Santacruz’s neighbourhood café, Journal, has become known for its thoughtful community experiences that go beyond coffee from vinyl brunches and creative workshops to matcha ceremonies and slow afternoons that celebrate art, connection, and community. On 23rd November, the café invites guests to rediscover the lost art of letter-writing with Letters and Lattes, an intimate afternoon dedicated to handwritten expression, reflection, and conversation.
“At Journal, we’re always looking for ways to bring people together around simple, meaningful experiences. Our events have always been about creating small pauses in a fast-paced city. Letter-writing felt like a natural extension of that, it slows you down and reminds you of the joy of connecting with intention.” says Ateet Singh, co-founder of Journal
The event will be hosted by Shrutee Choudhary, the founder of Letters from a Better Place. Choudhary was also named Poet of the Year 2024 and Midday India’s Woman of the Year 2018 for her work. Author of A Garage Sale of Lovelorn Things, Shrutee brings her literary prowess to the gathering, guiding guests through a series of gentle, reflective exercises that make letter-writing feel both personal and communal.
“Letters have a way of revealing what we don’t always say out loud. When you write a letter, you’re not just talking to someone else, you’re also listening to yourself. That’s the kind of reflection I hope people take away from this evening.” says Shrutee Choudhary
Guests arrive and settle in with their choice of a cappuccino or a cold coffee, along with curated letter kits. The event begins with a short introduction by Shrutee, setting an intention for stillness and reflection. Each guest then fills out a short “Needs & Offers” card sharing what they hope to give and what they might need to hear from their pen pal. Participants are then paired through a name draw or guided by a set of poetic cards that mention phrases. Each guest is matched with someone whose card complements theirs, creating thoughtful, unexpected connections.
Once paired, guests exchange letters and write freely using their kits, drawing inspiration from light writing prompts placed on each table. Towards the end, participants are invited (voluntarily) to share excerpts or reflections before exchanging their letters. To close the experience, everyone writes a short letter to their future self, which will be mailed to them a month later, a gentle reminder of what they felt, learned, or promised themselves that day.
As guests write and reflect, they can also order from Journal’s menu featuring the Mocha Crunch Overnight Oat Jar, Katsu Sandos, Asian Salads, and slow-sipped brews like the Woody Spiced Coffee, earthy Hojicha, and bright Jamun Coffee Tonic, each adding its own warmth to the evening.
Letters and Lattes continues Journal’s journey of creating spaces that bring people together through simple, heartfelt rituals. It’s a pause, a way to reconnect with oneself and with others, one letter at a time.
Date: Sunday, 23rd November 2025
Time: 11:00 am to 2:00pm
Venue: Journal, 396-3, North Ave, Potohar Nagar, Santacruz (West), Mumbai.
Fee: Rs 999 (inclusive of materials and a beverage)
Register:
https://www.district.in/
Event Image Credits: Shrutee Choudhary
