Guides
Clumsy Sip: A New Coffee Shop in Lebanon Built Around Accessibility
Accessible spaces remain few and far between in Lebanon, and often times. Steps at the entrance, narrow doorways, or spaces that overlook different accessibility needs often exclude many people from something as simple as grabbing a coffee. This is why we’re putting Clumsy Sip on your radar.
The coffee shop was founded by Charbel Gemayel, who lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a rare neurological condition that affects the peripheral nerves and can impact balance, mobility, and muscle strength. After years of unexplained symptoms and multiple diagnoses, he decided to transform his experience into something positive.
Instead of letting his disability define him, Gemayel made accessibility and inclusion the driving force behind his work. What started with Socking Clumsy, a social initiative that raised awareness for CMT, has now evolved into Clumsy Sip, a coffee shop designed to be welcoming and accessible to everyone.
More about the coffee shop
Located in Naccache next to Saigon, their mission extends far beyond serving coffee. The space highlights conversations around accessibility and shines a light on projects working to make Lebanon more inclusive for people with mobility challenges.
You can also take part in the café’s mission through an interactive initiative. For only $5, you can create your own sock design and submit it for a chance to have it produced. Proceeds will go to supporting efforts towards accessibility and inclusion in Lebanon.
Unfortunately, Lebanon does not cater well to individuals with conditions affecting their mobility. Everyday tasks, whether meeting a friend for coffee, spending time in a public space, or visiting a government office to complete paperwork, can become frustrating challenges due to the lack of accessible infrastructure. For many, barriers begin long before they reach their destination.
If you’d like to support Clumsy Sip, they’re organizing “A Clumsy Walk for Accessibility”, a symbolic community walk to raise awareness about accessibility and inclusion. The walk starts at 9:00 AM on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Clumsy Sip in Naccache. Every step is a reminder that creating a more inclusive city is a shared responsibility.
For more information, make sure to follow them on Instagram! For the exact location in Naccache, click here.
