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From coffee to community: how Arts Piazza café refurbishment is driving positive social impact
By: Maria Andreou
Last updated: Monday, 13 January 2025
Revamped design driven by social responsibility
Arts Piazza café unveiled a fresh new look today, inspired by our new coffee partner, Social Impact Coffee – a specialty roastery blending exceptional taste with meaningful change.
Social Impact Coffee’s mission is simple: every cup should do good. Their model ensures 65% of the revenue from the coffee beans we purchase goes directly to support a local cause of our choice. Their beans are sourced through a directly traded model, ensuring farmers are paid above fairtrade prices, while supporting sustainable and regenerative farming practices. In their own words, “We roast beans, not the planet”.
With this in mind, Sussex Uni Food has helped transform the café into a more relaxing and contemporary space. The café now features warm wooden panelling, sleek black accents and copper pendant lights. The main area is utilised to share information about Social Impact Coffee’s sustainability mission, which supports the University’s net zero ambition.
Mark Lawrence, Sussex Uni Food Contract Director, said: “We are excited to offer Social Impact Coffee at our Arts Piazza café. This partnership aligns perfectly with our University's values of sustainability and social responsibility. We believe that students and staff will truly appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while supporting worthy causes on their doorstep.”
Adrian Evans, Social Impact Coffee Co-founder, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the University to bring Social Impact Coffee to their vibrant campus community. This partnership allows us to not only offer a superior coffee experience, but also support important causes within the Sussex community, which is so important.”
Free doughnuts and coffee discounts on us
The redesign comes with an exciting new menu item – Donut Worry Be Happy doughnuts are now available in the outlet, with a wide range of flavours guaranteed to help with those mid-afternoon slumps.
To celebrate the relaunch, we’re giving away free doughnut samples today, Monday 13 January, don’t miss out! PLUS – for the whole week – we’re offering 50% off hot drinks (discount available until budget limit is reached) to anyone who brings their own cup, or uses one from our returnable cup scheme, now available to purchase in the café.
Witness the change for yourself
Arts Piazza is now more than just a place to grab a coffee, it’s a hub for sustainability, social impact and community connection.
Visit the café today to see the transformation for yourself and enjoy doughnuts and a drink knowing that every coffee you buy contributes to a better world.