The Carpenters Dialogue Express Cafe is now open—an inclusive train carriage cafe in Stratford promoting BSL, community, and opportunity for all.
- Carpenters Dialogue Express Cafe has opened on the Carpenters Estate in Stratford, creating a unique, inclusive space for all where customers can experience ordering in British Sign Language (BSL).
- Managed by Dialogue Hub, a Newham-based social enterprise, the cafe is designed to increase opportunity and visibility for deaf (d/Deaf*) and hard of hearing communities.
- The cafe is in a converted train carriage that now features indoor seating, a raised deck, and a resident-led community garden.
- Located at the foot of Dennison Point and a minute from Stratford Station’s new Gibbins Road entrance, the cafe is accessible and open to all.
- Part of the wider regeneration of the Carpenters Estate, this project delivers on the promise of Opportunity Newham – creating tangible change through inclusive, community-driven development.
On Saturday 5 July the Carpenters Dialogue Express Cafe officially opened its doors as a new type of community hub – one that places inclusion, creativity and local opportunity at its core. Located on the Carpenters Estate, just a few steps from the new Gibbins Road exit to Stratford Station, the cafe transforms a retired 1970s Mark 2 train carriage into a vibrant social space that invites everyone to connect, learn and thrive.
The cafe has been brought to life by Populo Living and Newham Council, with architect’s Jan Kattein and refurbishment works by Sullivan Brothers. The train carriage’s journey from museum exhibit to community asset is a story of transformation – both physical and social. It is one of several meanwhile projects activating the Carpenters Estate as part of Newham’s vision for its wider regeneration, providing 50% affordable homes to support local people.
The Carpenters Dialogue Express Cafe delivers community benefits from the start, while laying the foundations for long-term inclusive growth. As such, it directly supports Opportunity Newham’s mission to deliver visible, practical improvements in every neighbourhood.
Operated by Dialogue Hub, a local social enterprise, the cafe provides skills, training and employment for d/Deaf and hard of hearing residents – embedding social value into every cup served. Visitors are encouraged to order in British Sign Language (BSL), making communication and inclusion part of the everyday experience. This innovative approach helps foster greater awareness, understanding and respect between deaf and hearing communities.
Behind the cafe, a new resident-tended garden offers a peaceful green retreat away from the bustle of Stratford. Managed by a Carpenters Estate resident with a passion for community gardening, the space features edible herbs, seating and raised beds. It supports mental wellbeing, local food growing, and neighbourly connections – creating opportunities to engage, relax and grow together.
The cafe is more than just a place to grab a coffee – it’s a living example of what Opportunity Newham is all about: unlocking potential, building community wealth, and ensuring that no matter your postcode, background or ability, you have access to real opportunities, right where you live. Alongside other projects like new play areas and an outdoor Steel Warriors gym, the cafe shows how inclusive regeneration is already delivering results that people can see and feel.
As Newham continues to grow, this is regeneration done differently – designed with, by and for local people, with inclusion and impact at its heart, starting from Newham’s ambition for a more equitable society. It ensures that everyone can share in the growth of the borough and that no one is left behind.
Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham, said: “It’s great to see the Dialogue Express Cafe breathe new life into the Carpenters, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all. This vibrant community hub will not only serve residents of the estate but also invite people from across Newham to connect, collaborate, and enjoy. It’s a fantastic example of our plan for inclusive regeneration in action – further unlocking opportunities for all, strengthening community ties, and ensuring everyone can share in the borough’s growth.”
Nick Clough, Carpenters Project Director at Populo Living, said: “The Carpenters Dialogue Express Cafe is a welcome new community get-together space on the Carpenters Estate, creating a hub for existing residents and the wider local community.
“As part of the co-designed Masterplan residents said they’d love to see new community and green spaces, and wanted to see change as soon as possible, which is why the delivery of these meanwhile projects in the community is so important for the estate.”
Hakan Elbir, Founder and CEO of Dialogue Hub, said: “We believe authentic experiences can spark real impact. Dialogue Express is about bringing people together – across language, background, and ability – over something as simple as coffee.”
Find the Carpenters Dialogue Express Cafe behind Dennison Point on Gibbons Road, 1 minute from the new Stratford Station exit.
*d/Deaf reflects both hearing loss and cultural identity. ‘d’ refers to the condition of hearing loss, but not everyone uses sign language, while ‘D’ refers to cultural identity – those who use sign, are born deaf or grow up in the community.
Address 96 Gibbins Road, London E15 2HU
Opening times Monday-Friday 07.00-18.00, Saturday-Sunday 08.00-17.00
