Halloween Bakes 2023

Halloween is just around the corner, so we've rounded up the most devilishly delicious recipes we could find to make you scream with delight.

Halloween has become one of the UK's most eagerly anticipated days and, even if you're not a huge fan of trick-or-treating or horror films, there's still plenty to enjoy. Namely the wide range of hideously good, Halloween-themed recipes that are easy to make and great fun to share! 

Here's how to make some of our favourites.

Toffee apples.

The perfect Halloween treat, toffee apples are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Although they're easy to make, the use of hot toffee means this is a recipe for adults only!

Ingredients.

To make 8 toffee apples, you will need:

• 8 red apples

• 400g caster sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 4 tbsp golden syrup

• red or black food colouring

• 8 lolly sticks

Begin by inserting the lolly sticks into the stalk-end of each apple until they're firmly in place, then put a large piece of parchment paper onto a chopping board.

Tip the sugar, lemon juice and 100ml of water into a large saucepan, bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar dissolves, being careful not to stir the mixture - instead, gently swirl the pan to move the sugar around. Next, add the golden syrup and bubble the mixture, without allowing it to boil over, until it reaches 'hard crack' stage (when there is almost no water left in the pan) or reaches 150℃ on a sugar thermometer (if you're using one). To test if the mixture is ready, drop a small amount of the toffee into cold water. If it hardens instantly and is brittle when removed, it's ready; if it's soft, continue to boil.

When the toffee is ready, add some drops of food colouring, swirl to combine and turn off the heat.

Finally, quickly dip each apple into the toffee, tipping the pan to cover each one. Lift out, allow any excess to drip off, place on the parchment paper until cool and you're done! Ideally, these fiendish fruits should be eaten the same day.

Eyeball pops.

Decorate these mini chocolate cake balls to look like eyes and you'll have a spooky Halloween treat nobody will say 'Boo' to!

Ingredients.

To make 10 pops, you will need:

• 100g/4oz madeira cake

• 100g Oreo cookies

• 100g bar milk chocolate, melted

• 200g bar white chocolate, melted

• Smarties and icing pens to decorate

• 10 wooden skewers

• A small pumpkin - or similar - to stand the pops in

Start by breaking the Madeira cake and cookies into the bowl of a food processor, then pour in the melted milk chocolate and blend until combined. Tip the mixture into a bowl then divide into 10 balls and put them in the fridge for 2 hours until solid.

Next, push a skewer into each ball and spoon the white chocolate over the balls until covered. Stand the pops in the pumpkin, place a Smartie on each one while still wet and return to the fridge until the chocolate sets. Before serving, use the icing pens to draw a pupil on each Smartie and wiggly red veins on each eyeball. 

Halloween cupcakes.

Your little terrors will love these sweet, spooky snacks which can be decorated to look like black cats, monsters or skeletons. Just try not to eat them all yourself!

Ingredients.

To makes 22 cupcakes, you will need:

• 200g butter, softened

• 300g golden caster sugar

• 200g dark chocolate, melted

• 2 eggs

• 250g self raising flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder mixed with 100ml boiling water

• 50g cocoa powder

• 200ml milk

• 1-2 tsp black food colouring (optional)

For the buttercream, you will need:

• 300g unsalted butter , softened

• 500g icing sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• black food colouring

For the decorations, you will need:

• a pack of Smarties

• black icing pen

• 1 pack mixed coloured fondant icing (you'll need pink, green, blue and white)

• liquorice and strawberry laces and other sweets such as jelly fangs and liquorice allsorts

• icing eyes

First, heat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, then line two 12-hole cupcake tins with cases. Beat the butter and sugar until creamy, then beat in the chocolate and eggs until combined. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, milk and food colouring. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases and level the tops. Bake for 20 mins or until the cakes have risen. Leave to cool for 5 mins in the tin, then lift out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Next, make the buttercream. Beat the butter until soft, then stir in the icing sugar a little bit at a time. Beat in the vanilla and black food colouring, then transfer to a piping bag with a plain nozzle.

To make icing eyes, mix up a batch of fondant icing and pipe rounded blobs (for the eyeballs) onto parchment paper and leave to dry. Add pupils to the eyes with a small brush and black food colouring.

To make black cat cupcakes, pipe some black buttercream onto a cupcake and smooth with a palette knife. Pipe two ears by making a blob for each and pulling the icing bag upwards to form a point. Add two Smarties for eyes and use the black icing pen to draw a pupil on each, then add a triangle nose made of pink fondant icing and use strawberry laces to create whiskers.

To make monster cupcakes, cut circles of green or blue fondant to fit the tops of the cupcake and fix them in place with buttercream. Add eyes, noses and mouths made of sweets or use icing eyes.

To make skeleton cupcakes, cut out a skull shape with white fondant and fix in place with the buttercream.

Edible fake blood.

The perfect addition to any Halloween recipe - including those listed above - edible fake blood looks disgustingly realistic and kids will love adding it to their scary treats.

Ingredients.

To make edible fake blood, you will need:

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 45ml cherry juice

• 250g glucose syrup

• red, blue and yellow food colouring gel

Start by mixing the cornflour with 1 tbsp cherry juice, then tip the mixture into a small pan with the glucose syrup and remaining cherry juice. Heat gently over a low heat, whisking well to combine, then remove from the heat.

Squeeze in a good amount of the red food colouring gel and stir well, then add a very small drop each of the blue and yellow food colouring gels and stir again. Continue to add little drops of food colouring, stirring well between each addition, until you reach your desired colour.

This recipe makes thick, gooey blood; if you want it thinner, simply stir in a little more cherry juice.

Happy Halloween!
If you're hosting a Halloween party this year or just want a hot drink to take with you trick-or-treating, we've got you covered - contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and we can provide all your coffee needs!

Coffee and Recycling: How Cafe2U is Making a Difference in 2023

To commemorate the UK's annual celebration of recycling, we're taking a look at sustainability in the coffee industry and our own green credentials.

Coffee and Recycling: How Cafe2U is Making a Difference

Taking place from October 16th - 22nd, National Recycling Week 2023 is Recycle Now's flagship event which sees governments, waste management companies, retailers, organisations and the media coming together to encourage the public to recycle as much as possible.

Managed by climate action group WRAP, Recycle Now is a charity that works across the globe to promote recycling, re-use, sustainability and waste minimisation, to great effect; National Recycling Week 2021 resulted in 82% of people saying they'd changed their behaviour as a result of its content.

How sustainable is the coffee industry?

The short answer is: it's hard to know for sure. Coffee is big business on an international scale, involving growers, roasters, importers, packagers, retailers, baristas and more. As a result, working out the impact on every inch of land used to grow coffee plants or the carbon footprint of every journey involved in transporting coffee worldwide is nigh on impossible.

The good news is that sustainable coffee itself (i.e. coffee that is certified as organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance as it has been sustainably grown and marketed to meet various social, environmental and economic standards) is becoming more prominent as more consumers actively seek it out.

How can we all make the coffee industry even more sustainable?

There are several ways. These include:

Recycling coffee grounds.

Normally, used coffee grounds are thrown in the bin, where they end up as landfill or in an incinerator. But did you know they can be recycled?

That's right, you can give your latte a second life by using used coffee grounds to:

• repel 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.

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

• help 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.

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

• clean 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 though.

At Cafe2U, we let customers take our used grounds away for free during our annual Green Coffee Fortnight and we've also launched an innovative coffee grounds recycling initiative which sees waste coffee grounds being recycled into biofuel pellets to power biomass boilers, significantly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

Using reusable or compostable cups.

By switching to reusable coffee cups, you'll help reduce plastic waste.

Most disposable coffee cups are thrown away and end up in landfill because they have a thin plastic lining which makes them difficult to process for recycling. Reusable coffee cups, on the other hand, will last for years if properly cared for. Even when they reach the end of their lifecycle, most can then be recycled and some are even made of recycled materials. 

We do our bit by periodically giving away our reusable cups for free with certain purchases and we've set up a recycling scheme for customers who still use disposable cups. We also offer compostable cups which can be composted or recycled, reducing waste and ensuring fewer items are sent to landfill.

Avoiding plastic straws.

Like disposable coffee cups, plastic straws can't be reused and usually end up in landfill. By using recyclable paper straws, you can play your part in reducing the amount that literally ends up going up in smoke.

At Cafe2U, we've replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint.

Having your coffee delivered emission-free.

If you get your coffee delivered to your home or workplace, make sure you use a company that only uses electric vehicles - like us! 

Yep, we were the first mobile coffee company in the world to introduce a fleet of all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee vans. By changing the fleet to electric power, we estimate we'll save a whopping 12,672g of CO2 per year.

Do your bit this Recycling Week.

While all these ideas are good news for the environment, they will only be successful if people adopt them, so why not support our efforts and help us reduce our carbon footprint by picking 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.

Best Coffee Bakes To Enjoy During National Baking Week

As the UK prepares to get baking, here are some coffee-themed bakes for you to try at home.

Taking place from October 14th - 20th, National Baking Week 2023 is just around the corner, and what better way to commemorate this sweet occasion than by indulging in a delectable fusion of two beloved morning companions: coffee and baked treats!

At Cafe2U, we're passionate about crafting gourmet coffee experiences, so we thought we'd share some of our favourite coffee-flavoured baking recipes with you. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a touch of Cafe2U to your home.

Why Coffee and Baking?

Coffee and baking have a special synergy that transcends the mere combination of flavours. Coffee's robust and earthy notes complement the sweetness and textures of baked goods perfectly and, by incorporating coffee into your baking, you can create a harmonious marriage of flavours that is simply irresistible.

Espresso Chocolate Cake

Rich, silky and decadent, this incredible cake is a guaranteed showstopper!

Ingredients

To make an Espresso Chocolate Cake, you will need:

500g plain flour

375g granulated sugar

250g unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)

250ml buttermilk

125ml vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

250g chocolate chips

1 tub coffee-infused icing

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, espresso, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until smooth, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool before frosting with the coffee-infused icing.

Coffee Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream

Individual coffee treats that can be enjoyed on the go? Yes, please!

Ingredients

To make coffee cupcakes, you will need:

375g plain flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

85g unsweetened cocoa powder

250g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)

125ml buttermilk

85ml vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

To make the mocha buttercream, you will need:

250g unsalted butter (softened)

500g icing sugar

2 tbsp brewed coffee (cooled)

2 tsp cocoa powder

1 tsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1 tsp hot water)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa and sugar. Next, in another bowl, beat the eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil and vanilla extract.

Combine the wet and dry mixtures until smooth, then fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

For the buttercream, beat the softened butter, icing sugar, coffee, cocoa and dissolved coffee granules until light and fluffy. Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the mocha buttercream on top.

Coffee and Walnut Muffins

Coffee + walnuts = a match made in heaven!

Ingredients

To make coffee and walnut muffins, you will need:

420g plain flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules

85ml hot water

125g unsalted butter (softened)

250g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

85ml cup brewed coffee (cooled)

125g chopped walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners, then dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water and let it cool.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the coffee and dry mixture alternately to the wet mixture, ending with the dry ingredients, then fold in the chopped walnuts.

Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Happy National Baking Week from Cafe2U!

As National Baking Week 2023 approaches, we hope you'll be inspired to grab your apron, make a brew and celebrate the magical union of coffee and baking with one of our tasty recipes!

If you find yourself in need of some top quality coffee to accompany one of these bakes, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your door!

The Best Breakfasts To Pair With Coffee

To celebrate National Porridge Week, we're asking: what are the best breakfasts to enjoy with your morning coffee?

Taking place from October 9th - 15th, National Porridge Week encourages people to focus on the benefits of porridge and, of course, eat a bowl or two to celebrate.

Incredibly nutritious, porridge can help lower cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar levels and aid weight loss. Best served hot, porridge is also many people's go-to breakfast at this time of year as temperatures begin to drop.

As regular readers of this blog might already know, coffee is another healthy breakfast staple - and among the healthiest drinks in the world - thanks to the antioxidants and nutrients it contains, which help: 

• increase your metabolism

• raise serotonin and dopamine levels

• offer pain relief, and

• decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

But what other breakfasts - healthy or otherwise - pair perfectly with a piping hot brew and help you start your day on the right foot? Let's find out!

Greek yoghurt with fruit and nuts

Nutritious and delicious, this healthy breakfast ensures you have a balanced meal with enough nutrients to sustain your body until at least lunchtime.

And, when enjoyed with a cup of good coffee, the contrast of the cool yoghurt and sugary fruit with the hot, rich coffee will have your tastebuds thanking you for the rest of the day.

Eggs

How do you like your eggs in the morning? We're not fussy; after all, their versatility is one of the best things about them!

Poached, scrambled, boiled or fried, we’re satisfied so long as they're served on toast - or a toasted muffin - with a coffee. The bold and rich flavour of the coffee perfectly complements the subtle and savoury taste of the eggs for a breakfast you'll want to go back to again and again.

Pancakes

Warm, fluffy, berry-topped golden pancakes covered with honey or maple syrup are amazing. 

A big mug of good coffee is also amazing.

Enjoy them together and each item becomes even more amazing, creating a sweet, complex set of flavours you'll struggle to tear yourself away from!

Croissants

Almost all sweet foods go great with coffee as they contrast perfectly with its bitter flavour profile, so the natural sweetness of a butter croissant is a guaranteed winner at breakfast time.

Whether you choose to dip your croissant into your cup of coffee or not is up to you…

Bacon sandwich

The undisputed champion of cheat-day breakfasts, bacon sandwiches may not be healthy (especially if you like your bacon fried and covered in ketchup or brown sauce) but combining them with hot, fresh coffee is a marriage made in heaven.

Extra points for toasting the bread and bringing some crunch into the equation.

 Cafe2U - making breakfast better

When it comes to choosing what to have with your coffee in the morning, there are almost limitless options to pick from.

Why not experiment with different types of coffee, as well as different foods? Will an espresso or a latte go better with pancakes? Are cappuccinos a croissant's best friend? There's only one way to find out!
If we've missed anything out, let us know your favourite coffee/breakfast combos via our social channels and don't forget to contact your nearest Cafe2U van here if you're in need of some barista-quality coffee!

Take Part In The World's Biggest Coffee Morning

It's nearly that time of year again, when coffee and charity bring people together to help fight cancer and enjoy some good food and coffee while they're at it.

We're talking, of course, about The World's Biggest Coffee Morning 2023, Macmillan Cancer Support's incredibly worthwhile fundraising event that helps raise money for people living with cancer. 

If you're interested in taking part, here's how to do so.

When is Coffee Morning 2023?

Although you can host an event whenever you like, this year's event officially takes place this Friday, September 29th.

How Do I Take Part?

Taking part is easy. Simply sign up at https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/ and, in return, you'll receive a free Coffee Morning fundraising kit that includes everything you need to play host - or hostess - such as bunting, balloons, a table cloth, collection box and more (a plastic-free version of the kit is also available).

All you have to do after that is choose a date and location for your coffee morning, send out some invitations and stock up on coffee, other hot drinks and tasty treats that you can sell to your guests. You can host your event anywhere you like but at home, on your driveway (weather permitting!) or in a room at a local village hall are traditionally the most popular options.

Then, once your event is over, simply collect all the donations you've raised by selling food and drink to your nearest and dearest and send them to Macmillan.

Why take part?

As a charity that relies on donations, taking part in The World's Biggest Coffee Morning helps raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and allows it to provide care and support to people affected by cancer.

All the money raised goes to Macmillan, meaning your donations could pay for more nurses, 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.

So far in 2023, more than £1.2m has already been raised - hopefully The Coffee Morning will see lots more being added to that total!

Cafe2U - happy to help.

If you're hosting an event and would like one of our friendly and highly-trained mobile baristas to make your guests' drinks, why not book one of our vans to come and handle the coffee duties for you? As well as top-quality coffee, they'll even provide additional hot and cold drinks and a range of food and snacks!

You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Happiness At Work Week

40 hour work weeks are commonplace in the UK and with so much time spent at work, it's important to be as happy as possible while you're there.

For employers, this means raising their employees' morale and keeping it as high as possible in order to engender creativity and productivity in the workplace. But with every worker having different wants and needs, this is no mean feat.

Enter International Week of Happiness at Work 2023!

Taking place from September 25th-29th, International Week of Happiness at Work is a week-long event designed to spread happiness among employees and help them take that happiness home, making them happier in all other areas of their lives.

But how exactly do you go about improving morale among employees? We take a look.

Build a positive work environment

A happy work environment is a top priority for employees, as it fosters contentment and reduces the likelihood of them seeking alternative employment. Constructing a positive work atmosphere that genuinely inspires employees not only boosts their job satisfaction but also minimises turnover rates.

The fundamental elements in crafting a positive work setting revolve around transparency and open communication. These elements ensure that employees can freely discuss matters of concern, thereby preventing issues from festering and negative sentiments from taking root. Such an environment also dissuades unhealthy competition among employees, fostering a culture of support and encouragement.

An easy but often overlooked way to increase happiness at work is by smiling. Smiles are powerful symbols of optimism and are one of the most accessible means of conveying happiness and positive vibes. Moreover, happiness tends to be infectious, so a cheerful demeanour can have a ripple effect, spreading happiness to others in the workplace as well.

Prioritise work-life balance

The happiness of employees in the workplace is significantly influenced by their work-life balance. When individuals are given more opportunities for balance and flexibility between their professional responsibilities and personal lives, it can result in reduced stress levels and a higher overall sense of contentment.

To improve the work-life balance of their employees, employers can:

• Offer flexible working options and allow workers to work remotely where appropriate.

• Encourage them to take breaks and disconnect.

• Conduct regular reviews of employees’ workloads to ensure they're not trying to do too much at once.

• Increase support options for parents.

Reward hard work and celebrate successes

Employees feel happy when they receive praise for their hard work and their efforts are recognized, so make time to reward noteworthy achievements by:

• Taking employees out for a meal or to take part in activities like bowling.

• Encouraging managers to hand out positive feedback.

• Bringing treats into the office.

However, acknowledging an employee's hard work or achievement doesn't have to be a grand gesture. One of the simplest and most gratefully-received rewards is a simple 'thank you' - something employers often forget.

Get them some coffee!

As well as being scientifically proven to increase wellbeing, brighten your mood and make you feel happier, coffee also helps build work relationships by giving employees the perfect opportunity to interact with each other over a coffee break, creating a happier work environment in the process.

Why not have great coffee delivered to your work?

Whatever you do during International Week of Happiness at Work 2023, 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.

Coffee Gifts For Father's Day 2023

Ah, dads. Easy to please but difficult to buy for, mainly because they just buy themselves the things they want, when they want them. 

Even so, there's no reason to make him settle for a Father's Day gift you're pretty sure he won't actually like just because you forgot you needed to buy him a gift until you started reading this - we're here to inspire you with some of the best coffee-related gifts a dad could possibly want this Father's Day.

Camera lens coffee mug

If your dad has an artistic side and/or loves going for a good walk, he’ll appreciate the clever and functional design of this camera lens coffee thermos. 

Designed to be a replica of a classic Canon model EF 24-105mm camera lens, it holds as much as 11 fl oz ounces of his favourite brew and its stainless steel lining makes sure it stays hot for ages. Plus it really does look like an old fashioned camera lens, meaning it's a guaranteed conversation starter whenever he starts drinking out of it!

Java fire logs

Speaking of a good walk, this next idea is perfect for dads who love walking and/or hosting barbecues and bonfires which, we imagine, is roughly 99% of them.

Made from recycled coffee grounds, these special fire logs burn cleaner, hotter and for longer than traditional fire-fodder, making them a unique gift that any outdoorsy dad will love but won't see coming!

Single-Serve Capsule Coffee Machine

Looking to push the boat out for your old man this year? Look no further than this Nespresso Lattissima One Evo Automatic Coffee Maker by De'Longhi.

Not only is it an impressively stylish piece of kit, this compact coffee machine will let your dad make espresso macchiatos, cappuccinos and latte macchiatos at the touch of a button, thanks to its single-serve milk jug and one touch fresh milk system.

It also features a descaling alert and it's easy to clean too, with a removable water tank and dishwasher-safe milk jug. What's not to like?!

Plastic free French press coffee maker

No coffee-lover's kitchen is complete without a French press and this funky stainless steel and glass number is a must-have for any dad that doesn't already have one.

Ergonomically designed with a large glass handle to ensure a comfortable grip even when the container is full that will stop him burning himself on it, it also features a special knob to increase stability when plunging and a removable espresso maker filter for easy cleaning.

It makes excellent coffee too!

Coffee tasting book

If your dad really fancies himself as a connoisseur, he'll need to be able to identify the different flavours delivered by different coffees. Because it really is true - when a coffee claims to boast hints of chocolate or strawberry, they actually do, it can just be tricky to make them out over the taste of the coffee itself.

With the help of this 'How To Taste Coffee' book, he'll learn how to identify exactly what it is he's tasting, develop his palate and improve his ability to choose the sorts of coffee he's going to love in future.

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. 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 2023 from Cafe2U!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, we hope you all have a great day. And don't worry, our Cafe2U vans will be on the road as usual to help you celebrate if you need us!

Going Green For National Clean Air Day 2023

With air pollution responsible for as many as 36,000 deaths in the UK every year, it is the largest environmental health risk currently facing our country.

National Clean Air Day was created by environmental charity Global Action Plan to raise awareness of the issue among the general public. By encouraging everyone from local authorities and schools to businesses and community groups to organise their own events, Global Action Plan hopes to get the country talking about the seriousness of air pollution and the ways in which we can combat it.

At Cafe2U, we're proud to do our bit for the benefit of the environment. In fact, our aim is to become the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company. So what exactly are our green credentials? Read on to find out!

We're a digital franchise

One thing you won't find much of around Cafe2U HQ and our franchisees' vans is paper. Operations at our head office are completely digitised and we no longer offer traditional loyalty cards or physical pamphlets - we have our own app which allows our customers to receive news, offers and updates digitally instead. By using less paper, we're keeping more trees in the ground where they can help remove harmful pollutants from the atmosphere.

Our vans are electric

Yep, all electric and 100% emission-free, with lithium-ion batteries instead of diesel generators. Furthermore, our electric vans have minimal moving parts and more effective brakes, so fewer replacement parts need manufacturing, reducing our overall greenhouse gas emissions even further.

When we switched from petrol powered to electric vans, we significantly reduced our CO² emissions overnight, and we're determined to keep looking for more opportunities to reduce our company's emissions even more over the coming years.

We're big on recycling

All our franchisees offer their customers the opportunity to recycle their paper cups to slow the rate at which new disposable cups are produced.

They also provide a coffee grounds recycling service, which helps counteract the 1.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions which are generated by the 500,000 tonnes of coffee waste that is disposed of in the UK annually. The initiative sees waste coffee grounds being recycled into biofuel pellets to power biomass boilers, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping keep the air cleaner.

Oh, and all our food products come in 100% recyclable packaging too!

Tackle air pollution with Cafe2U

While it's great to see more and more people becoming aware of the issue of air pollution and trying to do something about it, a huge amount of work still needs to be done if the UK is going to eradicate the problem permanently. 

If you're interested in investing in a clean, 100% emission-free franchise like Cafe2U, click here to find out more.

Top Bakes For National Vegetarian Week 2023

Designed to highlight to the wider public the benefits and pleasures of a meat-free diet, National Vegetarian Week has become one of the most eagerly anticipated awareness weeks of the year.

And that should really come as no surprise. Because vegetables are so versatile, they can be used in all kinds of recipes, both sweet and savoury and, as a result, National Vegetarian Week is now enjoyed by more people than ever, from lifelong veg fanatics to dyed-in-the-wool carnivores.

With that in mind, we've decided to share a few of our favourite veggie bakes for you to try at home. And, best of all, they all go great with a fresh brew!

Carrot cake porridge

No, that isn't a typo! Carrot cake, while delicious, is old news. Carrot cake porridge is the future!

Ingredients

To make three bowls of carrot cake porridge, you will need:

• 2 small carrots, peeled and grated

• 180g porridge oats

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• grating of fresh nutmeg

• 75g raisins

• 850ml milk

Simply put all the ingredients in a pan and cook over a medium heat for 10-15 mins, stirring often, until the oats and carrots are soft and the porridge is creamy. If your porridge looks too thick during cooking, add a little more milk. 

Serve hot with an espresso for a flavourful and fun way to start your day.

Potato and cheese muffins

This fabulous recipe is quick and easy to make and doubles as an excellent way to use up leftovers.

Ingredients

To make 12 muffins, you will need:

• 750g mashed potatoes

• one large egg

• 250g cheddar cheese, grated

• three tbsp chopped chives

Begin by making mashed potatoes using your preferred method. If you're new to the world of mash, this recipe is a great place to start (although you'll only need half the amount of potatoes for this muffin recipe). 

Next, preheat your oven to 190C/170C fan, then grease a non-stick muffin pan with a little butter.

Stir the mashed potatoes, egg, ¾ of the cheddar cheese and two tbsp chopped chives together in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then divide the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pan, packing the potatoes down into each cup.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and crisp around the edges, then remove the pan from the oven, top the muffins with the remaining cheese and return to the oven for three more minutes. 

Once ready, allow the muffins to cool, then transfer to a serving dish, top with the remaining chives and serve immediately. Serve with a black coffee to perfectly complement the creaminess of the potatoes and cheese.

Courgette, lemon and thyme cake

This summer-y sensation is fragrant, light and well worth the effort!

Ingredients

To make a courgette, lemon and thyme cake, you will need: 

• 350g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature, plus extra for greasing

• 350g golden caster sugar

• zest 2 unwaxed lemons

• 6 large eggs

• 400g self-raising flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 4 courgettes (about 600g), coarsely grated

• 2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves

For the icing, you will need:

• 250g mascarpone

• 250g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

• zest 2 unwaxed lemons

• 900g icing sugar

For the crystallised thyme, you will need: 

• 50g golden caster sugar

• 12 thyme sprigs (use a combination of thinner and thicker sprigs)

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

For the candied lemon slices, you will need:

• 200g golden caster sugar

• 2 unwaxed lemons, thinly sliced into rounds

Begin by making the decorations. For the crystallised thyme, put the sugar on a plate, brush the thyme with the egg white, then roll in the sugar. Shake off some of the excess, then leave the sprigs on a piece of baking paper to dry.

For the candied lemon slices, tip the sugar into a saucepan with 200ml water. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar, then bring the syrup to the boil. Drop in the lemon slices and cook for 15 mins until softened. Carefully remove the slices from the syrup and place on a piece of baking paper to dry. Keep the remaining syrup for brushing over the cake.

Next, heat your oven to 180C/160 fan/gas 4. Grease and line the bases of two 20cm springform cake tins. Make the four sponges in two batches. To make the first batch, in a large bowl, use a whisk to beat 175g butter with 175g sugar and the zest of 1 lemon until creamy. Then, gently beat three of the eggs together in a jug. Gradually add the egg to the mixture, scraping down the side and whisking well after each addition. In a separate bowl, mix together 200g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt, and fold this into the cake mixture. Finally, stir in 300g courgette and 1 tbsp thyme leaves. Divide the mixture between the tins and bake for 25 mins.

While the sponges are still warm, prick all over with a skewer and brush over some of the reserved lemon syrup. Once cool enough to handle, remove from the tins and place on a wire rack. Make and cook the second batch of cakes using the remaining ingredients.

When the cakes are cool, make the icing. Whisk all the ingredients together with a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.

Next, sandwich the cakes together with a little of the icing. Using a palette knife, spread a thin layer of icing all around the cake and chill for 30 mins to set. Once chilled, completely cover the cake in a second layer of icing to achieve a smooth finish. Decorate with the crystallised thyme and candied lemon slices, then return to the fridge until the icing has completely set. 

Serve with a cappuccino or latte for the ultimate sweet, veg-fuelled elevenses treat!

Enjoy National Vegetarian Week with Cafe2U

We're committed food and drink fans at Cafe2U and these vegetable-based bakes are easily among our favourite snacks to enjoy with a cup of good coffee.

To make the most of National Vegetarian Week 2023 wherever you are, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring some of our top-quality coffee straight to your door.

Coffee Haikus2U

To celebrate International Haiku Poetry Day 2023, here's our attempt at some coffee and Cafe2U-related haiku poems. Can you do any better?

“Wake up to coffee,
Cafe2U brings the brew,
A perfect start too.

Rolling through the streets,
Cafe2U vans serve joy,
A sip of heaven.

Caffeine in the air,
Mobile coffee at your door,
Cafe2U’s here!

Coffee on the go,
Cafe2U brings the goods,
A sip, a smile, bliss.
”

— Cafe2U

Advice for Franchisees: How to Reduce Stress

Stress is a natural part of life and, as a franchisee, you may experience it more often than others. Being responsible for running your own business can be challenging, so it's essential to take care of your mental health - something that is particularly relevant during 2023’s Stress Awareness Month. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss some common issues that franchisees face and offer advice on how to overcome them.

Financial Pressure

One of the most common stressors for franchisees is financial pressure. Starting and running a business requires investment and it can take some time to see a return on that investment. To alleviate this stress, it's essential to create a realistic financial plan before you start your franchise. You should also regularly review your finances to ensure you're meeting your goals and making progress towards profitability. 

As a Cafe2U franchisee, you have the benefit of a proven business model, so you can have more confidence in your financial projections.

Time Management

As a franchisee, you're responsible for managing your time effectively to ensure that your business runs smoothly. This can be a challenge, as there are many tasks to juggle, from managing inventory to handling administrative tasks. 

To reduce stress, it's essential to prioritise your tasks and create a schedule that allows you to be productive without burning out. With Cafe2U, you can take advantage of our support services to help manage your workload, such as marketing and supply chain management.

Marketing and Sales

Marketing and sales are critical components of running a successful business. However, many franchisees find these tasks to be stressful, especially if they don't have experience in these areas. To reduce stress, Cafe2U offers every franchisee marketing support, which includes both online and offline marketing materials, social media management and promotional campaigns. This support can help you reach more customers and grow your business.

Final thoughts

Owning a Cafe2U franchise comes with many benefits, but it's essential to manage stress levels to ensure you're able to run your business successfully. By creating a realistic financial plan, managing your time effectively and taking advantage of Cafe2U's support services, you can reduce stress and run a successful business. 

So for Stress Awareness Month 2023, try to make prioritising your mental health and managing your stress levels your goal.

Best Easter Bakes 2023

If it's possible for a person to eat too much chocolate, Easter is probably the time it would happen. As much as we love chocolate at Cafe2U, the last thing we want is for anyone to make themselves poorly by overdoing it over the coming weekend so we've compiled a list of easy and delicious Easter bakes for you to try at home to bring some variety to your diet (don't worry, chocolate still features prominently!).

Better still, all these bakes go great with a cup of top-quality coffee so, without further ado, here are our top Easter 2023 bakes!

Easter Traybake

This Easter-themed traybake is a great option to make with kids and can be decorated with any Easter sweets and treats of your choosing!

Ingredients

To make an Easter traybake, you will need:

• 150ml sunflower oil, plus extra for the tin

• 165g golden caster sugar

• 2 eggs

• 150ml milk

• 165g self-raising flour

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the chocolate fudge icing, you will need: 

• 100g milk or dark chocolate, chopped (either a chocolate bar or Easter egg, broken up)

• 100g butter, softened

• 100g icing sugar

• 100g Easter treats (chocolate eggs, sweets etc)

Begin by heating your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, then oil and line a traybake tin, about 20 x 30cm, and 5cm deep. 

Put the oil, sugar, eggs and milk in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Sieve over the flour, cocoa and bicarb, and stir briefly until combined. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 20-25 mins until the cake is well risen and springy. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

Next, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water - ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water - then leave to cool for a few minutes.

Finally, beat the butter and icing sugar together until pale and fluffy, then drizzle in the chocolate and beat again until smooth. Swirl the icing over the top of the cake, then decorate with the Easter treats to serve.

Carrot Patch Cake

Take a (short) break from chocolate with this tasty carrot cake. The Easter bunny would definitely approve!

Ingredients

To make Carrot Patch Cake, you will need:

• 175ml vegetable oil, plus extra for the tin

• 75g natural yoghurt

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 200g self-raising flour

• 250g light muscovado sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ fresh nutmeg, finely grated

• 200g carrots (about three), grated

• 100g sultanas or raisins

• 100g pistachios, finely chopped

For the icing, you will need:

• 100g slightly salted butter, softened

• 200g icing sugar

• 100g full-fat cream cheese

• 100g fondant icing or marzipan

• orange food colouring

First, heat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, then oil and line a 900g loaf tin with parchment paper. Whisk the oil, yoghurt, eggs and vanilla in a jug. Then mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg with a good pinch of salt in a bowl. Squeeze any lumps of sugar through your fingers, shaking the bowl occasionally to bring the lumps to the surface.

Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry, along with the carrots, raisins and half the pistachios. Mix well to combine, then scrape into the tin. Bake for 1 hr 10 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. If any wet mixture clings to the skewer, return to the oven for 5 mins, then check again. Leave to cool in the tin.

To make the icing, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth. Add half the cream cheese and beat again, then add the rest. Remove the cake from the tin and spread the icing thickly on top. Scatter with some of the remaining pistachios. Dye the fondant or marzipan orange by kneading in a drop of food colouring. Roll into little carrot shapes, arrange on top of the cake, then serve.

Easter Egg Cookies

Decadent and perfect for dunking, these seasonal cookies taste as good as they look!

Ingredients

To make 20 Easter Egg Cookies, you will need:

• 175g butter, softened

• 200g light brown soft sugar

• 100g golden caster sugar

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• 250g plain flour

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 50g white chocolate, chopped into chunks

• 100g bar dark chocolate, chopped into chunks

• 100g mini chocolate eggs, crushed

Start by heating your oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, then tip the butter, sugars and vanilla into a bowl. Beat with a whisk until pale and fluffy, then add the egg and beat again. Tip in the flour, bicarb and a pinch of salt, then use a spatula to mix together before adding the chocolate chunks and about half the crushed mini eggs. Mix again until everything is combined.

Next, scoop golf-ball-sized mounds of cookie dough onto the baking sheets, making sure you leave plenty of space between each one. Push the remaining mini egg pieces into the tops, then bake for 15-18 mins, swapping the sheets around halfway through. 

Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 10 mins before transferring to a wire rack, then bake the second batch.

Happy Easter from Cafe2U!

We hope all our customers have a happy Easter and a great bank holiday weekend. 

If you find yourself in need of some top quality coffee to accompany one of these bakes or some of your chocolate eggs, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your door!

Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Investing In A Franchise

According to the most recent survey by the British Franchise Association, more than 700,000 people in the UK work in the franchising industry, with a staggering 93% returning a profit. Consequently, it's no surprise that, when thinking about a career change, many people weigh up the pros and cons of investing in a franchise themselves.

But with so many factors to consider when it comes to joining the franchising industry, how can you be sure that becoming a franchisee is the right decision for you? 

We've compiled the top five questions that every would-be franchisee should ask themselves.

Can you afford it?

Whatever type of franchise you find most appealing, investing in it will require you to find enough money to cover both start-up and ongoing costs, with the average cost of buying a franchise in the UK currently standing at approximately £15,000.

Before you begin trading, you'll need to pay an up-front franchise fee to the franchisor for the right to use its brand name, logo and business plan. It also usually covers training, support and marketing.

An ongoing fee will almost certainly be payable too, such as a management or royalty fee to continue trading under the franchisor's brand. This will either be a fixed monthly fee or a percentage of your profits. You may also be expected to make regular contributions for ongoing promotion and marketing activity and, if you're required to sell the franchisor's products, you will also need to buy inventory.

Depending on the nature of the franchise, you may also need enough working capital to pay suppliers, staff, rent, insurance and utilities - as well as your own cost of living - in the interim before your business becomes profitable.

Are you passionate about your chosen franchise?

If you're not 100% interested in the industry in which your chosen franchise specialises, walk away. Not only will your customers and clients quickly pick up on your lack of enthusiasm, resulting in reputational damage to your business, but you're also more likely to lose interest in it in the long-term, which could conceivably cost you a significant amount of money.

Conversely, if you invest in a franchise you're truly interested in, your energy and passion for it will naturally come through, resulting in you offering a better product or service to your customers.

While the predicted earnings and the work/life balance being offered by your chosen franchise are important factors to take into account, if they're the only things that interest you about it, it's time to think again.

Have you done your due diligence?

The only way to ascertain your new business' chances of success is to get out in the area in which you want to operate and do some market research. Does the local community have the right demographics for your business? Is it crying out for whatever you have to offer? Or are there already too many businesses offering the same services in the area? 

At this stage, being thorough and patient is vital, so resist the temptation to sign on the dotted line until you can answer these questions and more. The more time you invest before you buy a franchise, the better your return on investment is likely to be.

Do you have the right skill set?

Familiarise yourself with what day-to-day life as a franchisee in your chosen field entails and make sure you're confident you have the personality, lifestyle and skills to make a success of it if you decide to take the plunge. 

Ask yourself questions like: 

• can you deal with early starts and long days?

• Do you enjoy interacting with members of the public?

• Are you well organised?

• Can you handle any and all daily paperwork that may be involved?

• Will you be comfortable implementing the franchisor's procedures?

If you can honestly answer 'yes' to these sorts of questions, franchising could be a good fit for you. 

How will you spread the word about your new franchise?

You'll need to advertise your new business before it launches - to build interest - and once it has launched, to ensure people know that you're there and what you have to offer.

Establishing a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all advisable and you should also be prepared to put up posters, make and deliver flyers and advertise in local newspapers in order to promote your franchise too, especially if it isn't already a household name.

Cafe2U franchises are available

Not only are they available, they're one of the best franchise options for 2023. In addition to a top-of-the-range electric van and an exclusive area in which to operate, all our new franchisees receive all the training and equipment necessary to get their businesses off the ground. We also supply them with all the ongoing support and marketing advice they need too.

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, we can even assist in arranging finance for you. For more information, click here.

Espresso Some Love for Valentine's Day 2023 with these Coffee Gifts

When most people think of Valentine's Day, the first things that come to mind are traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates and champagne.

While these are all perfectly adequate ideas, let's be honest - there's not much to excite coffee aficionados. So, if your other half is as fond of coffee as we are, what should you get them to show your love this year? How about one of these Valentine's Day coffee gifts?

Handmade coasters

Coffee lovers need coasters so why not push the boat out this Valentine's Day and get your partner some stylish and colourful ones they won't find on the highstreet? 

The ultimate coffee table accessory, these Mexico-inspired coasters will keep your furniture ring-free and brighten up any living area in which they're used. And, because they're hand-woven rather than wooden or plastic like most coasters, they're a guaranteed conversation piece for when guests come to visit.

Coffee body scrub

Coffee isn't only for drinking - it can also be used as part of an effective skin care routine!

Celebrated for their ability to leave your skin feeling nourished and moisturised, coffee scrubs even help combat breakouts, scars, stretch marks and cellulite.

This one from Frank Body, the world's leading coffee-based skincare company, is 100% natural and vegan, combining coffee, vitamin E and specially selected oils to leave skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Once your coffee-loving other half tries it once, they'll never go back.

Classic cafetiere

One of the most widely used and best coffee filter machines in the world, cafetieres are a kitchen staple for many people and a brilliant gift for any coffee drinker who doesn't already own one.

Perfect for those that enjoy a full bodied coffee, cafetieres are easy to use - simply add freshly-boiled water and coffee grounds to the jug, leave for a few minutes, plunge the mesh filter down to the bottom of the beaker, then pour the brew straight into your mug. 

There are plenty to choose from in shops and online but a couple of our favourites are this 34oz glass and stainless steel French press from Bodum and this large capacity, double-wall insulated beauty from Coffee Gator.

Coffee necklace

Why not show your loved one how you feel about them with this charming coffee-themed necklace?

Made from sterling silver, this sweet piece of jewellery is eye-catching yet subtle, with a heart cutout that's impossible not to fall in love with. It even comes with a velvet storage bag and presentation gift box!

A prepaid Cafe2U card

If your partner is a Cafe2U customer, why not pick up the tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards? When you prepay for five, they'll get the sixth completely free and it'll mocha their day!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here to find out more.

Happy Valentine's Day 2023 from everyone at Cafe2U!

We're happy whenever romance is in the air, so we hope everyone has a great time for Valentine's Day 2023. Our mobile coffee vans will be on the road as usual and you can get in touch with your nearest barista here if you'd like a quality brew delivered straight to your sweetheart's door!

Franchising Resolutions For 2023

Resolutions are for the whole year, not just January, so we've compiled five top franchising tips for you to stick to in 2023 in order to take your business to the next level.

Become as sustainable as possible

Climate change awareness is higher than ever, so it's imperative for your franchise to reduce its carbon footprint to become as sustainable as possible without delay. With consumers increasingly unlikely to deal with any company that isn't overtly environmentally friendly, ensuring your franchise is as sustainable as possible has become non-negotiable if you want it to succeed.

While sustainability has rightly been a buzzword for franchises for many years already, 2023 could well be the year when record numbers of businesses become greener than ever, with shifts towards going paper-free by digitising records, using recycled/recyclable/reusable products and materials wherever possible and installing long-lasting LED light bulbs among the most common initiatives.

At Cafe2U, our zero-emission electric vans are helping us on our way to becoming the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company.

Get out and about

This might sound obvious for a mobile business but in order to increase the profitability of your franchise, it's worth getting off the beaten track every once in a while.

Every Cafe2U franchisee has an exclusive territory in which to operate but, no matter how well they know the area, untapped opportunities can often be found within it. If there's a good-sized park or sports field in your vicinity, find out if any upcoming events are taking place there as these will often provide you with an excellent opportunity to make new customers.

Freshen up your offering

It's no secret that customers quickly become bored if a franchise's product offering stays exactly the same every day. That's why it's so important to occasionally add new items to your menu to complement your perennial best-sellers to keep regular customers interested and attract new business.

Keep an eye out for opportunities like Easter, Halloween etc and offer products themed around them when the time comes. Our sweet and warming S'more mochas always go down a treat around Bonfire Night!

Plan for upcoming seasonal events

Do your research to make sure you're always prepared for any national holidays or awareness days that are just around the corner and can be targeted by your franchise. Bank Holidays are an obvious example as they can provide multiple catering opportunities for your franchise.

What this means is that you should be promoting your services now - whether it’s in person or online - to try and get some bookings in the diary. A simple Google search will also bring up a list of other relevant dates for you to note down and target. 

Ensure you're making the most of social media

It's one thing to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but if you're not posting regularly and using them to interact with customers, you're missing a trick!

As well as allowing you to let people know when you'll be out and about - and where you'll be - social media also allows you to advertise any new drinks or snacks you're offering, answer customers' questions and build strong relationships with consumers.

Franchising opportunities with Cafe2U

If you're interested in changing careers or becoming your own boss, franchising is one of the most risk-free ways of doing so.

All our franchisees receive all the training and support they need to help make their business a success. If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Get Involved With 'Brew Monday' 2023

You've probably heard of Blue Monday, the name given to the third Monday in January that is allegedly the most depressing day of the year. But what about ‘Brew Monday’?

What is Brew Monday?

Brew Monday is the brainchild of emotional support charity, Samaritans, and is designed to directly counteract the doom and gloom surrounding Blue Monday by encouraging people to reach out to their friends and family, arrange a catch-up over a coffee and enjoy some quality time together.

Those interested in taking part can also choose to raise funds for Samaritans by hosting a Brew Monday event. While the fundraising methods are up to the host, they typically involve baking cakes or biscuits then selling them to guests and sending the proceeds to Samaritans.

When Does Brew Monday 2023 Take Place?

Brew Monday takes place on the same day as Blue Monday which, this year, is on January 16th.

Why take part?

According to estimates, Samaritans responds to a call for help every 10 seconds from someone who is struggling to cope and wants to talk about their feelings without judgement or pressure. 

As a charity, it relies on donations so hosting a Brew Monday event to help raise funds enables it to continue providing support to people in the UK and the Republic of Ireland who are suffering emotional distress.

How Do I Take Part?

Taking part is as easy as inviting a friend round for a coffee, while those wanting to arrange a larger get-together can either organise a tea-party at home or at work, or host a virtual event via a website/app like Zoom, Skype or Facebook Messenger.

Simply select a date and location for your event, invite your guests and bake some treats to sell them. If you're hosting an event at work, remember to book a meeting room that's big enough for all the invitees.

Then, if yours is a fundraising event, all you need to do is collect all your donations and send them to Samaritans. You can pay by cheque, bank transfer or over the phone. For more information, visit this page.

If you need some tips or activities to make your event go smoothly, take a look at this page.

For help arranging an event, email: community&events@samaritans.org

How Cafe2U can help

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

You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Franchise Forecast for 2023

As a new year looms, franchisors across the UK are analysing 2022's trends to try and ascertain the direction in which the franchise industry is heading. While external factors like rising inflation rates and reduced consumer spending are out of their control, there are still plenty of things franchisors can do to give themselves the greatest chance of success over the coming months. 

Successful organisations know they must constantly evolve to remain ahead of the pack and these are the three ways in which we expect to see growing franchises shape the franchise industry in 2023.

Becoming as environmentally friendly as possible

With awareness of the importance of sustainability at an all-time high among consumers, environmentally-aware businesses are reaping the well-deserved rewards, as customers increasingly choose to only support those that protect the environment as much as possible or, better yet, give something back to it too.

Franchises that use recycled and/or recyclable products, work to reduce their carbon footprint and demand the same of their partners and suppliers can expect to earn the support of both customers and potential franchisees over those that exist solely to make money in 2023.

Innovating

Every franchise wants to be profitable and increasing your profit margin invariably means taking a percentage of one of your competitors' market share. One of the most effective ways of doing so is by being as innovative as possible in order to get in front of - and appeal to - as wide an audience as possible.

In the mobile coffee industry, this might mean developing an app that customers can use to make their experience more convenient, embracing digital advertising or switching from diesel vehicles to electric models - all moves which are both innovative and environmentally-friendly and ones Cafe2U has made in recent years.

It would be a surprise if the franchises that innovate the most in 2023 aren't celebrating another successful year in 12 months time.

Through sustained growth

According to the British Franchise Association (BFA), approximately 710,000 people are employed in the UK franchise industry, with more than 90% of franchisees running at a profit.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing cost of living crisis, it's not unreasonable to think that many who can afford to do so will be tempted to invest in the franchising industry in 2023. This will allow them to take back control of their finances by becoming their own boss in a demonstrably profitable industry that remains low risk, with fewer than 1% of franchises failing each year in comparison to the approximately 60% of non-franchise SME start-ups that fail within their first five years.

Those franchises that make themselves most appealing to would-be franchisees in 2023 should be in for an excellent year.

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining regularly. If you're interested in becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

We’ll supply you with everything you need to get your business off the ground, from training and equipment to ongoing support and advice on marketing.

With an excellent reputation, ever-expanding customer base and impressive sustainability record, we're sure that joining the Cafe2U family in 2023 is a decision you won't regret.

Best Coffee Cracker Jokes for Christmas 2022

Looking to stir things up with a few coffee-centric gags this Christmas? Well we sure are, so bear with us as we present some of our favourite coffee-themed gags - all of which are deSERVING of a place in even the poshest crackers!

1. How did the hipster burn her mouth? She drank her coffee before it was cool!

2. What do gossiping coffees do? Spill the beans!

3. Why did the coffee file a police report? Because it got mugged!

4. What do you call it when you walk into a cafe you’re sure you’ve been to before? Déjà brew!

5. Why shouldn't you drink 1p espresso? It’s a cheap shot!

6. How are coffee beans like teenagers? They're always getting grounded!

7. What’s a barista’s favourite exercise at the gym? The French press!

8. Why did the coffee-shop worker get fired? He kept showing up in a tea-shirt!

9. What do you call a sad cup of coffee? A depresso!

10. Why did the kangaroo stop drinking coffee? It made him too jumpy!

Merry Christmas from Cafe2U!

What do you mean 'don't give up your day job'?!

Send us your favourite coffee Christmas cracker jokes via our social channels and we'll share the best ones over the coming weeks!

Top Coffee Christmas Gifts 2022

Christmas is a-coming and if, like us, you haven't started finished your shopping yet, you might be in need of some inspiration. Well fear not, because we've rounded up some of the best coffee-related presents money can buy and we're sure you'll find something to delight your coffee-loving friends and family among the following selection.

Portable espresso machine

Coffee fans that need to be within easy reach of an espresso at all times will love this portable espresso machine that makes fresh coffee in an instant.

The Minipresso GR is a robust but lightweight and easy to use bit of kit that's perfect for use at home, at work or on the go, with a decent capacity and low price point. Sold!

Coffee wall art

Not art made from coffee - although such a thing probably does exist - but a fun and simple coffee guide print that will enhance any wall on which it hangs.

Available in a wide range of sizes, this wall art features adorable pictures of either 16 or 25 different coffees and their ingredients, making it the perfect decoration for any coffee lover's kitchen, living room or home office. Never again will they forget how to make a cafe con leche or latte macchiato!

Salter coffee grinder

Many coffee aficionados enjoy nothing more than grinding their own beans and this nifty little grinder is one of the very best - and most reasonably priced - on the market.

A single speed, stainless steel electric coffee grinder, this bad boy is simple to use, quick to grind and of excellent quality. Despite being small enough to not require much kitchen space, its 60g capacity allows it to grind up large portions in no time. You can use it to grind nuts or spices to add to your favourite coffee concoctions too!

Friars coffee chocolate collection

Coffee and chocolate go together like a hand in a glove or a spoon in a mug. This year, why not treat the one you love to some of the finest coffee chocolates around, courtesy of Friar's, one of the UK's oldest and most popular chocolatiers?

This coffee chocolate collection is bursting at the seams with 24 luxury treats, including cappuccino cupcake, caramel latte and, of course, tiramisu flavours, so be sure to stay on the recipient's nice list so you can get to try some yourself!

Coffee candle

Nothing beats the smell of freshly brewed coffee which is why this coffee candle makes such a brilliant gift-idea.

A 100% natural candle that features a coffee fragrance, crackling wick and a burn time of 40+ hours, it's guaranteed to improve the ambience of any coffee lover's living room, kitchen or hallway. It even comes in a stylish black whisky glass-style jar for added cool points!

Prepaid Cafe2U Gift Card

If you need a present for a regular Cafe2U customer, why not make their next few visits free by picking them up one of our prepaid gift cards? Or you could pre-pay for five coffees so they get the sixth one free! To find out more, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy shopping!

Whatever you decide to buy this Christmas, remember that it's all just a bit of fun and not worth losing any sleep over. And, if the stress of the festive season gets too much and you find yourself needing a quick pick-me-up, remember we're always happy to deliver some top quality, fresh coffee direct to your door!

Best Coffee Gifts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022

With Black Friday 2022 - the day on which retailers slash prices on many of their items - taking place this Friday, November 25th (with Cyber Monday taking place the following Monday), we've taken a look at the best gifts for coffee lovers.

Best coffee machines

Many retailers are offering discounts on coffee makers, with these at John Lewis definitely worth a look, but this Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine with Alexa and Smart Home Control from Amazon might just be the pick of the bunch.

Not only does it make customisable, barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button, it also features a raft of features including voice control and a temperature boost function, has Alexa built-in and is currently available with a staggering 63% off - down to £109.99 from £299.00.

Best grinder

Every fan of bean-to-cup coffee needs a good quality grinder and one of the best we've seen is this De'Longhi Dedica Style KG521.M Coffee Grinder. 

Available with nearly a third off at £196.40, this grinder features a 2.1 inch LCD display with Aroma Function, a stainless steel conical grinder with removable insert for easy cleaning and adjustable settings. It looks smart and stylish too!

Best coffee grounds

If you've never tried Happy Belly's Select Brazil Roast and Ground Coffee, here's your chance!

During the Black Friday sales, you can pick up six 1.36Kg packs of this tasty Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee for just £12.48, saving more than 25%. These full bodied, mid-strength grounds have a balanced, mild profile, with a nutty base flavour and notes of chocolate. Delicious!

Best coffee beans

Bean-lovers rejoice - a 1kg bag of Lavazza's fantastic Crema e Aroma, Arabica and Robusta Medium Roast Coffee Beans are available with 25% off while the sales last.

With an 8/10 intensity and rich, creamy flavour, these beans are suitable for use in bean-to-cup machines and filter machines or can be ground for use in a French press or moka pot. They also come in a resealable bag for long-lasting freshness. What's not to like?!

Coffee accessories

Looking for a few more items to complete your coffee set, how about these?

• these Judge JDG35 Double Walled Glass Coffee Cups - heat resistant, dishwasher safe and super stylish.

• these stainless steel coffee scoops - perfect for measuring your coffee, they have bag clips and 20% off!

• a new coffee storage container - a stainless steel container in a range of colours that comes with a date tracker and CO2 valve for freshness.

Enjoy Black Friday 2022 with Cafe2U

If you're planning on spending Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022 browsing for online deals, why not contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring you some top-quality coffee to your door to help keep you going?