algie. 

Social Bite Commerical Director Melanie Swan said developing a presence in the UK education sector is a key goal for the charity, particularly given the strong support for their cause among the student population.  

“This collaboration with Matthew Algie will help us drive awareness around the issues and raise funds to accelerate our work with people affected by homelessness, whether that’s a meal, supported employment, or a safe place to call home. Matthew Algie has a great relationship with many large universities and colleges across the country, and we’re over the moon that we can join forces,” she said. 

Founded as a single coffee shop in Edinburgh in August 2012, Social Bite later developed into a social enterprise and now operates four cafés in Scotland and a single site in London.

Today, the organisation distributes approximately 165,000 food items and hot beverages every year to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The charity’s Jobs First scheme also seeks to remove barriers to employment for the vulnerable and partners with businesses including BaxterStorey, Mitchells & Butlers and Nairn’s to provide living wage employment opportunities, training and wrap-around support for participants. 
 

Founded in 1864, Matthew Algie supplies coffee, equipment and barista training to hundreds of universities, colleges and schools across the UK and Ireland. The group, part of German coffee roasting giant Tchibo, reaches more than one million consumers and serves 12,000 wholesale customers globally.