Key Points
- The Chatty Cafe Scheme, founded in 2016 by Alex Hoskyn, operates in roughly 700 UK venues, including dozens in London, to combat loneliness through ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables in cafes and pubs.
- In Morden, South London, the scheme has proved a hit amid reports that nearly 10% of Londoners experience severe loneliness.
- Abi Murray, operations manager and Alex Hoskyn’s sister, attributes rising loneliness to more people working from home and technology advancements.
- Venues join for £30 a year, receiving posters and signage; they designate one or two tables for one hour weekly, with volunteers ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- At Potting Shed Cafe in Morden Hall Park, volunteer Sally Bishop hosts a Tuesday morning session (11am-12pm), noting a regular group of about 10, sometimes busier, with at least 15 on one visit.
- Bishop clarifies volunteer boundaries: suggesting services if asked, but no physical help or buying coffee.
- Morden Hall Park, owned by the National Trust, joined in early 2025; Bishop was already a park volunteer.
- Food and beverage manager Ralph Richer nominated the cafe for community and business benefits, especially a Tuesday boost, emphasising cafes as modern ‘third spaces’ replacing pubs.
Morden, South London (South London News) January 28, 2026 – The Chatty Cafe Scheme is fostering community bonds and combating loneliness in South London, with the Potting Shed Cafe in Morden Hall Park emerging as a bustling hub amid reports that nearly 10% of Londoners suffer severe isolation.
What is the Chatty Cafe Scheme?
The Chatty Cafe Scheme combats loneliness by encouraging conversations in social spaces. Founded in 2016 by Alex Hoskyn during her maternity leave, it identifies a gap where many sat alone in cafes, lacking targeted anti-loneliness services.
Any social space, such as cafes or pubs, can join for £30 annually. In return, venues get posters and signage marking ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables, guiding visitors who learn of it via word of mouth or online.
Typically, venues allocate one or two tables for one hour weekly. Volunteers facilitate, ensuring comfort without overstepping roles.
Now spanning roughly 700 UK venues, including dozens in London, the scheme thrives on volunteers and participants.
Who Founded the Chatty Cafe Scheme and Why?
Alex Hoskyn conceived the idea on maternity leave, observing isolated individuals in cafes. She felt existing services overlooked loneliness, prompting the 2016 launch of ‘Chatter and Natter’ tables.
Hoskyn’s initiative addressed a void in community interaction spaces.
How Has the Scheme Grown in the UK?
From humble beginnings, the scheme now boasts about 700 Chatty Cafes nationwide. London hosts dozens, with Morden exemplifying success.
A thriving volunteer network and participant enthusiasm fuel expansion.
Why is Loneliness Rising in London?
Abi Murray, operations manager and Hoskyn’s sister, links it to post-pandemic shifts. As she stated:
“Maybe because more people have been working from home, and with all these advancements in technology, there’s actually more loneliness bubbling away underneath.”
Reports indicate nearly 10% of Londoners face severe loneliness, aligning with the scheme’s relevance in areas like Morden.
How Does the Scheme Operate at Potting Shed Cafe?
Sally Bishop, one of three volunteers, hosts the table at Potting Shed Cafe in Morden Hall Park every Tuesday from 11am to 12pm.
On a recent visit, at least 15 people gathered, making it the cafe’s busiest spot that day. Bishop noted:
“There is a regular group of about 10 who normally attend, but some weeks it’s much busier.”
Morden Hall Park, owned and managed by the National Trust, joined in early 2025. Bishop, retired and already a park volunteer, embraced the opportunity.
What Do Volunteers Do and Not Do?
Volunteers like Bishop ensure inclusivity. She explained:
“If people ask for help, we can suggest appropriate services, but we have clear boundaries as volunteers, so we’re not allowed to physically help anyone or buy participants a coffee or anything like that.”
This maintains focus on conversation while directing to professional aid.
Why Did Morden Hall Park Join the Scheme?
Ralph Richer, food and beverage manager, proposed it for dual benefits. He said it aids the community and boosts Tuesday mornings for business.
Richer reflected:
“The pub used to be that third space people went to socialise, but we’re not doing that anymore, so things like The Chatty Cafe are even more important.”
What Impact is the Scheme Having in Morden?
In Morden, the scheme draws steady crowds, with the Potting Shed Cafe seeing up to 15 attendees on peak days. It transforms quiet mornings into vibrant gatherings, directly tackling local loneliness.
The National Trust site’s involvement underscores institutional support.
How Can Venues Join the Chatty Cafe Scheme?
Social spaces sign up online for £30 yearly. They receive materials to designate tables, schedule sessions, and recruit volunteers.
Word of mouth and online promotion draw participants, ensuring visibility.
Who are the Key Figures Behind the Scheme?
Alex Hoskyn founded it in 2016. Abi Murray manages operations, voicing concerns on modern isolation.
Locally, Sally Bishop volunteers at Potting Shed, while Ralph Richer drives venue participation.
What Makes the Scheme Successful?
Volunteers’ warmth, clear signage, and low cost enable scalability. Structured yet flexible sessions suit busy lives.
In Morden, consistent attendance proves demand for genuine interaction.
Are There Boundaries for Volunteers?
Yes, strictly. Bishop emphasised no physical aid or purchases, preserving volunteer roles and preventing overreach.
Suggestions for services stay within guidelines.
How Does Technology Contribute to Loneliness?
Murray highlighted remote work and tech as culprits. Despite connectivity, face-to-face chats diminish, bubbling isolation underneath.
The scheme counters this with intentional social hubs.
What Role Does the National Trust Play?
Morden Hall Park, National Trust-owned, integrated the scheme in early 2025. Existing volunteers like Bishop bridged to Chatty Cafe hosting.
It enhances park offerings, blending conservation with community.
Why is the Third Space Concept Vital?
Richer invoked pubs as past ‘third spaces’ beyond home and work. Cafes now fill this, vital as social habits evolve.
Chatty tables revive it purposefully.
Can Anyone Participate?
Yes, anyone spotting signage can join. No membership needed; volunteers welcome all for chats.
Morden’s 10-15 regulars show organic growth.
What is the Cost and Sign-Up Process?
£30 yearly covers materials. Venues apply via the scheme’s site, gaining instant promotion tools.
How Often Do Sessions Run?
Usually one hour weekly, one or two tables. Potting Shed’s Tuesday 11am-12pm exemplifies.
What Evidence Shows Loneliness in London?
Nearly 10% severe cases reported, per official data, heightening schemes like this.
Who is Sally Bishop?
Retired National Trust volunteer at Morden Hall Park, one of three Chatty Cafe hosts.
Who is Ralph Richer?
Potting Shed’s food and beverage manager, who nominated the venue.
Who is Abi Murray?
Operations manager, Hoskyn’s sister, addressing root causes.
Who is Alex Hoskyn?
2016 founder, inspired by maternity leave observations.
Future Plans for the Scheme?
Not detailed, but 700 venues suggest ongoing expansion, volunteer reliance key.
Business Benefits Observed?
Richer notes Tuesday boosts, drawing crowds to quiet slots.
Community Feedback in Morden?
Busier weeks and 15-person gatherings indicate positivity.
