The Dialogue Express Cafe is more than just a spot for your morning coffee – it is a social enterprise staffed entirely by Deaf and hard-of-hearing baristas.
“The idea came from a very simple truth: the only way to truly understand one another is through encounter,” says its founder Hakan Elbir. Customers are encouraged to order in British Sign Language – with instructions available in short videos.
“Too often, deaf and hard-of-hearing communities are left out of everyday social life – not because people don’t care, but because there is a gap in communication and confidence,” says Hakan, who started the cafe as part of Dialogue Hub, a local organisation dedicated to increasing visibility, opportunity, and inclusion for the deaf community.
“We wanted to change that by creating a space where people could meet naturally, without labels or barriers, and where something as ordinary as ordering a cup of coffee could become an act of connection,” he says.
“For many visitors, the cafe is their first encounter with British Sign Language – and that moment of discovery often stays with them, shifting how they think about communication and accessibility.
“For our Deaf team, this isn’t just a job; it’s a space where their identity and skills are recognised and celebrated. And for the broader community, it opens up a conversation about what true inclusivity can look like. In its own quiet way, every interaction at the cafe challenges assumptions, builds empathy, and proves that inclusion can be lived – not just talked about,” he adds.
The cafe is situated in a repurposed train carriage at Carpenters Estate in Stratford, East London, and is part of the resident-led regeneration of the area.
Whether you're grabbing a coffee, learning a few signs, or simply enjoying the space, every visit to Dialogue Express is a step toward greater understanding and inclusion – one cup at a time.
For more information, visit the Dialogue Express Cafe website.
