Leo cafe & community... we're more than a cafe

LEO CAFE

My name is Jack and I've run Leo for over 7 years. Starting off with Supper clubs, deliveries every Friday night through lock down, catering weddings and parties.

However, in 2019 Jack's best friend Adam Bolton sadly died. My grief got me thinking…Why don’t we celebrate our friends more whilst they're here? Why don’t we open up to them more often? And why don't we tell our neighbours that we love them!? These thoughts inspired Leo's evolution and after a few tough years of grieving Leo has blossomed in Adam's memory.

Fast forward to 2023 and we opened our own space in Sydenham, South East London at the Dragonfly Yoga Studio. In this short time we've already established a strong and diverse community. To me, our cafe is more than just a cafe. It's a safe space for people to come and be themselves. 

We host regular support groups that bring vulnerable people together who experiencing similar issues that are hard to talk about. 

We're a space for creatives to project there work to the local community. From live music, poetry,  to art exhibitions. Our ethos is to bring as many people together as possible.

At our heart is Leo x Friends.  A poetry and live music event, where on one night a month we harness everything that Leo stands for: the power of vulnerability and connection, and celebrating and appreciating each other. This is a night where truly everyone is welcome: whether you've come to read your poetry aloud for the first time, you're an up and coming artist, or someone simply seeking human connection, you won't find a warmer crowd. There's no snobbery or cliques here. And great vegan food - we mustn't forget the food! 

Nothing should be unspoken.

I’d love to know if Adam can see us what his legacy has created.

THE VISION 

Our vision is to make Leo everything it can be. Hosting workshops and talk groups daily, supporting charities and communities that need a space to thrive. 

We've built the foundations and already created the community. I have the commitment, drive and knowledge to make this happen. To achieve our vision, we just we need financial support.

HOW WE WOULD USE THE MONEY

We would use the money to support and hire more staff, improve our cooking facilities, support local up and coming musicians and poets, create more talking groups, and provide work opportunities and apprenticeships for disadvantaged and marginalised groups.