Dreams of Beans

If you are looking for more than just a coffee shop, but a true "heart of the community," then Dreams of Beans is the place to be. Located in the center of Peterborough, Canada, this establishment has long transcended the role of a regular cafe, becoming a vital hub for both locals and tourists.

Dreams of Beans operates as a social enterprise. What sets this place apart is its unique management approach: the owners introduced a fixed "living wage" of $25 per hour for staff and completely eliminated the tipping system. This creates a fair and stable atmosphere that every guest can feel.

Here, you can enjoy excellent coffee and masala tea while experiencing the spirit of a truly inclusive space. The cafe recently moved to a new building at the corner of Charlotte and George streets, allowing it to expand its food menu and transform from a cozy coffee house into a venue for evening gatherings with a dedicated bar menu.

For those planning a visit, below is the contact information to help you find Dreams of Beans in the city center.

The main reason people visit Dreams of Beans is for its atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. You can enjoy aromatic coffee, signature teas, and fresh pastries while watching city life through large windows. The cafe is renowned for its hospitality and delicious hot dishes, perfect for a hearty breakfast or lunch.

Special attention should be paid to the community events. The cafe often hosts interesting gatherings, such as the Repair Cafe, where people meet to fix items together and share skills. It’s a wonderful way to meet locals and experience the true spirit of the city.

The establishment offers an inclusive environment accessible to everyone. The owners have plans to open a furnished patio with a canopy for relaxing outdoors. In the evening, the cafe changes its character: you can order drinks from a pub menu and enjoy the company of friends in a cozy city bar setting.

Finding Dreams of Beans is very easy—it is located at 141 Charlotte St, right on the corner of the busy Charlotte and George streets. Situated in the heart of the business district, the cafe is easily accessible on foot while exploring the city center.

If you are using public transport, several major bus routes stop nearby. For those traveling by car, municipal parking is available in the surrounding blocks. Cycling is also an excellent option, as the area is bike-friendly and perfect for a leisurely ride.

The convenient location allows you to combine your cafe visit with exploring other downtown attractions. A taxi ride from major tourist spots takes only a few minutes, and modern navigation systems will lead you straight to the doors of this cozy spot.

The history of Dreams of Beans dates back to the 1990s. Originally located on Hunter Street West, it has become a true symbol of local culture over the decades. Interestingly, at one point, there was an attempt to rebrand the establishment, but the new owners insisted on returning to the original name to emphasize its authenticity and connection to the city.

A new chapter began in early 2024 when local activists Arinn Parkin and Andrew McGregor purchased the cafe, deciding to transform the popular spot into a full-fledged social enterprise. Their goal was to create a fair working environment, leading to the implementation of a "living wage" policy and the elimination of the tipping system.

In the summer of 2024, the establishment moved to a new, more spacious location at the corner of Charlotte and George streets. This move allowed for more guest space and initiated a transformation from a classic coffee shop into a multi-functional space that operates as a cozy pub in the evenings.

For a standard visit to Dreams of Beans—to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and try some fresh pastries—you will need about 30 to 90 minutes. It is an ideal spot for a break in a busy sightseeing schedule.

If you plan to attend one of the community events, such as the popular "Repair Cafe," you should budget about 2–3 hours. The evening hours also invite longer stays, especially as the venue transitions into its bar format.

The establishment is open daily, offering guests early breakfasts and cozy evenings. The standard operating hours are as follows:

• Monday — Wednesday: 07:00 – 17:00
• Thursday — Saturday: 07:00 – 18:00
• Sunday: 09:00 – 14:00

As Dreams of Beans frequently hosts special events and continues to develop its evening bar concept, hours may vary. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Visiting a downtown cafe is a great reason to explore the surrounding area. Within walking distance of Dreams of Beans, you will find historic buildings, parks, and unique engineering sites that offer a deeper look into the region.