Sixth Form students at The Ursuline Academy Ilford have been tempted by the treats on offer at their new café courtesy of Union House Coffee Company. The café that officially opened on the 20th of February has proven to already be a hit with students, occupying a sizable room previously home to the relatively hushed Sixth Form computer study room.
The completion of the café has been highly anticipated following the disruptive remodeling of the space which left many students displaced and seeking a comfortable place for independent study in the week leading up to the opening. The build-up towards the unveiling was also chronicled in Issue 17 of the Ursuline ‘Weekly News’ released on February 3rd. The small feature debuted a list of snacks that would be sold in the café including ‘a selection of teas, coffees, hot chocolate, sandwiches, rolls, hot paninis, filled jacket potatoes, salads, fruit and snacks’. The list was featured along with an eager reminder to ‘Watch this space!’
Following the recent opening of the café, positive reactions have been vocalised while the hot beverages in particular have been the subject of much praise, with sixth former Mahnoor Rafi saying, “I had a hot chocolate in psychology and it was so nice, I was much happier in the lesson”. The cocoa also proved to be a hit with a number of other students including Amani Khan who rather enthusiastically insisted, “The hot chocolate with a shot of caramel changed my life”. Teachers and students alike unanimously agree that the welcomed presence of hot compilations of caffeine and sugar in class has contributed to the more engaged and attentive attitude displayed by students during lessons. Teacher, Miss O’Conner humorously claimed, ”It’s all that caffeine and sugar” in response to the notable liveliness of her Year 12 History class.
One week into their run, Union House Coffee Company have experienced an undoubtedly positive reaction to their debut. It seems as though the only potential obstacle on the horizon is whether it can keep up with the pace of the passing and stand the test of time once the initial excitement dies down.
Serena Roberts Lawson
