WE ALL KNOW it’s good to talk and Solihull town centre coffee shops are encouraging a natter by bringing people together through the national Chatty Cafe scheme.
The Chatty Cafe scheme has a simple idea: venues pay a one-off £10 sign-up fee and designate a ‘Chatter and Natter’ table where people can sit if they’re happy to talk to each other.
The goal is for every cafe, coffee shop and community venue in the region to have a ‘Chatter and Natter’ table, and for local neighbourhoods to be at the heart of creating a less lonely, chattier region.
Solihull BID, the Business Improvement District for town centre retailers, restaurants, cafes and office-based companies, is backing the Chatty Cafe scheme in partnership with the office of the Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street.
The BID and Mr Street launched the scheme at Paramo Lounge on the High Street, where customers introduced themselves to each other and businesses pledged to take part.
Mayor Andy Street said: “I’m backing the Chatty Cafe scheme as I think it’s a fantastic way to help people connect with each other in the places that matter to them.
“Our local high street businesses have a really important role to play in helping to create friendly, chatty places, and I am sure the scheme will be a huge success in Solihull.”
Melanie Palmer, CEO, Solihull BID, added: “We’re proud to be part of the Mayor of the West Midlands’ Chatty Cafe Campaign. Whether you’re on your own or with others, a friendly chat with someone new could make all the difference.”
Solihull cafés taking part in the scheme include: Encore Cafe; Paramo Lounge; A Place to Eat in John Lewis; Boston Tea Party; The Beech House; Tap and Tandoor; the Crowne Plaza Solihull, with many more looking to sign up to the scheme.
