Meet the Café Directors

Behind Jawbone @ Bean on the Green

When you step through the doors of Bean on the Green, you are entering a space where great coffee, community warmth, and creative culture sit comfortably at the same table. Located on historic Fordington Green, our café is shaped by a team of four directors who bring diverse backgrounds in publishing, performance, social advocacy, and wellness together under one roof.

While our front-of-house crew keeps the espresso flowing and the tables buzzing, the directing team guides the creative vision, cultural programming, and community connections that make this space a true neighbourhood haven. Meet the directors behind the counter and community life at Bean on the Green.

Megan Simson

Café Operations & Creative Programming

Megan is at the heart of the warmth, character, and day-to-day rhythm of Bean on the Green. Bringing a background in creative production, storytelling, and community care, Megan curates the café’s welcoming atmosphere, aesthetic, and wholesome food offerings—championing thoughtful, plant-forward bakes and nourishing seasonal menus.

Beyond the counter, Megan curates our live café programming, from spoken word salons and The Loom storytelling circles to intimate poetry readings by the window. Whether she’s steaming oat milk, sourcing vintage studio pottery for our tables, or setting the room for an evening gathering, Megan’s focus is making sure every guest feels immediately at ease.

“A café should be more than a place to buy a drink—it’s an anchor. We want Bean on the Green to be a warm haven where you can pause with a journal, share a pot of tea with a friend, and feel part of something kind.”

Peter Roe

Café Host & In-House Publisher

A poet, performer, and Grand Bard of Dorchester, Peter brings the literary heartbeat of Jawbone right into the café seating area. Peter helps bring our identity as a "word café" to life, stocking the shelves with independent collections, chatting with regulars about regional history, and keeping the café connected to Dorchester’s rich literary heritage.

Peter also oversees our publishing corner and workshop table, bridging the gap between local writers working on laptops over an espresso and the wider world of The Jawbone Journal. You’ll often find him greeting guests, sharing stories, and hosting our spoken word evenings.

“How many cafés can say they have an active indie publisher right in their corner? We love that someone can drop by for a flat white and leave with an armful of local poetry or the courage to join an open mic.”

Izzy Darkwood

Atmosphere & Creative Workshops

Izzy is a long-standing writer and developmental editor with a deep love for story, folklore, and the whimsical edges of everyday life. Her own writing moves across fairy tale reimaginings, speculative fiction, and poetry. Within Jawbone, Izzy helps steer our editorial vision and creative projects, always keeping the focus on genuine craft, playfulness, and encouraging regional writers to trust their own creative voice.

Her approach blends sensory calm with creative play, ensuring the café is just as comfortable for quiet reading and solitary writing as it is for lively community events.

“We’ve designed Bean on the Green to be a breathing space somewhere you can unplug, surround yourself with good words and quiet inspiration, and simply settle in.”