Recently I wrote about Ngopi in Auckland, a Malaysian cafe that donates its profits to charity. In Wellington there is an espresso bar in a container on lower Cuba Street called Stories. Stories Espresso Bar was set up by youth organisation Zeal to provide employment and work experience for young baristas.

Stories Espresso Bar, 40A Cuba Street

Zeal run barista courses, but the young people who completed the training often found it difficult to get a job and gain experience. This is where Stories Espresso Bar steps in, young people get work experience under the tutelage of an experienced barista, and customers get a good cup of coffee. A small selection of food is also sold like salted caramel cookies, and lemon sour cakes. There is one table in the container that’s built for sharing and a few stools outside.

A symbol of a happy customer

As a social enterprise all profits that Stories Espresso make go back to Zeal Education Trust so it’s a venture well worth supporting. Call in to the container for a cup of coffee at 40A lower Cuba Street opposite Rockshop. If you’re interested in finding out more about Zeal and Stories Espresso, National Radio adds to the story.