Connor Doyle, a 33-year-old father of two from Walton, has turned his dream into reality with the Social Cup coffee van, now semi-permanently moored on Otterspool Promenade. The van debuted as a festival pop-up in May and has since appeared at several events across Merseyside. Doyle aims to create a safe, welcoming space where people can connect and speak openly, with the goal that customers leave 'feeling better than when they arrived.'
From Dark Times to a Dream Realized
Just a few years ago, Doyle was parking outside St Bride's Church to attend sessions at James' Place, a men's suicide prevention charity, during what he describes as one of the darkest periods of his life. Today, he runs the Social Cup with his partner, serving specialty coffee and locally-sourced bakes from Butterholic, Fudgemental, Delicious Dates, and Cookie Bros. The van also prints uplifting messages on coffee cups to brighten customers' days.
Mental Health Advocacy Through Coffee
Doyle uses his social media platform to advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his own journey to encourage others to open up. He said: 'I've seen it happening already. People come down and share their story with me because I'm so open about mine, and they'll thank me for sharing it. If I talk about my journey, it might make it easier for someone else to share theirs.' One recent customer told Doyle they had been struggling to leave the house but felt compelled to visit after seeing his story online. Doyle called this 'the first real glimmer that what we're doing is actually working.'
Community and Collaboration
Doyle has maintained a strong relationship with James' Place, acting as an ambassador and attending the opening of the charity's new Birmingham centre alongside Prince William, where he discussed the Social Cup concept. He has also teamed up with positive psychology expert Liz Folan, who leads a daily dance challenge along Liverpool's waterfront to promote mental wellbeing. Doyle said: 'We're all there to lend an ear and be friendly. If people leave the van feeling even a little bit better than when they arrived because of something as simple as that, then that's what it's all about.'
The Social Cup can regularly be found at Riverside Drive, Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool L3 4AZ. Times and dates vary, with updates on Instagram @thesocialcupcoffee.
