Guide For The Coffee Confused

You won't be surprised to hear that we love International Coffee Day (ITC) at Cafe2U. An occasion designed to celebrate and promote the joys of our favourite drink, ITC was launched in Milan in 2015 by the International Coffee Organisation and has since become one of the most important days on the coffee-drinker's calendar.

How you celebrate is up to you but, let's be honest, it's definitely going to involve a few cups of the black stuff. But whether you prefer a standard latte, a sweet mocha or a punchy espresso, how much do you know about your coffee of choice? And how do you make it properly (ie according to baristas)? 

Let's find out…

How do you steam milk?

Before we start, one quick note: most of these recipes require steamed milk. To make it, you can either use a steamer wand, a French press or a coffee machine with a steamer attachment. If you don't have any of these, simply place the milk in a jar with a lid, shake until frothy then microwave uncovered for 30 seconds.

Espresso

Ah, the espresso. Where would we be without you? 

As the base for several other coffee drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos, the espresso is the most versatile coffee in the world and is the most common type of coffee in southern Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain and much of France.

Espressos are made by forcing nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans, a technique that was perfected by Angelo Moriondo in Italy in 1884, when he developed the world's first coffee machine that controlled the supply of steam and water separately through the coffee.

Today, many coffee lovers have their own espresso machines at home, meaning making an espresso has never been simpler - just pop a pod in your machine and let it do all the work for you. For those without an espresso machine, instant espresso is also readily available; just combine a teaspoon of the coffee with ¼ cup of hot water, stir and enjoy. 

Latte

The UK's favourite coffee is a straightforward combination of espresso coffee and steamed milk, with the term 'latte' coming from the Italian 'caffè latte', which literally means 'coffee and milk'. Estimates suggest Europeans began mixing coffee and milk in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the latter part of the 19th century that the drink started to become a worldwide sensation.

To make a coffee shop-quality latte at home, make around 35ml of espresso and pour it into a cup. Next, steam 250ml of milk until it has 2-3cm of foam on top and pour it steadily on top of the coffee so the steamed milk lies on the coffee with the foamed milk on top of that.

Cappuccino

Another staple of the coffee world and one of the most frequently ordered, the cappuccino originated in Italy and was influenced by the Austrian 'Kapuziner', which was made with whipped cream and various spices. 

The drink spread to Italy in the early 20th century, where the recipe was altered and perfected, resulting in the cappuccino we know and love today, which comprises a shot of espresso with both steamed and foamed milk. Cappuccinos are essentially lattes with less steamed milk and more foam.

Making your own cappuccino at home is quick and easy. Simply heat a cup of milk in a saucepan over a medium heat until it bubbles but before it boils, then remove the pan from the heat and whip the milk with an electric whisk until it has 4-6cm of foam on top. Finally, make some espresso coffee, carefully pour the milk on top and enjoy!

Americano

A simple combination of an espresso and hot water, the Americano was born in Italy during World War II, when American G.I.s stationed there began mixing their espressos with hot water to dilute them to the strength to which they were accustomed back home. This is also the origin of the name, with 'Americano' literally meaning 'American'.

Making your own Americano couldn't be simpler - just make an espresso and top it up with hot water to taste (or add the water first and the coffee second if you're feeling adventurous).

Mocha

Also known as a mocaccino, the mocha is essentially a latte with added chocolate. Its name is derived from the city of Mocha in Yemen, which was the centre of the early coffee trade and home to the sought-after Moka coffee bean from which the first mochas were brewed.

Particularly popular around Christmas thanks to the sweetness of the chocolate, mochas can also be made at home and enjoyed all year round. To make your own, start by brewing 35ml of espresso and pour into a cup, then add a teaspoon of drinking chocolate and mix until smooth. Next, steam 250ml of milk until it has 4-6cm of foam on top and pour steadily into the cup.

Why not celebrate International Coffee Day with Cafe2U?

Making a coffee at home is one of life's great pleasures but nothing beats a hot cup made by an expertly trained barista. If you'd like a top-quality coffee delivered to your work or fancy picking one up while you're out and about, check out our Cafe2U location map here and find out where your nearest van is right now - whether it’s for ITC or any other time!

Cafe2U's Green Coffee Fortnight 2021

Now in its third year, Green Coffee Fortnight is an annual event designed by Cafe2U to raise awareness of environmentally-friendly practices in the coffee industry and encourage more people to adopt sustainable coffee drinking habits. This year's event will take place from Monday, September 27th, until Sunday, October 10th.

To celebrate, we're running down the new environmentally-friendly initiatives we're adopting at Cafe2U.

Compostable paper cups

You may have seen that we've already kicked off this year's celebrations by unveiling the world's first all electric coffee van, which will help reduce our CO2 emissions and carbon footprint. But that's not all - to help minimise our paper use, we're also launching a range of compostable paper cups.

Compostable cups are biodegradable, so they can be composted or recycled, reducing waste and ensuring fewer items are sent to landfill. And with people in the UK drinking approximately 95 million cups of coffee every day, we need to convince consumers to move away from single use cups as soon as possible.

Our new compostable cups are available from your local Cafe2U van now.

Reusable cup giveaway

Everybody likes something for nothing so, for the duration of Green Coffee Fortnight, we're giving our incredible reusable cups away free with certain purchases!

Please note this offer varies depending on your location so find your nearest Cafe2U van here and get in touch to find out how you can claim your reusable cup.

Coffee grounds recycling scheme

Throughout Green Coffee Fortnight, we're giving customers the opportunity to take our used coffee grounds away with them absolutely free.

Normally, used coffee grounds are thrown in the bin, where they end up as landfill or in an incinerator. However, neither option is good for the environment, which is why we want to let more people know that they can also be recycled, reducing harmful greenhouse gases and giving your latte a second life.

Used coffee grounds have a number of uses, including:

1. repelling insects. Simply put the used grounds in a bowl outside and burn them like incense. The grounds are very potent and will drive pests away in no time.

2. making a useful fertiliser. Sprinkling used grounds - which are packed with key nutrients - on the soil surrounding your plants will encourage them to grow quicker.

3. helping compost heaps. By adding some used grounds to your compost heap, you'll improve its structure and attract worms, which speed up the process by turning food scraps into compost.

4. eliminating smells. A handful of used coffee grounds in your fridge will absorb food odours and ensure your meals taste like they should.

5. cleaning your pans. A couple of spoonfuls of used coffee grounds are abrasive enough to clean the dirtiest of pans - just apply the grounds to a cloth and get scrubbing! Remember to check a small area of the pan first to make sure the grounds don't stain the surface.

Going paper free

Switching to compostable paper cups is just one part of our move towards becoming completely paper free by 2022. 

In addition to the paper cups, we're also:

• digitising all our files at head office

• switching from print to digital advertising, and

• doing away with the old loyalty card system in favour of a digital version accessible via the Cafe2U app.

We need your help!

Supporting our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint is easy - simply pick up a reusable or compostable cup next time you visit your local Cafe2U van and, if you could use some, take some of our used grounds away with you. You'll be helping us help the planet!

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Our Red Vans Are Going Green!

That's right - the nation's favourite mobile coffee company has become the first anywhere in the world to introduce an all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee van to its fleet of vehicles! Our new van launched earlier this week and can already be found serving customers.

Historically, our vans have been petrol powered with diesel generators powering the equipment. However, in 2019, we switched all the generators to emission-free lithium-ion batteries and are now in a position to begin moving away from petrol in favour of electric too. 

On the road to being the first carbon neutral coffee company

Our goal is to become the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company and to have an entire fleet of electric vans in the next few years - well ahead of the Government's ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, which doesn't come into effect until 2030. By changing the fleet to electric power, we estimate we'll save a whopping 12,672g of CO2 per year.

And that's not all. As well as boasting zero emissions, our new vehicle also features fewer moving parts and more effective brakes, meaning fewer replacement parts need manufacturing which reduces our greenhouse gas emissions further still.

To coincide with the unveiling of our first electric van, we've also launched a compostable paper cup to minimise our paper usage and our head office is currently in the process of digitising all its files ahead of a 2022 deadline to be completely paper-free. We've also switched from print to digital advertising and launched a new app to replace the old loyalty card system.

Our other existing sustainable practices

But doing everything possible to become more environmentally-friendly is nothing new for us - we've introduced several other sustainability initiatives in recent years, including the launch of a waste coffee grounds recycling scheme and replacing our plastic straws with paper alternatives.

Our Chief Executive, Martyn Ward, said: "Reducing our carbon footprint is absolutely vital to us and our customers so we're always on the lookout for new ways to become even more sustainable. We are delighted to be leading the way in the mobile coffee market with our new zero emissions coffee vans which are a world first.

"As well as being better for the environment, electric vehicles will enable our franchisees to access indoor events and emission-free zones, amplifying our pro-sustainability message even further. To be the world’s first is testament to the progressive nature of our brand and the hard work both our head office and franchisees put in each and every day."

Beat The Work Blues With Coffee

You can't put a price on waking up on a Monday morning and feeling good about going to work. For most people, work is part of daily life so being miserable between 9:00 and 5:00 every weekday is the last thing you want.

Luckily, in 2015, two women started Happy Office, a company that helps employers increase happiness in the workplace to benefit their employees and from that excellent idea came International Week of Happiness at Work - a week-long event designed to spread happiness among employees all over the world.

Taking place from September 20th-26th, your employer (or company) can sign up to take part here. Popular events include putting on happiness breakfasts at the start of the work day or arranging runs/walks to boost positivity.

Another stalwart of the working day is coffee, which famously gives drinkers an energy boost and makes them more alert. But can it also make you feel happier?

Coffee improves your mood

Yep, it's true - coffee has been scientifically proven to increase wellbeing and brighten your mood.

When you drink coffee, caffeine blocks the receptors in your body that cause tiredness, forcing it to release chemicals which improve your mood and make you feel happier. 

By stimulating the central nervous system, coffee can also act as an antidepressant. In a 2011 Havard study, people who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had a whopping 20% lower risk of suffering depression. Incredibly, two cups of coffee a day has also been shown to reduce the risk of suicide by 50%.

Coffee helps build work relationships

Everybody needs friends and, given the amount of time you spend with them, work friends are especially important.

Regular coffee breaks are the perfect opportunity to interact with your colleagues and form better relationships with them, which in turn helps create a happier work environment. Including newer members of staff in coffee break chats is a great way to help them settle in and feel more comfortable in their new role too.

Coffee is good for your body

Having a healthy, happy body is as important as having a positive mindset and coffee is among the best things you can ingest. 

Because coffee is high in antioxidants (substances that protect your cells), regularly drinking it can help reduce the risk of: 

• cancers

• suffering a stroke

• Parkinson's disease

• Type II diabetes

• Alzheimer's disease

• dementia 

Coffee has even been shown to reduce the risk of premature death by 25% compared to non-coffee drinkers. 

Furthermore, it is a popular performance enhancer among athletes because of its ability to help them exercise for longer by improving endurance and increasing muscular strength. It can also help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and increasing fat burning, while some studies also suggest caffeine could reduce your appetite and help you eat less. And if you're happy in yourself, you'll be happier at work.

Why not have great coffee delivered to your work?

Whatever you do this International Week of Happiness at Work, ensuring there is plenty of coffee to go around your employees and colleagues is an excellent way to kick things off. At Cafe2U, our mobile cafes are available to bring our top quality coffees to offices all over the UK and you can find your nearest one here.

The World's Biggest Coffee Morning 2021

Macmillan's Coffee Morning is one of the UK's most important and popular fundraising events, bringing people together to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while raising donations for the charity. With Coffee Morning 2021 taking place later this month, we want to show you how you can get involved.

When is Coffee Morning 2021?

This year, the event officially takes place on Friday September 24th but you can host your own event any time.

Why take part?

As a charity that relies almost entirely on donations, taking part helps raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, enabling it to continue providing care and support to people affected by cancer. This year, many cancer sufferers have reported feeling more anxious and scared as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, so there's never been a more important time to support the cause.

How do I take part?

Taking part is easy - simply sign up here on the official website and they'll send you a fundraising kit to ensure you have everything you need, including decorations, recipe ideas, a collection box and event posters.

Next, select a date and location for your coffee morning, invite your guests, and stock up on hot drinks and/or cakes to sell them. If you're hosting an event at work, remember to book a meeting room - or similar - that's big enough to allow social distancing to take place too; if you're uncomfortable in social situations right now, you could even host a virtual coffee morning with friends and family over Zoom.

Then, after the event, all you need to do is collect all your donations and send them to Macmillan.

Where does the money go?

Every penny goes to Macmillan to help them care for people with cancer. Your donations could pay for vital telephone services, cancer information booklets, mindfulness sessions for patients or to train a person affected by cancer to become a Cancer Support Course facilitator.

How Cafe2U can help

If you're hosting a large event or would just like a professional barista to make your guests' coffees, why not book one of our mobile cafés to come and handle the cappuccino-making duties for you?

Our baristas are trained to provide excellent customer service and to deliver the finest quality coffees, food, snacks and hot and cold drinks. You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Weird and Wonderful Coffee Stories

Coffee has been around for such a long time that almost everyone knows a little something about it - that it (probably) originated in Ethiopia, that it's the most traded commodity in the world apart from crude oil, that it keeps you alert and so on.

But with such a long history, you'd think everything there is to know about coffee would already be common knowledge.

Not so. The story of the world's most popular drink has more than its fair share of unusual chapters and we're going to take a look at some of them here.

People will go to great lengths to make the tastiest coffee

Typically, coffee is prepared by grinding coffee beans which then have hot water poured over them. Typically, but not always... 

One of the most expensive and sought after coffees in the world is Black Ivory Coffee from Thailand, which sells for as much as $1,100 per kilogram and $50 per cup in some establishments. But why is it so expensive? Because it's made from elephant dung, of course!

Yes, believe it or not, the coffee's incredible taste is the result of feeding coffee beans to elephants, then recovering them from the elephants' dung once they've been 'processed'. The elephants' digestive juices fermenting the berries is what gives the coffee its delicious taste and, we're not going to lie, we'd definitely try a cup. Probably best not to try this one at home though.

Fantastic filters

Until roughly 100 years ago, if you were lucky, your coffee filters were made of cloth; if you were unlucky, you made use of whatever was to hand, such as a sock. However, even if you could afford cloth filters, they had a tendency to over-brew the coffee and make it taste bitter, so a new solution was required.

Enter Melitta Benz, a German homemaker. Fed up with disappointing coffee, she took a page from her son's school book and filtered her morning brew through it. Delighted with the results, Melitta patented her invention and the paper coffee filter brewing system was born.

The Catholic church had to stop coffee being outlawed

It wasn't just alcoholic drinks that used to be prohibited - in the 16th century, coffee was banned in Europe.

The drink first reached European shores - Venice, Italy, to be precise - from Arabia. European travellers were already aware of coffee and described it as mysterious and intoxicating, which resulted in European Catholics, who were wary of the drink's perceived Muslim background, decrying it as 'the bitter invention of Satan' and having it outlawed.

Luckily, Pope Clement VIII was on hand to calm the situation down and decided to sample a cup for himself. On tasting it, he proclaimed that it was a Christian as well as a Muslim drink and that it would be a sin to let only pagans enjoy it. Following the Pope's approval, coffee began to spread across Europe and the rest, as they say, is history.

Top quality, convenient coffee

At Cafe2U, we love making coffee. And while you're welcome to sift through elephant poop to make coffee which needs to be filtered through a sock and/or risk being banned by the church, we think contacting your nearest Cafe2U mobile barista here and buying a coffee from them is much easier.

A Guide to Breakfast Bowls

As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, with approximately 89% of the UK enjoying it every morning, it's clear that the old adage is still as true as ever.

What has changed is what we're eating. Thanks to the rise of cafes serving healthy, vibrant breakfasts inspired by Australia and New Zealand, 'breakfast bowls' have become one of the most popular breakfast options, both outside the home and in our own kitchens.

Bursting with colour, breakfast bowls allow you to start your day with superfoods (nutrient-rich foods that benefit your health and wellbeing) such as kale, fresh fruit, berries, granola and quinoa. The idea is to deliver a meal that is both tasty and healthy, and that is quick to assemble. Here are some of our favourites for you to try at home.

Gluten free peanut butter and fruit quinoa

This delicious breakfast quinoa makes four servings of just 290 calories each that look amazing, taste even better and will keep you energised until lunchtime.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups of water

• 1 cup of quinoa

• ¼ cup of apple juice

• 3 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter

• 1 banana, chopped

• 1 small handful of strawberries or raspberries

• 4 teaspoons unsalted peanuts

Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to the boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, then cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, then stir in the apple juice and peanut butter until combined. Stir in the banana.

Next, divide the mixture among four bowls and top with some of the strawberries/raspberries and peanuts. And enjoy!

Tropical Smoothie Bowl

Bring some sunshine to your kitchen table with this sweet, tropical, vegan blend that's packed with vitamins and minerals.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 1 small mango, cut into chunks

• 200g pineapple, cut into chunks

• 2 bananas

• 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt (not coconut-flavoured yoghurt)

• 150ml coconut drinking milk

• 2 passion fruits

• handful of blueberries

• 2 tbsp coconut flakes

• mint leaves

Put the mango, pineapple, bananas, yogurt and coconut milk in a blender, then blitz until smooth. Pour into two bowls and top with the passion fruit, blueberries, coconut flakes and mint leaves just before serving.

Vanilla-almond chia breakfast bowl

This bowl combines seeds, nuts, fruit and oats for a fibre-packed meal that will keep you fuller for longer.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 50g jumbo porridge oats

• 200ml unsweetened almond milk 

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp low-fat natural yoghurt

• 25g chia seeds

• 150g of blueberries

• 25g flaked almonds

• clear honey

Mix the oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, yoghurt and chia seeds in a bowl and set aside for 20 minutes or until the oats have softened. Stir through half the blueberries, divide the mixture between 2 bowls and top with the remaining berries, almonds and honey (to taste).

Partner your bowl with the right coffee

Whichever breakfast bowl you decide to try, a cup of nutrient-packed coffee makes the perfect accompaniment and will help raise your energy levels further still. Find your favourite coffee at your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Summer Iced Coffee Recipes

When the sun comes out and the temperature soars, caffeine lovers often find themselves facing a conundrum - what should I drink when it's too hot for coffee?

The answer, of course, is iced coffee!

Cool, refreshing and delicious, iced coffee's popularity has grown steadily in recent years and the drink is now a summertime staple throughout the UK. It's also easy to make and tailor to your own tastes, so refill your ice tray and we'll explain how it's done.

Basic iced coffee

Iced coffee can either be poured hot over ice or served already chilled. If you're attempting the latter, start by making a cup of strong black coffee, then allow it to go completely cold. Pour it into a blender, add a quarter of a cup of milk, two handfuls of ice and syrup - if using - then blend until smooth and serve in a tall glass.

If you usually add sugar to your brew, remember it doesn't dissolve easily in cold liquids, so you'll need to add it to the coffee before it cools or swap it for a sugary syrup. And don't worry about it being too strong as the ice will dilute and weaken the coffee.

Coffee lemonade

If there's a drink that symbolises summer better than lemonade, we've yet to try it. Combining it with a hit of caffeine results in a refreshing drink you'll want to make every time the sun's out.

Making coffee lemonade couldn't be simpler. Just combine cold black coffee, ½ a cup of orange juice, ⅓ of a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ⅓ of a cup of honey and two handfuls of ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass half filled with more ice cubes and enjoy!

The sweet treat

When the first ingredient is ice cream, you know you're onto a winner!

Put a scoop of your favourite ice cream into a tall glass, cover it with cold black coffee, add another scoop of ice cream, then finish with a dash of sparkling water to make the whole thing fizz. 

For an even greater sugar fix, thread your favourite jelly or gummy sweets onto a toothpick and lay across the mouth of the glass.

Peanut butter iced coffee

Okay, peanut butter isn't traditionally associated with summer, but trust us, this rich, creamy recipe will quench your thirst and cool you down in no time.

To make, simply combine peanut butter, Nutella and cream in a saucepan, then heat gently while whisking until the mixture is melted and smooth. Leave it to cool in the fridge, then pour into a blender alongside the black coffee and ice and blitz until foamy. 

At Cafe2U, we love experimenting with new flavours and ingredients all year round. Find your nearest Cafe2U mobile barista for more details and be sure to ask about our summer range.

How To Make Your Own Afternoon Tea

The English may be world renowned for talking about the weather but if there's one thing we're better at than complaining about the rain, it's enjoying afternoon tea. 

Invented in the 1840s, afternoon tea was originally designed as a mini-meal between lunch and dinner and typically consisted of sandwiches, sweet pastries or cakes, scones with cream and jam and, of course, plenty of tea.

Today, afternoon tea is usually enjoyed as an occasional treat at a restaurant or hotel. But with Afternoon Tea Week upon us, we've decided this is the perfect opportunity to encourage more people to host their own afternoon tea parties at home. So prepare your cake slicer, dust off the best china and read on for our top afternoon tea tips, inspirations and recipes.

The essentials

Afternoon tea should be twee and quintessentially British, so you'll need the following:

• A tiered cake stand to display the food and serve as your table's centrepiece

• Folded napkins

• Chinaware: a teapot, tea cups, cutlery and the aforementioned cake slicer. If you don't already own any, check out your local charity shops, which are often overflowing with such items. And don't worry if they don't match - the more kitsch the better!

Decorations

Decorating your kitchen or dining room is entirely up to you but, when it comes to afternoon tea, why wouldn't you go all out? 

All you need to do is dress your table with a tablecloth, ideally one with spots, stripes or a floral pattern, then string up some bunting. Again, spots and stripes are a guaranteed winner here but feel free to experiment with your favourite designs and colours.

Drinks

Most guests will probably opt for English Breakfast tea but offer a large selection to ensure everyone's catered for. Earl Grey, camomile, chai, herbal, fruit and peppermint teas are all perennial favourites.

Make sure you have milk/s, sugar and teaspoons already on the table when your guests arrive so you can pour them a cup as soon as they sit down; this will also allow them to help themselves throughout the afternoon.

Sandwiches

Of course, everybody's here for the sweet treats but that doesn't mean you can neglect the savoury side of afternoon tea. 

When making sandwiches, aim for around three different fillings - egg and cress, cucumber and prawn and coronation chicken are all classics of the afternoon tea genre - and be sure to cut them into triangles or slices before serving. You can find some great sandwich ideas here. 

For even more savoury variety, sausage rolls and quiches are also sure to please.

Sweets and cakes

It's no exaggeration to say that your tea party will live or die based on the quality of the sugary snacks you serve, so choose your menu carefully. Personally, we'd eat anything that was put in front of us but these Cafe2U-inspired recipes will satisfy even the pickiest treat aficionado.

Espresso brownies

Just because it's a tea party doesn't mean there's no room for coffee! These caffeinated delights are rich, decadent and best enjoyed with good company and a hot drink. 

Earl Grey teacakes

For a fancy twist on an old favourite, why not pick up some Earl Grey tea from your nearest Cafe2U mobile cafe and add it to the recipe for a unique flavour your guests will love? Check out the recipe here.

Coffee cake

Coffee cake has been among the UK's most popular cakes for decades and it's not hard to understand why. This one is delicious and easy to make using any number of our special Cafe2U coffee blends. Every party needs a cake so what are you waiting for?!

Scones

It's all been leading up to this. Regardless of how you pronounce the word 'scone'. Regardless of whether you put the jam or the cream on first. No afternoon tea party is complete without scones.

Remember to serve warm with plenty of clotted cream, jam and room-temperature butter on the table so your guests can help themselves. Strawberry is the most popular jam flavour at afternoon tea but don't be afraid to offer a broader selection if you see fit.

This classic scone recipe is easy to follow and serves eight people; if you prefer a fruit scone, we recommend giving this recipe a try.

Whatever sort of afternoon tea party you throw, your nearest Cafe2U van is always on hand to keep your cupboards fully stocked with all the teas and coffees you'll need. Find your nearest van here.

Setting Your Franchise Up For Success

The Tokyo Olympics are now well underway and, with double figures in the medals already, this is the best start for a British team in Games history - and the highest number of gold medals for Britain at this point.

With Team GB impressing from the start, we've taken a look at what we can learn from its sporting success and how it can be applied to our businesses to ensure we stay ahead of the competition.

Teamwork

If you've listened to the winning Olympians' post-event interviews, you will have noticed that almost all of them emphasise the importance of teamwork, with their coaches, trainers, nutritionists and families often receiving special praise. What you won't have heard is an athlete claiming their success was down to them and them alone.

At Cafe2U, we know that, just like athletes, our franchisees can't succeed without support, so, in addition to providing them with a support network to cheer them on, coach them and challenge them, we also provide them with a comprehensive four-week training course to ensure they have the skills necessary to hit the road as a qualified mobile coffee business owner.

From barista training to business processes training, our Franchise Development Managers are always there to help our franchisees reach the top of the coffee podium.

Confidence

Just like athletes need to believe in their own abilities, entrepreneurs must be bullish about their chances of becoming the best.

At Cafe2U, we assess potential franchisees to ensure our business is right for them, so when they start up their mobile coffee business, they can be confident that we have faith in them and will be there to cheer them on, no matter what.

In fact, we're so confident that our new franchisees will do a great job, we offer a £275 per day income guarantee during the early days of their franchise.

Passion

Why do athletes limit their calorie intakes and put their bodies through stress, pain and the risk of injury? Why are they constantly looking for ways to improve performance? Because they're passionate about what they do and they want to be the best at it.

The same is true of successful entrepreneurs. Setting up your own business is hard, stressful and demanding, and inevitably involves encountering obstacles. If you're not passionate about the thing you do, you won't be motivated to overcome those obstacles and you'll fail.

Fortunately, many people are incredibly passionate about coffee, including us. From our unique blend, which is sourced from some of the finest growing regions in the world and roasted by small batch coffee roasters, to the expertise provided by our barista trainer, passion goes into every cup of coffee you'll sell. 

Practice, evolve, improve

In addition to determination, drive and focus, practice is the most important weapon in an athlete's armour, and the same is true of Cafe2U franchisees. 

Practice enables you to learn and expand your skill set, two abilities that are vital for any successful businessperson. Cafe2U has been on the road for more than 17 years and, although we know the coffee industry like the back of our hand, we're constantly creating new avenues for growth and keeping up to date with new trends so we can ensure our franchisees have the latest equipment and are familiar with any new changes in the industry.

Our weekly newsletter also communicates new insights to our franchisees that help boost their bottom lines, whether it's news about new discounts that have been negotiated or ways to source weekend events. We believe there's no finishing line when it comes to improvement.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Cafe2U franchisee, find out more about the process here.

Olympic Games 2020 - Japan's Coffee Culture

While sake and tea are the drinks most commonly associated with Japan, the country is actually one of the largest consumers of coffee in the world. So when international travel is permitted again, what could a discerning coffee lover expect to find in the Land of the Rising Sun?

Drinking Coffee in Japan

Thanks to its famous work ethic, people in Japan have some of the longest working hours in the world, with some employees regularly working 80 hours of overtime per month. However, steps are now being taken to shorten the working week and this has had a profound impact on the country's coffee culture, with drinkers falling into one of two categories: those who drink in a hurry and those who sit and savour every last drop.

For those with time to relax, coffee is typically prepared in one of three ways: from an espresso machine, using the siphon method or using a coffee dripper.

Siphon method

While espresso coffee is much the same the world over, the siphon method is relatively unknown outside of Asia. Invented in the nineteenth century, it uses a vessel with an upper and a lower chamber. The lower chamber is filled with water while coffee grounds are prepared and placed in the upper chamber. The vessel is then placed on a hot surface, bringing the water to a boil and producing steam which forces hot water into the upper chamber, where it mixes with the ground coffee. The vessel is then removed from the heat and, as it cools, the brewed coffee is pulled back down into the lower chamber through a filter in the upper chamber.

Coffee dripper

A coffee dripper, on the other hand, is a type of pour-over coffee maker. Resembling an ordinary mug with a distinctive wide base and a hole in the bottom, coffee drippers are placed on top of an empty coffee pot and filled with a filter and ground coffee beans. Hot water is then poured slowly over the beans using a long-necked kettle, leaving a fresh batch of incredibly flavourful hot coffee in the pot below. Although there are many different types of coffee dripper, the Japanese Hario V60 is the go-to brand for coffee connoisseurs the world over, thanks to its sturdy design and wide range of sizes.

The siphon and dripper methods are particularly popular among coffee fans because they allow the flavour and strength of each batch to be brewed to their personal preference. However, it can take as long as ten minutes to brew the perfect cup using these methods, so time and patience are required.

Canned

For those in a hurry, Japanese coffee is usually enjoyed either from a can or an automated machine in one of the country's many convenience stores.

Invented in the 1960s, canned coffee is available hot or cold from the almost-five million vending machines populating Japan's streets, making it the go-to method for people on the way to work or rushing for an appointment. Black coffee and sweetened white coffee with milk are the two most popular types of canned coffee, while seasonal coffees are also popular. 

Cold-brew and iced

Cold-brew coffee - made by infusing ground coffee in cold water for several hours - and iced coffee - hot coffee served over ice - are also Japanese favourites. For those on the lookout for something quirkier, Japan's thriving latte art industry - where baristas create incredible designs in latte foam - needs to be seen to be believed!

Japanese Coffee Shops

One of the most popular types of Japanese coffee shops is the kissaten, or 'tea-drinking shop'. Quieter alternatives to traditional cafes, which sell alcohol and are often busy and loud, kissaten became popular gathering places for intellectuals and academics. Today, they are typically filled with people enjoying coffee at a leisurely pace and staffed by baristas who treat coffee making as a skill akin to brewing craft beer or producing fine wine.

Japanese Coffee Beans

Most Japanese coffee shops offer a large selection of beans for customers to choose between, with speciality coffees and blends from all over the world easily available. Better still, the selection changes regularly, so customers can experience a different brew every time they visit.

The Service Culture

Japan is world-renowned for its service culture and its coffee shops are no different. Delicious coffee is served in eye-catching mugs from beautifully presented trays carried by friendly, knowledgeable and impeccably dressed staff. The perfect coffee experience.

However you like your coffee, there are always new ways to experience it. Make a booking with your nearest Cafe2U van here and find a new blend to love from our range of quality coffees.

How to Make a Barbecue Coffee Rub

The long-awaited arrival of summer coupled with the long evenings getting warmer can mean only one thing: it's National Barbecue Week!

Running from July 2nd - July 11th to ensure two full weekends of BBQ brilliance, National Barbecue Week has been celebrated by hungry Brits since its inception in 1997. A lot's changed in the nation's approach to barbies in the last 24 years, with the types of foods being prepared high on that list. Burgers, sausages and kebabs will always be favourites but veggies, meat-free alternatives and unusual ingredients have all become commonplace at your average garden cook-out. 

One ingredient that continues to be overlooked, however, is coffee.

Although some may say that coffee and smoky meats aren't exactly obvious bed fellows, we beg to differ. And after you've tried our incredible Barbecue Coffee Rub recipe, we think you'll agree.

What is a Rub?

A rub is a mixture of spices and/or herbs that is applied to meats before cooking to add flavour. Unlike marinades, which need to be left covering food for several hours, rubs season meats quickly and are easy to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu BBQs. They also add texture and help give meats those delicious, dark crusts so beloved by barbie aficionados, especially if cooked at a low heat for a long time.

Why Use Coffee?

The first thing to say is that a coffee-based rub WON'T make your food taste like an espresso. It will, however, add a deep, rich, earthy flavour that enhances the savoury flavours already at play. Because coffee is highly acidic, it will also help tenderise your meat, making it juicier and less chewy.

Barbecue Coffee Rub Recipe

This rub can be used on any meat but works particularly well with beef. To make the rub, you will need:

• ¼ cup of freshly ground coffee

• Two tablespoons of brown sugar

• Two tablespoons of garlic powder

• Two tablespoons of onion powder

• Two tablespoons of cayenne pepper (this can be omitted if you don't like spicy food)

• Two tablespoons of paprika (normal, sweet or smoked)

• One tablespoon of ground cumin

• One tablespoon of kosher salt

Method

In a bowl, mix the ingredients together thoroughly. If you have one, transfer the rub to a shaker to make it easier to apply. Then pat your meat dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture from its surface as possible.

If you want, you can add a binding agent - be creative here.

We love smothering beef, lamb or pork in French’s mustard or even a generous helping of Worcestershire Sauce! Next, apply the rub all over the meat. If you don't have a shaker, simply rub it in with your hands. How much you want to use is a personal choice but one tablespoon per pound of meat is a good rule of thumb. If in doubt, be generous!

Although the rub can be applied just before cooking, the longer it sits on the meat, the more tender and flavourful it will become. Try to apply the rub at least an hour before cooking; if possible, do it the day before.

Put the rubbed meat on a plate, cover it with cling film or tin foil and place it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Any leftover rub can be stored in an airtight container and left in the fridge for as long as six months.

Finally, barbecue or smoke the meat as usual but remember not to use any oil as it will spoil the crust.

What Coffee Should I Use?

Again, this really comes down to personal preference but, as a rule, dark roasts give a more robust flavour, whereas light roasts are more subtle.

If possible, use freshly ground coffee as it tenderises the meat quicker and more effectively than beans which aren't freshly ground. Instant/pre-ground coffee granules also work well.

If you do opt for freshly ground coffee, use a medium grind. Finely ground coffee is not a good idea as it is smaller than most of the other rub ingredients, so it will coat the meat first and prevent the other flavours from coming through. Coarse ground coffee, on the other hand, is too big and won't stick efficiently to the meat.

So there you have it. When it's time to impress the guests at your next BBQ, just bring out the coffee!

At Cafe2U, we offer a wide range of quality bagged coffee beans - and our baristas will be happy to grind it for you to use - so find your nearest van here and book a delivery today.

Euro 2020 - How do Other European Nations have their Coffee?

In England, the humble latte is the most popular type of coffee but there are an almost infinite number of ways the drink can be enjoyed.

Now the belated Euro 2020 football tournament is finally underway, what better time to take a look at some of the ways coffee is consumed by our European neighbours?

Italy

As the world capital of coffee, Italy knows a thing or two about drinking the black stuff. Espressos are the most popular option, with Italians typically drinking multiple cups each day.

Rich and thick, espressos are brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee beans and, in Italy, are commonly served with a slice of lemon to bring out their sweeter flavours. 

Despite increasing your metabolism, helping you burn calories faster and being delicious, professional athletes are still more likely to opt for water at half-time.

Portugal

A refreshing twist on a classic, one of the most popular coffees in Portugal is the Mazagran, aka the original iced coffee.

Available in any Portuguese pastelaria worth its salt, Mazagran is a sweetened, cold beverage that typically consists of espresso and lemon juice. However, the lemon can be replaced with rum for coffee fans in need of an even stronger kick. Ronaldo might not approve.

Finland

Finland may be something of an unknown quantity when it comes to its national football team but, in the UK, even less is known about Kaffeost, one of the country's traditional drinks.

A combination of coffee and cheese cubes - which are immersed in the liquid - Kaffeost is traditionally 'enjoyed' by groups of Finns as a welcome drink. Opinion is divided about whether the cheese should be eaten before the coffee is drunk or vice-versa but one thing Kaffeost fans agree on is that it should be drunk before the coffee becomes cold and somehow makes the whole thing taste even worse.

In the European Championship of coffees, this one is unlikely to make it out of the group stage.

Turkey

Turkish coffee, or Türk kahvesi, is prepared using very finely ground coffee beans and is one of the most popular types of coffee in the world due to its seriously high strength.

Simmered in a special brass pot known as a cezve, Turkish coffee is rich and gets its potency from being unfiltered, resulting in a higher concentration of caffeine and a drink that should come with a warning. Not for the faint-hearted.

Spain

Among the best looking of all coffees, Spanish cafe bombon coffees are a sweet-toothed coffee lover's dream.

Sugary and so thick you can chew them, cafe bombons are equal parts black coffee and sweetened, condensed milk, served in a glass in order to appeal to the eyes as much as the taste buds. 

By slowly adding the milk to the coffee, the milk sinks to the bottom of the glass and separates, resulting in a coffee in two distinct, irresistible layers that look and taste classier than Andrés Iniesta in a three piece suit.

Whichever type of coffee you prefer, we're confident you'll find something to love among our range of quality Cafe2U coffees. Find your nearest van here and make a booking.

Father's Day Gift Ideas with a Coffee Twist

Father's Day is almost upon us, which means it's time for children across the UK to rack their brains and try to find a suitable gift for the hardest person in their life to buy a gift for: dear old dad.

While traditional presents like books, whiskey, slippers and novelty aprons are all well and good, nothing beats giving your old man a present he genuinely didn't see coming, so why not surprise him with one of these coffee-related gifts?

Coffee Mug Warmer

Ensure the paternal coffee lover in your life never has to face a cold brew ever again with a stylish mug warmer. 

Designed to keep hot drinks hot or make cold drinks warm again, this nifty little mug warmer can be set to one of three temperatures, is suitable for various mug sizes and features an auto shut-off feature in case your dad falls asleep in front of the tv with it on. Buy one here.

Good Coffee

What better present for a coffee lover than some top notch coffee? 

Our baristas use only grade 1 beans sourced from micro lots (single plots of land on a specific farm) to guarantee the highest quality coffee and bags of these very same beans are now available to enjoy at home. Contact your nearest Cafe2U barista here and your dad will be brewing like Captain Starbucks in no time.

Coffee Bean Plant

Not only will this coffee arabica plant enable your dad to grow his own coffee beans, it will also add a dash of colour to his life.

A word of caution, though - growing coffee requires a lot of patience and it could be months before he starts to see any results. Remember, a coffee bean plant is for life, not just for elevenses.

Coffee Stencil Set

For dads with a serious coffee habit, how about a stencil set to help him wow visitors?

This stainless steel set of 16 stencils will unleash your dad's inner coffee artiste, letting him decorate his brews with cool designs guaranteed to raise a smile and make him the envy of his coffee-loving mates.

Coffee Grinder

Having your own coffee grinder is the key to making great coffee at home so treating your dad to a quality grinder is sure to get you in his good books. 

There are a wealth of options to suit every budget but we recommend this conical burr coffee grinder - easy to use and with a whopping 19 grind settings, it delivers great results, looks fantastic and doesn't cost the earth.

Prepaid Cafe2U Card

If your dad is a regular Cafe2U customer, make his next few visits free by picking him up one of our prepaid gift cards. Better still, if you pre-pay for five coffees, you'll get the sixth one free!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, we hope you all have a great day. Our Cafe2U vans will be on the road as usual to help you celebrate if you're out and about.

Which Biscuits Go Best With Coffee?

Ben & Jerry's. Marks and Spencer. Burger and fries! Some things just go well together, bringing out the best qualities in the other and ensuring the results are greater than the sum of their parts.

Perhaps the best example of this is a hot beverage and a biscuit. When break time rolls around, is there anything more satisfying than pairing a fresh cup of coffee with a tasty biscuit? Of course not.

The question is, with so many to choose from, which biscuit goes best with a mug of coffee? To celebrate the imminent arrival of National Biscuit Day on May 29th, we've compiled a list of some of the top biscuits to enjoy with a steaming hot brew.

8. Ginger Nuts

Gingery, delicious and steadfast in the face of repeated dunking, ginger nuts are one of the UK's most beloved biscuits and rightly so. However, there's a reason ginger and coffee isn't a common combo. An acquired taste.

7. Party Rings

Yes, the colourful, crunchy biscuits that are still required by law to be served at every child's birthday party. Childish? Perhaps. Delicious with a cup of coffee, especially when the icing starts to melt? Absolutely. One for sweet-toothed coffee aficionados.

6. Rich Tea

One of the founding members of the Biscuit Premier League, Rich Tea biscuits live and die by their no-frills approach. They're a safe bet, nobody dislikes them and there's no question they go well with a coffee. Unfortunately, the game's moved on since the Rich Tea's heyday and modern fans expect something more exotic from their biscuit.

5. Maryland Cookies

If we're splitting hairs then, yes, technically this is a cookie and not a biscuit. But if it's a chocolatey treat you want with your coffee, these bad boys are hard to beat. Robust yet satisfyingly melty once dunked, these classic cookies have chunks in all the right places.

4. Biscotti

Like cookies, some purists may question biscotti's inclusion on this list. But if you can't get past the fact that they're a different shape to your common or garden biscuit, you're really missing a trick. Originating in Italy, these twice-baked, almond flavoured delights were born to be enjoyed with a fresh cup of good coffee.

3. Shortbread

Ah shortbread. Neither short nor bread-like, what these classic biscuits lack in a sensible name they more than make up for in deliciousness. Dense, sweet, buttery and among the driest biscuits on the market, eating shortbread without coffee simply isn't an option.

2. Dark Chocolate Digestives

Any variation on the classic digestive biscuit could easily have claimed second spot on this list however there's just something about the combination of rich, aromatic coffee and rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate that works so well together. Add in the crunch of the biscuit base and you've got yourself a contender for the biscuit-to-enjoy-with-a-coffee hall of fame.

1. Biscoff

When it comes to biscuits to enjoy with a coffee, nothing beats Biscoff. They're crunchy, they don't fall apart when dunked, they're small enough that you can eat several in a single sitting without feeling guilty and, most importantly, they're delicious. A combination of caramel and cinnamon - both excellent accompaniments to a cup of coffee on their own - Biscoff is biscuit royalty.

Whatever biscuit you prefer, be sure you match it with a quality coffee from Cafe2U. Find your nearest van here and make a booking.

Also, keep an eye on our social channels for our 'Best Biscuit To Have With Coffee' poll to help decide once and for all which biscuit is the best.

Spring Bakes and Cakes

Now is a great chance to dust off the apron and get creative in the kitchen with some delectable spring cakes. We have also included a list of our very own spring coffees that are now available at your nearest Cafe2U van. Dive into our list below! 

Lemon Drizzle Cake

A perfect cake for a perfect spring day, the lemon drizzle. Filled with lemony goodness, it’s vibrant and delicious - that’s why it’s one of the nation’s favourite sweet treats. 

Here’s the ingredients you will need: 

• 225g unsalted butter, softened

• 225g caster sugar

• 4 eggs

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 lemon zest

For the drizzle topping 

• 1½ lemons, juiced

• 85g caster sugar

Nice and simple, this lemon drizzle will take around 1 hour to make, with 15 minutes prep and 45 minutes baking. You can find the full recipe at BBC Good Food.

Victoria Sponge Cake

Another quintessentially British cake, the Victoria Sponge is a perfect spring treat. This classic cake features layers of light sponge sandwiched together by velvety cream and juicy strawberries. This recipe should serve ten people - here’s what you’ll need to get started: 

• 175g (6oz) butter, softened

• 175g caster sugar

• 3 eggs

• 175g self-raising flour

• 250ml (8fl oz) double cream

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for decoration

• 400g (13oz) strawberries

• 4 tbsp strawberry jam (optional)

This is a cake that won’t disappoint - find the full recipe on Tesco Real Food.

Apple and Cinnamon Cake

This apple cinnamon cake is perfect for anyone looking for a simple spring showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need to start making this delicious dessert:

• 6 apples peeled and chopped

• 1½ cups soft brown sugar

• 2 cups flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• ½ cup canola oil

• 1 tsp vanilla

This is a great recipe, and it’ll use up any leftover apples sitting in your fruit bowl - you can find the full recipe and method on Simply Delicious. 

Hot Cross Buns

A spring classic, we have found a wonderful recipe for Hot Cross Buns from Bake Off’s Paul Hollywood - here’s what you’ll need to get you started: 

For the buns

• 300ml full-fat milk , plus 2 tbsp more

• 50g butter

• 500g strong bread flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 75g caster sugar

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil

• 7g sachet fast-action or easy-blend yeast

• 1 egg , beaten

• 75g sultanas

• 50g mixed peel

• zest 1 orange

• 1 apple , peeled, cored and finely chopped

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cross

• 75g plain flour , plus extra for dusting

• For the glaze

• 3 tbsp apricot jam

These decorated buns have lots of texture and flavour - that’s why there’s so many ingredients. You can find the full recipe on BBC Good Food. 

A Coffee to Complement

We have recently launched our Spring Drinks range, featuring Easter Egg Hot Chocolate, Mocharetto Mocha, and the Hot Cross Latte - the perfect drink to pair with your summer cakes and bakes. Find your nearest barista on our website.

Our Franchisees Serve up Record Sales, Despite the Pandemic

We’re delighted to say that we’ve seen both a boost in recruitment with 14 new franchise partners joining the business in the last year and now record sales for our franchisees, all despite the challenges faced during the pandemic.

When the first lockdown hit in March 2020 sales initially plummeted, however, our savvy entrepreneurs all over the country were able to keep their business ticking over by pivoting their business model to unlock new channels of trade.

Seeing their regular customers at office blocks disappear overnight, our mobile coffee van owners began servicing key workers through lockdown. This saw high demand from NHS sites, police, building sites and garages. Many of our franchisees also started branching out into supplying the demand for those having to work at home.

The success seen by our franchisees has also been due in part to a number of emerging trends with coffee and mobile catering across the pandemic:

• With at home workers now becoming ‘at home baristas’ consumers are demanding higher quality in all areas, from the grade of coffee beans to the craftsmanship of the overall drink.
  

• Home delivery has been a good business model, with customers valuing not just the coffee but the social interaction with their baristas.
  

• 2020 saw a surge of independent coffee roasters now offering retail coffee subscriptions through the post catering to the more demanding consumer.
  

• Sustainability remains a key focus, with consumers highlighting the importance of purchasing from responsible suppliers. Many have also become very conscious of supporting their local businesses and giving back to their local communities through the pandemic.

In addition to this, convenience has still proven to be a growing factor in coffee drinkers’ habits - a trend we had previously identified pre-pandemic.

As such, online ordering has been very popular and our franchisees have been able to smartly capitalise on this with the launch of the Cafe2U app. Launching this app was once something that some saw as risky in the initial lockdown uncertainty, but one which has ultimately paid off for us.

Our CEO, Martyn Ward, had this to say:

“The lasting legacy of the impact the coronavirus has had on the coffee-to-go industry will be positive for consumers and small coffee companies alike with superior quality and growing demand for convenience.”

This year we will continue to push our franchise recruitment and will aim to grow on the success of 2020 and make 2021 even better. Hopefully this will also set a positive example for others that businesses can still survive and flourish in these unprecedented times.

Things to Look Forward to After Lockdown

The government has now introduced a plan to get us out of lockdown, so we have decided to put together a list of all the coffee-related things you can enjoy each step of the way.

Outdoor Meetings and Sports - March 29th

If the return of schools goes smoothly, then we will be onto the next step of the roadmap of recovery. You can now plan to meet friends and family outdoors on March 29th - using the ‘rule of six’ or two households.

This step also includes the return of outdoor sports for adults and children. You can now participate in five-a-side football, jog with your friends, play golf and much more.

It’s important for sports to return for our physical and mental health - take a look at one of our previous blogs regarding coffee and exercise and how it can help to improve your fitness. We also recently listed out the health benefits that coffee can give you, both physically and mentally!

Retail to Open Back Up - April 12th

One of the first major steps is on 12th of April, which sees the return of retail and outdoor hospitality, with a few indoor facilities opening - we can all get our haircuts again! We can start planning to enjoy our lives a little bit more, with outdoor restaurants and pubs also taking bookings from the 12th.

Gyms will also be back open and ready for business - which is great news for fitness lovers. Make sure you grab a Cafe2U coffee before you head to the gym to maximize your workout - we are just a message away!

Indoor Activities to Return - May 17th

May 17th will see the return of indoor activities - we will be able to return to some of our favourite locations, like stadiums and restaurants.

You will be able to book indoor restaurants, visit the cinema and even see your favourite sports team live. Many of us will be returning to office life, so you’ll need to make sure you are fully caffeinated - check out our coffee benefits at work blog.

You will also be able to book one of our mobile coffee vans to bring you our award-winning menu of coffees and food to your workplace or event. Whether it’s an industrial estate, office block or a 10k run, our mobile cafés have got you covered.

No more Limits on Social Contact - June 21st

With hopefully no limits on social contact, large events, and nightclubs set to return on June 21st - the perfect time to enjoy a coffee wherever you like.

Cafe2U will be back in full capacity, serving our loyal customers across the United Kingdom - we can’t wait. We hope to see you all at a van this June enjoying a drink from our summer range.

Mother’s Day Coffee Gift Ideas

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to grab your coffee-loving mum a java-inspired gift. So we’ve put together a list of the best coffee gifts for this Mother’s Day, from reusable cups to your favourite Cafe2U coffee!

Their Very Own Ecoffee Cup

Grab a Cafe2U Ecoffee Cup for your coffee-loving, environmentally conscious mother from your local Cafe2U barista. Ecoffee’s mission is to encourage the use of reusable cups and we are proud to have teamed up with them to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to paper cups.

Espresso Martini Cocktail Kit

If you’re looking for something fun for the cocktail lover in your life, then this Espresso Martini kit from Not On The High Street is just what you need. It includes a recipe card with three cocktails, including the Espresso Martini, Cuppa Joe, and Toasted Almond.

Become your mum’s personal bartender this Mother’s Day and if you can’t be together, you can enjoy a cocktail or two over Zoom.

Ultimate Afternoon Tea Selection

Treat your mum to the ultimate afternoon tea with this wonderful hamper from Marks & Spencer - it comes with a few treats, cakes, ground coffee and a selection of tea. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your mum!

Coffees of the World Gift Set

This Whittards Coffee of the World Gift Set offers a selection of brews to fit any mood, and perfect for any coffee-loving mum. From the rich and chocolatey to the sweet and fruity there’s plenty of flavours and nations to explore.

Treat them to a Cafe2U Coffee

If you or your mum are regular Cafe2U visitors you can purchase the same delicious coffee you enjoy everyday as a gift to enjoy at home, or you could simply order their favourite coffee straight to their door using the Cafe2U app.

We have a huge selection of coffee, tea and hot chocolate available - take a look at the full menu here.

We are still on the Road

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Mother’s Day and get to spend time with your loved ones. Remember, we are still on the road, ready to serve our freshly-brewed, barista-made coffee and hot drinks all over the UK.

Coffee Pancakes Recipe

Shrove Tuesday is of course a time when we can indulge in some delicious pancakes, but we've found the perfect way to liven things up this year and incorporate coffee into your pancakes. More specifically with a fantastic new coffee pancakes recipe!

The Ingredients

We’ve found ​an excellent recipe from Aldi​ that serves up to ten people (or one VERY hungry person):

• 150g plain flour

• 120g greek yogurt

• 2 tsp of instant coffee 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp baking powder A pinch of salt

• 50ml milk

• 25ml vegetable oil 50g caster sugar

You will also need to have your equipment ready:

• Two mixing bowls

• A whisk

• A wooden spoon

• A teaspoon

• A frying pan

The Method

Put the flour, sugar, baking powder, coffee and salt in one bowl and begin whisking. Then put the yogurt, eggs, milk and oil together in another bowl and mix them together.

Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients, add the yogurt mixture, and mix into a smooth batter.

Heat some oil in a frying pan and add 4 tablespoons of the batter. Smooth into a circle and cook for a minute on each side.

Now that you’ve made your first successful pancake you can transfer it to an oven to keep it warm while you cook the rest... or tuck in!

Cafe2U is Still on the Road!

We hope you have a great Shrove Tuesday, even if we are in lockdown.

And remember, we’re still on the road, ready to serve our freshly-brewed, barista-made coffee and hot drinks all over the UK.

Contact your local barista for socially distanced, COVID-19 safe coffee delivered to your door - find your nearest van ​here​.