Our Cafe

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Much A-Brew About Nothing is a new community coffee shop, run by The Complete Works Charity. Nestled just off Brick Lane, it’s a warm and welcoming space - a haven from the bustle of city life, where you can pause, connect with neighbours, and enjoy exceptional coffee and scrumptious bites.

At Much A-Brew, we conduct our Supported Internship and work experience programmes, as well as student-led creative events. Every brew directly supports our work with young people, helping them gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to shape their futures.

 
 

Why a Cafe?

We are always looking for new ways to broaden the educational experience of our students. Over the years, we have enriched our curriculum, strengthened our pastoral support, developed a sector-leading teacher training programme, and used creativity to bring every subject to life.

The next step in our journey is to offer real-world work experience and a supported internship programme that bridges the gap between the highly bespoke, nurturing education students receive here and the more unpredictable world of work. That’s where Much A-Brew comes in.

Young people from The Complete Works are part of the team running the cafe. With guidance from experienced mentors, they learn what it takes to operate a real business - from customer service and food safety to event planning and teamwork. This is real world, practical learning that will serve them far beyond the classroom. By working alongside our team in the café, students gain confidence, employability skills, and a sense of achievement that prepares them for their future.

The name Much A-Brew About Nothing is a nod to our Shakespearean roots and a playful reminder that sometimes, we all need to pause, share a brew, and have a natter about nothing much at all.

Our Supported Internship

Led by industry professionals and supported by specialist SEN teachers, our internship programme offers practical experience in a safe, creative, and inclusive environment.

The programme includes:

One day per week in the café, gaining hands-on experience in catering, customer service, and events, with the opportunity to achieve an industry-standard Food Hygiene qualification.

One day per week in the classroom, studying Maths and English up to GCSE level, alongside Life Skills sessions taught in small groups at a TCW Learning Hub.

Weekly careers coaching, with one hour of personalised support focused on CV writing, interview preparation, and planning future employment pathways.

Throughout the programme, students work towards a BTEC Level 1 in Hospitality & Tourism.