How a cosy Telegraph Hill café became the life and soul of the community

The Hill Station Café is a local institution, a community hub where friendships are forged, art is celebrated, and diverse groups come together. From humble beginnings with a small trailer to now operating as a vibrant café, bar, and cultural space, this community interest company has grown into one of the area’s most beloved spots. The entrance to the cafe (Image: Poppy Huggett) Jacqui Skimidzu, the café’s owner, has been at the helm since 2013.

She told the News Shopper: “I started with a little trailer, like a burger van, in the bottom part of the park. “But I was always involved in the community, and I knew there was a business here. “It was tough at first, though.



“We weren’t making any money, so I had to subsidise myself while trying to make it work. But I always knew it would get there.” The café’s location was once an unused undercroft - a space that had fallen into disrepair.

But with a little vision and plenty of hard work, Jacqui and a group of locals turned it into the thriving space it is today. Designated seating area with local art scattered on the walls (Image: Poppy Huggett) “We worked with the church to get it developed, did some community consultation, and they all said they wanted a café. We then went out for tender, and I won it,” Jackie said.

Today, The Hill Station is a community interest company with a focus on inclusivity. The café employs a workforce where 30 per cent of staff have special educational needs (SEN), and it’s a women-led business. Jacqui is also passionate about supporting local creators, with a small arts and crafts shop inside the café that showcases products made within a two-mile radius.

Hill Station is a safe space for the comunity (Image: Poppy Huggett) “We’ve got about 50 volunteers selling their products here, and we host revolving art exhibitions every two months”, Jacqui added. In the evenings, the café transforms into a bar, offering a selection of craft beers from local breweries like Deptford’s Villagers and Croydon’s Signals. Jacqui is particularly excited about the role the café plays in supporting local talent.

The Hill Trader is located inside the cafe (Image: Poppy Huggett) Jacqui explained: “We give young DJs the chance to perform. “We’ve done so much with the local community, and we’ve had events like silent discos, Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations, and even plays by local playwrights.” Despite the challenges of the last few years, the café has thrived.

Jacqui continued: “We’ve seen a good growth this year, which is impressive given the climate. “A lot of businesses are struggling right now, but we’re doing well.” The café has built a loyal customer base, many of whom pop in regularly to work, meet friends, or just enjoy the welcoming atmosphere.

“We do an amazing meal deal — any sandwich or panini with coffee for just a pound. People love it,” Jackie said. The current menu available (Image: Poppy Huggett) The café's success has been especially remarkable given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the country went into lockdown, The Hill Station quickly pivoted to meet the needs of the local community. Jacqui and her team started a food initiative called Feed the Hill, ensuring that those isolating or struggling with food insecurity could access meals and treats. She explained: “During COVID, this space became a food-neutral group.

“My staff baked cakes to put in care baskets for delivery.” They also partner with local businesses to offer a broader range of services, such as their neighbour, Dinner for 100, known for its top-notch pizza. Dinner for one hundred is located outside the cafe (Image: Poppy Huggett) “We worked with a small pizza business that started in their mum’s front garden,” Jacqui added.

“They began renting space here, and it turned into a successful collaboration. “The pandemic gave me a chance to step back and look at the bigger picture.” Dave, a member of the team, has worked at The Hill Station for a year and appreciates the positive and supportive atmosphere.

He told the News Shopper: “It’s really nice here. Even when things get busy, the environment and the people make it enjoyable. “The customers are regulars, and everyone has a story to tell.

“It’s more than just a job — it feels like a community.” Dave (pictured on the far left) with the team (Image: Poppy Huggett) The café has also become a key part of the local events scene, with regular collaborations and events that bring the community together. “We’ve been involved in the Telegraph Hill Festival and the film festivals, and we work closely with the church,” Dave explains.

“There’s always something happening here, and it feels really special to be part of that.” Jacqui added: “Telegraph Hill is such a special place. “We’ve built something here that really resonates with people, and it’s amazing to see how it’s grown.

“It’s an isolated space, but The Hill Station works for so many different things.”.