Earth Day 2024.

Earth Day is an annual event designed to celebrate the planet and remind us all of the importance of sustainability and taking care of the natural environment, while also encouraging people to come together and take action for a brighter future.

As a mobile coffee franchise with a fleet of nearly 100 vans, you might think our business would be responsible for more than its fair share of pollution. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. We know how important it is to the planet - not to mention consumers and potential franchisees - to be an environmentally-friendly company and that's why we're on a mission to become the first carbon neutral coffee company in the UK. Here are just a few of the ways we're going about it.

Electric vans.

Our fleet of vehicles is electric and 100% emission-free, meaning we've massively reduced our CO² emissions over the years. Each of our vehicles also features an in-van generator that runs on lithium-ion batteries, so our emissions from in-van generators is zero too. 

Furthermore, our electric vans have minimal moving parts and more effective brakes, so fewer replacement parts need manufacturing, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions even further.

Reusable or compostable cups.

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, which is why we replaced ours with biodegradable paper alternatives, reducing our carbon footprint even further.

Recycling.

We offer our customers the opportunity to recycle their paper cups to slow the rate at which new disposable cups are produced, as well as a coffee grounds recycling initiative to counteract the 1.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions which are generated by the 500,000 tonnes of coffee waste disposed of in the UK every year. 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.

Going digital.

These days, we're almost completely paper-free at Cafe2U. All files at head office have been digitised and we've done away with traditional loyalty cards and physical pamphlets in favour of an app which allows our customers to receive news, offers and updates digitally instead, massively reducing the amount of paper we use and helping keep more trees in the ground where they help remove pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO²) from the atmosphere.

Happy Earth Day!
If you're interested in investing in an Earth-friendly franchise like Cafe2U, click here for more information.

Celebrate Easter With Our Choctastic Hot Drink Recipes.

At Cafe2U, we're best known for our barista-grade coffee but there are more strings to our bow than just serving excellent espressos and lovely lattes - we do a mean hot chocolate too!

With that in mind and Easter almost upon us again (hurray!!), now is the perfect time to share some of our favourite recipes for you to try at home. You can thank us later!

Hot chocolate royale

What's better than hot chocolate? Hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows, of course!

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 300ml milk

• 71ml double cream

• 50g chopped chocolate

• Mini marshmallows

All you need to do is pour the milk, double cream and chopped chocolate into a pan, then bring it gently to the boil, whisking until smooth. Serve immediately and top with mini marshmallows and a little grated chocolate.

Gingerbread hot chocolate

Gingerbread may be most commonly associated with autumn or winter but let's be honest, there's never a bad time to enjoy its sweet, slightly peppery taste!

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 300ml milk

• 100ml double cream

• 1 tsp dark brown soft sugar

• 1 orange, zested

• pinch of ground ginger

• pinch of ground cinnamon

• 2 cloves

• 4 drops of vanilla extract

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped

• whipped cream

• 2 mini gingerbread biscuits, crushed

Begin by stirring the milk, cream, sugar, orange zest and spices together in a saucepan, then bring to a simmer over a low heat. Remove from the heat and pour through a sieve into a jug, discarding the clove and orange zest. Pour the milk back into the pan and stir in the vanilla and chocolate until the chocolate has melted and is smooth, returning the pan to a low heat to warm through, if necessary.

Then, simply pour into a heatproof mug, top with whipped cream, add the crushed gingerbread biscuits and serve.

Vegan hot chocolate

Everyone deserves a chocolate-y treat from time to time so this recipe has been designed specifically for those with plant-based diets!

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 500ml oat milk

• 100g vegan dark chocolate, finely chopped, plus a grating to serve

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 2 bruised cardamom pods

• ½ tbsp maple syrup

• vegan marshmallows

Heat all the ingredients - apart from the marshmallows - in a small pan over a low heat and stir frequently until the chocolate melts. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods, then divide the hot chocolate between two mugs and top with the marshmallows and an extra grating of chocolate.

Mocha

If you fall into the 'coffee or nothing' category of hot drink lovers, fear not - there's plenty of choccy in this cheeky mocha recipe!

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need: 

• 36g ground espresso or 2 espresso pods

• 500ml milk

• 2 tsp drinking chocolate

Begin by making around 70ml espresso using a coffee machine and divide between your two mugs. Add 1 tsp drinking chocolate to each and mix well until smooth.

Next, steam the milk so that it has around 4-6cm of foam on top. Hold the jug so that the spout is about 3-4cm above a mug and pour the milk in steadily. As the volume within the mug increases, bring the jug as close to the surface of the drink as possible whilst aiming into the centre. Once the milk jug is almost touching the surface of the coffee, tilt to speed up the rate of pour. As you accelerate, the milk will hit the back of the cup and start naturally folding in on itself to create a pattern on top!

Happy Easter from Cafe2U!
We hope all our customers have a happy Easter and bank holiday weekend. There's bound to be plenty of chocolate to go around but if you run out of great coffee to enjoy with it, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some direct to your door!

World Poetry Day 2024.

To celebrate World Poetry Day, here are some of our attempts at coffee-themed poems!

Morning Brew.

In dawn's soft light, a ritual begins,

The kettle hums, the grinder spins.

Aromatic whispers fill the air,

As coffee beans release their flair.

A cup of warmth to start the day,

Chasing shadows, driving grey away.

With every sip, a gentle sigh,

As morning's calm begins to fly.

Espresso Symphony.

In the heart of bustling streets,

Amidst the crowd's hurried beats,

A symphony in a tiny cup,

Where time slows down, and worries are supped.

Bold and rich, like midnight's kiss,

Each drop, a moment of bliss.

A dance of flavours on the tongue,

In this espresso, worlds are sung.

Café Serenade.

In the corner of a cosy nook,

Pages turn and thoughts partook.

A melody of whispers rise,

In the haven of coffee's guise.

A refuge from the outside storm,

Where dreams take shape and hearts reform.

With every sip, a verse is spun,

In this café, where souls are won.

Think you can do any better? Send us your attempts via our social channels!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Our Tasty Irish Coffee Recipe.

Known across the world as Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th is the day on which Irish culture and heritage are celebrated in all their glory in commemoration of Saint Patrick, Ireland's foremost patron saint.

Saint Patrick was an Irish bishop who was kidnapped by Irish raiders and forced to work as a shepherd, during which time he found God. Tradition has it that God told Patrick to escape and head to the coast, where a ship would be waiting to take him home to Ireland. Upon his return, Patrick converted thousands of pagan Irish to Christianity, carving out the religious path that Ireland would follow for centuries to come.

Despite his death on March 17th, 461 A.D, his legend continued to grow and, in the 17th century, his death date was made an official Christian feast day observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion and others.

Today, despite only being officially recognised as a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated all over the world. In fact, it's celebrated in more countries than any other national festival, with revellers typically enjoying public parades, traditional Irish music sessions, the wearing of green clothing and, of course, a glass or two of Irish beer, cider or whiskey. 

It's with the latter that we're concerned today.

According to legend, the first Irish coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port near Limerick. During World War II, as the last port of call for seaplanes east of the Atlantic, Foynes became one of the largest civilian airports in Europe.

One evening, Chef Joe decided to make a warming drink with a kick for a group of weary passengers whose plane had been forced to return to Foynes midway through a journey. Not only did his combination of coffee, cream and Irish whisky go down a storm with the travellers, it went on to become one of the most popular alcoholic drinks of all time and one which is still enjoyed as an indulgent end-of-meal drink today and particularly on St. Patrick's Day.

So how do you make the perfect Irish coffee at home? Let's take a look…

Irish coffee recipe.

The saying goes that on St. Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish. If that's the case, there's no excuse for not giving this recipe a go over the coming days!

Ingredients.

To make an Irish coffee, you will need:

• 2 tbsp double cream

• 150ml freshly brewed black coffee

• 50ml Irish whiskey

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• pinch freshly grated nutmeg

• mint syrup (optional)

Start by lightly whipping the cream until it starts to thicken, then set aside.

Next, pour the hot coffee into a mug then add the whiskey and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then float the cream on top by pouring it carefully over the back of a spoon held just above the surface of the liquid. Gradually raise the spoon as you pour until the entire layer is floated.

Finally, sprinkle with the nutmeg and serve hot. Add a dash of mint syrup for a green finish!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Our mobile baristas will be on the road as usual this St. Patrick's Day so, if you fancy making an Irish coffee and need some coffee delivering to your doorstep, contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and we'll do the rest. Sláinte!

Winter Warmers: Cosy Coffee Creations To Beat the Chill.

Spring may be just around the corner but there are still a few more weeks of winter to navigate first.

If you're counting the minutes until the days start getting warmer and the nights start getting shorter, we've got a few hot drink recipes that will make the last knockings of winter just that little bit more manageable. Enjoy!

Pumpkin spice latte.

Pumpkin spice lattes are one of the UK's favourite seasonal hot drinks so what better time to enjoy one?!

Ingredients.

To make pumpkin spice lattes, you will need:

• 750g pumpkin

• ground cinnamon

• ground ginger

• ground nutmeg

• 30ml espresso or strong coffee

• 250ml milk (any variety)

To begin, you will need to make some pumpkin puree. Peel and seed your pumpkin, then cut into evenly sized cubes. Place the cubes in a steamer or colander over a pan of simmering water for 10-15 minutes or until soft, then mash and leave to cool.

Once cool, put two teaspoons of puree into a large heatproof glass or mug and stir in the spices and coffee. Next, heat the milk in a saucepan over a low heat until steaming and frothy. Pour into the glass or mug and spoon over the froth. Stir to combine, dust with more cinnamon and voila - the perfect warming, aromatic drink to enjoy on a cold winter evening!

Peppermint mocha.

Peppermint and coffee bring out the flavours in each other for a warming treat that's the perfect antidote to chilly temperatures.

Ingredients.

To make two peppermint mochas, you will need:

• 190ml milk

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 190ml espresso

• ½ tsp mint extract (or ½ peppermint candy cane)

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• Whipped cream

• Pinch of chocolate shavings

Add the milk, cocoa and sugar to a small saucepan on medium heat and warm until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. While the milk is heating, brew the espresso.

Pour the espresso and milk mixture into large mugs and top with whipped cream, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Gingerbread latte.

Sweet, cosy and creamy, gingerbread lattes are the ultimate winter comfort drink.

Ingredients.

To make two gingerbread lattes, you will need:

• 1½ tsp ground ginger, plus extra to serve

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve

• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 600ml whole milk

• 2 shots hot espresso 

• whipped cream, to serve

In a bowl, mix together the spices, sugar and vanilla extract, then heat 100ml of the milk in a pan and add the spice and sugar mix. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved, then whisk in the remaining milk in additions until incorporated. Heat through until steaming.

Put a shot of espresso in each glass and top up with the spiced milk. Top with whipped cream and the extra spices.

Let Cafe2U help keep you warm this winter!
If you need some top quality coffee to keep your spirits warm over the next few weeks, our mobile vans will be on the road, fully loaded with some of the finest coffees around. To have some delivered to your door, find out where your nearest van is using our interactive map here!

Cafe2U Conference 2024 Part Two - Workshops and Presentations.

Following on from our recent blog about the Cafe2U Awards that took place at our annual conference this year, here's our second blog about the event, this time taking a look at the day's workshops and presentations.

Designed to benefit our franchise partners, these sessions are invaluable, with franchisees that have put the learnings from previous years' workshops and presentations into action typically experiencing sales increases, sometimes to the tune of 37.8%! 

The conference began with a presentation from our CEO, Martyn, looking back on everything we've achieved over the last 20 years and providing some market insights (you'll be pleased to hear that the size and market value of the UK coffee industry is growing all the time!), before Cafe2U's Head of Operations provided attendees with some hints and tips on how to run a successful franchise, with advice on everything from choice of language to mindset.

Introducing Small Batch.

Next up was a representative from our partners at Small Batch Coffee Roasters, who delivered an informative presentation all about the coffee they supply to us, including how it's sourced, roasted, blended, packaged and delivered.

Coffee excellence.

The next presentation looked at the differences between commercial and speciality coffee brands, where we sit in the hierarchy of things and what this tells us about our coffee.

At Cafe2U, our coffee is hand picked and hand roasted in small batches, with each blend roasted individually to gain the best possible flavour profile from each bean. The utmost care is then taken at every part of the journey from the coffee farm to our vans.

Commercial coffee, on the other hand, is usually roasted and packed in large plants, where blends are frequently roasted together with little care for individual flavour profiles, resulting in low grade coffee quality.

As a result, we're delighted to say that, going forward, we will no longer be comparing and benchmarking ourselves against the high street's Big Three coffee retailers as we honestly believe we surpass them all in terms of coffee quality. Instead, we'll be comparing ourselves against organisations in the 'speciality' market instead - those that use only the world's best, highest-grade coffee, which comprises the top 3-5% of global yields!

We have total confidence in both our award-winning coffee beans and our award-winning baristas and we're sure this will be reflected in Cafe2U's performance over the coming months.

Good Till & Good Eats workshop.

Next up was a 'Good Till & Good Eats' workshop, in which we talked about how our franchise partners can utilise the systems we already have in place - like pre-ordering systems and reporting tools - to analyse trends and maximise profitability in an increasingly digital age populated by tech-savvy consumers.

According to a recent survey, 46% of coffee consumers prefer to self-serve or pre order, with 27% of under 25s regularly using a delivery service for their coffee orders. That's 3.3 million potential coffee consumers ready and waiting!

And finally…

The conference wrapped up with a breakout session on engaging with customers and an opportunity for franchisees to learn from each other and share tips.

As you can tell, we leave no stone unturned at our franchise partner events, so keep an eye out for the third and final conference blog in the coming weeks!

Coffee Gift Ideas For Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and what better way to express your love for your coffee-loving partner than with a thoughtful coffee-themed gift?

Whether they're a connoisseur of cappuccinos or a fan of flavoured lattes, we've curated a list of the best coffee-related Valentine's Day gifts that are sure to brew up some love!

Personalised coffee mug.

Start their day with a smile by gifting them a personalised coffee mug. You can customise it with a sweet message, their name or even a memorable date. Every sip they take will remind them of your love - as well as their love for coffee! 

Check out sites like Etsy for a variety of customizable options.

Coffee-infused chocolate.

Combine two beloved indulgences into one delightful gift by giving your partner some coffee-infused chocolate. Whether it's espresso-flavoured truffles or mocha chocolate bars, these treats are sure to satisfy their sweet tooth and their coffee cravings! 

There are plenty of options available online but this Friars Selection Box gets the nod from us for the sheer range of treats it contains!

French Press.

Elevate their coffee brewing experience with a high-quality French press. This classic brewing method will allow them to savour the full flavour and aroma of their favourite coffee beans. Depending on their interior design choices, you can safely opt for either a sleek stainless steel design or a traditional glass model.

French presses are easy to pick up online or in stores but we really like this stainless steel model from Kichly - it comes with a 3 level filtration system, offers good value for money and looks the business! 

Coffee Art Print.

Add a touch of caffeinated charm to their home decor with a coffee-themed art print. Whether it's a minimalist coffee cup illustration or a vibrant coffee shop scene, art prints are a stylish way to celebrate their love for coffee. 

We're big fans of this simple 'cafe' design but a simple Google search will yield literally thousands of results for you to choose between!

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 from Cafe2U!

This Valentine's Day, show your partner how much you care with a coffee-related gift that speaks to their passion for all things caffeinated. Cheers to love and great coffee!

Cafe2U Conference 2024 - part one.

One of our favourite weekends of the year, the annual Cafe2U Conference never disappoints and this year was no different!

Taking place on Saturday, January 27th, at Alveston Manor in Stratford Upon Avon, this conference was a particularly special one, as it marked the launch of our 20th anniversary celebrations!

As well as giving our franchisees the opportunity to attend workshops aimed at enhancing their knowledge and practices, the conference also allowed us to look back at the business developments and successes that have taken place over the last 20 years, celebrate how far we've come and set out where we are heading.

It also gave our franchisees the chance to get to know their colleagues, our suppliers and our head office team, enjoy some good food, have a dance and enjoy an awards evening - which is what we'll be focussing on in this blog! 

Cafe2U Awards 2024.

The perfect way to end a busy day, our annual awards event was as enjoyable and hotly-contested as ever, with the quality of every nominee really emphasising just how amazing our franchise partners are and how hard they work.

The nine categories - and their respective winners - were: 

The Coronation Treat Award.

Presented to franchise partners that went above and beyond in order to serve the armed forces at the King's Coronation last year, the recipients were Kola Onakoya, Bernard Sullivan and Gemma and Clair Gay.

Special thanks went to Scott and Emma Colmer, Tim Shaw, Kayleigh Wylde, Bob Golbert, Jo and Gary Bonnick and Antonio and David Petrosino for their efforts too!

Rising Star Award. 

One of the conference's newer awards, this category recognises partners that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the franchise model, are hungry to learn and who show determination to build and run their franchise as successfully as possible.

This year's winner was Rob Johnson (Cafe2U Warrington North)!

Barista of The Year Award.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Barista of The Year Award is a tough one to win - you'd only need to look at the length of the 'short' list to understand just how many fantastic baristas we're lucky to have in our ranks (hint: it wasn't that short!). 

This year, there was nothing to choose between two of the nominees… so we crowned two champions! 

Congratulations to Emil Pandrea (Cafe2U Goole) and Gemma and Clair Gay (Cafe2U Bath South West) who simply serve perfect coffees, day in and day out, without exception!

Supreme Bean Award.

This award is presented to the partner who exhibits the highest standards across several areas of their business. On this occasion, however, we were once again spoilt for choice, so it's another category with dual winners - congratulations to Laura Hall (Cafe2U Bury St Edmunds) and Anna Molnar (Cafe2U Bristol East)!

Most Improved Franchise Partner Performance.

This award recognises the franchise partner who has most significantly improved their business over the last 12 months and this year's winners were Peter and Melanie Smart (Cafe2U Chelmsford East).

Social Media Award.

Another relatively new award, this category recognises the franchise partner who has used their social media accounts to communicate and interact with customers most effectively.

Hats off to Emma Pardoe (Cafe2U Kingswinford) whose social media savvy is nothing short of exemplary!

Outstanding Achievement Award.

This special award is dedicated to our ambassadors - long-serving partners who have been with Cafe2U for a significant amount of time and elevated the company as a result.

This year's recipient has been with us for almost 13 years and, while navigating numerous ups and downs along the way, has always been an exceptional team player. Congratulations to Paul Newman (Cafe2U Rochester).

Double Espresso Award.

A new award for 2024, this category celebrates those franchisees who operate successfully as a pair (or even a family business).

The inaugural winners were a husband and wife team who operate in Chippenham, love what they do and consistently make their customers' days. Well done, Richard and Sharon Bool!

And finally, the big one… 

Franchise Partner of the Year Award.

This award recognises and celebrates the very best performer across every aspect of the business over the previous 12 months.

For demonstrating consistent growth - despite the tough economic situation facing UK consumers -  this year's winners, for the second year running, no less, were Amanda and Steve Lawrence (Cafe2U Braintree)!

An extremely worthy pair of winners, we're rewarding Amanda and Steve's hard work with a trip to Copenhagen for a food and coffee tour, plus tickets to the World of Coffee Festival!  

Can't see your local Cafe2U barista among the winners? Let us know why they'd have been worthy champions on our social media channels!

To find out how you could become our newest franchise partner, click here.

Pancake Day 2024.

With Pancake Day just around the corner, what better time to share this amazing coffee pancakes recipe?!

Hands up who loves pancakes?

Pretty much the entire UK? Thought so….

Taking place on Tuesday, February 13th, Pancake Day is the opportunity to eat as many pancakes as you like completely guilt-free that we've all been waiting for for almost exactly a year.

But this time around, instead of sticking to your tried-and-tested old pancake recipe, why not liven things up a bit with this sensational recipe for coffee pancakes?

Coffee pancakes recipe.

Tasty? Check.

Suitable for coffee lovers? Check.

Easy to make? Check!

Ingredients.

To make four coffee pancakes, you will need:

• 250g plain flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 250g buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

First, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl, then set aside.

In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, instant coffee, and cooled, melted butter with a whisk. Then, use a spatula to add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix to combine.

Preheat a large, non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, ladle 1/4 of the batter into the pan and spread to approximately a 5-inch diameter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles begin to form on the top of the batter, then flip the pancake and cook for 1-2 minutes more. 

Repeat with the remaining batter and serve hot - ideally with a cup of good coffee!

Celebrate Pancake Day with Cafe2U.
Even though we're slaves to pancakes just like the rest of you (don't deny it!), our devoted mobile baristas will still be out on the roads on Pancake Day, so you can still have your favourite coffees delivered direct to your home or office. Get in touch with your nearest van to place an order here!

Enjoy Veganuary With Cafe2U!

Veganuary is an annual challenge promoting veganism and its benefits by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle throughout January, in order to help end animal farming and protect the environment. 

If you're a coffee-lover who is taking part in Veganuary 2024, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to get your apron on and experiment with some tasty vegan recipes. But what recipes go best with coffee? 

We take a look.

Vegan courgette cake.

Perfect for a coffee morning, this tangy delight is guaranteed to brighten your day!

Ingredients.

To make vegan courgette cake, you will need: 

• 80g vegan butter block, softened, plus extra for the tin

• 175g golden caster sugar

• 2 lemons, zested, 1 juiced

• 100ml oat milk

• 100g ground almonds

• 175g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 175g courgettes, coarsely grated

• 200g icing sugar

Heat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, then butter and line a 900g loaf tin. Beat together the vegan butter block, sugar and lemon zest until combined. Add the plant milk and beat slowly to combine, then add the ground almonds, flour and baking powder, along with the grated courgette, and stir to combine. 

Next, spoon the batter into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake for 55-60 mins until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean, then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely in the tin.

To make the icing, sieve the icing sugar into a bowl and add 1 tbsp of the lemon juice and stir to combine. Add a little more lemon juice if needed, ½ tsp at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. 

Finally, remove the cake from the tin and drizzle over the icing, allowing it to drip down the sides. Leave to set for 20-30 mins, then cut into slices and serve.

Chocolate vegan biscuits.

This rich, indulgent recipe does exactly what it says on the tin!

Ingredients.

To make 12-16 chocolate vegan biscuits, you will need:

• 150g vegan margarine

• 75g golden caster sugar

• 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 100g vegan chocolate chips

• 100g icing sugar, sifted

• 1 tbsp citrus juice, plus 1 tsp

Begin by using an electric whisk to cream together the vegan margarine and sugar for 2 minutes. Mix in the flour along with 1 tbsp water and the chocolate chips, then bring together into a disc using your hands. Cover and put in the fridge to chill for 30 mins. 

Next, line a large baking sheet with baking parchment and heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour, then roll out the biscuits to around 1cm thick and use a cutter to stamp out 12-16 biscuits. Arrange on the lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 mins until golden. Leave on the baking sheet until cool to touch, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing, mix together the icing sugar and 1 tbsp and 1 tsp of citrus juice. Drizzle over the cooled biscuits and leave to set.

Vegan cookies and cream cake.

Ideal as an afternoon treat or for special occasions, this cake recipe is seriously luxurious!

Ingredients.

To make vegan cookies and cream cake, you will need:

• 150ml sunflower oil, plus extra for the tin

• 200ml oat milk

• 1 ½ tsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 120g dairy-free yoghurt

• 225g light brown soft sugar

• 200g self-raising flour

• 70g cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 150g crème-filled chocolate sandwich cookies

• 150g vegan spread

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 275g icing sugar

Oil a 20 x 20cm baking tin and line the base and sides with parchment paper, then heat the oven to 180C/ 160C fan/gas 4. Combine the oil, milk, vinegar, vanilla and yoghurt in a jug, then mix the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarb and a pinch of salt together in a bowl.

Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until there are no pockets of flour remaining. Tip the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35 mins, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely in the tin.

Bash half of the sandwich cookies with the end of a rolling pin or blitz in a food processor. Beat the spread, vanilla and icing sugar together using an electric whisk until fluffy, then gently fold in the crushed cookies until combined.

Finally, put the cake on a board and spread over the icing, then halve or crumble the rest of the cookies on top. Cut into squares and serve.

Happy Veganuary from Cafe2U!

As big fans of vegan bakes, you won't be surprised to hear that Cafe2U also offers a range of vegan-friendly alternative milks. Contact your nearest van and find out more here.

New Year, New Possibilities: Become a Franchisee in 2024.

New Year, New Possibilities: Become a Franchisee in 2024.

Almost a third of Brits are predicted to have made a new year's resolution for 2024, with doing more exercise, losing weight, drinking less and spending less time on social media among the most popular choices.

Nearly one in five resolution-makers (18%) want to advance their career goals and, if you're one of them (or have just decided you fancy a career change), now is the perfect time to consider investing in a franchise.

Of course, people unfamiliar with franchises will probably ask: "But what benefits does choosing a franchise have over getting a new job?" 

Let's take a look!

Wellbeing on your terms.

Essentially, franchisees operate as entrepreneurs, with the autonomy to make decisions on work hours, locations and duration. This flexibility creates a career that aligns with your lifestyle, fostering a work-life balance often elusive in a 9-5 job while simultaneously improving your wellbeing.

And, with more and more people working from home in 2024, investing in a franchise that can adapt to different locations and settings - like Cafe2U - is a particularly good idea!

It's profitable.

The franchise industry is renowned for its profitability, making it an attractive choice for those seeking financial growth. Consistent performance directly translates to increased income, offering limitless earning potential for franchisees.

Swift start up.

Becoming a franchisee is a straightforward process that involves an interview, the drawing up and signing of a contract, buying into the franchise and then training for the new role, which may only take a matter of weeks. After that, you're up and running!

If you don't want to hang around, franchising is one of the best ways to get a new business off the ground as soon as possible.

Low-risk venture.

Did you know that approximately 97% of UK-based franchisees currently run in profit? (Or that just 38.5% of businesses that launched in the UK in 2016 were still operating five years later?)

This success can be attributed, in part, to the ability to tap into an existing customer base that is already familiar with the brand. With a built-in trust factor, franchisees can bypass the years typically spent establishing credibility, saving both time and money on extensive promotional efforts.

Comprehensive training and support.

Opting for a franchise means gaining access to thorough training from the franchisor before your business opens. Ongoing support from both the franchisor and fellow franchisees ensures a wealth of knowledge and assistance to navigate challenges, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.

Our customers aren't going anywhere!

Even with a significant proportion of the population currently having less disposable income, there are certain products and services that people just can't do without, and research shows that good coffee is one of them!

Traditionally, consumers would splash out on new clothes or gadgets to treat themselves when they got paid. As a result of the cost of living crisis, however, people are increasingly swapping more expensive treats like these for cheaper but equally rewarding alternatives, with top-quality coffee among their favourites.

Consequently, despite the pandemic/lockdown, our sales have gone from strength to strength in recent years and this trend shows no sign of stopping.

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?
At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every month. If you're interested in developing your career by 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.

2023 Conference Retrospective.

Ahead of this year's Cafe2U Conference, we’re taking a look back at last year's event…

In 2023, the annual Cafe2U conference, a much-anticipated event, was held amidst the beautiful surroundings of Wyboston Lakes in Bedford. The conference, themed 'The Seven Habits Of A Successful Franchisee,' was a grand success, with over 60 franchisees in attendance.

The seven habits that were discussed in depth were:

1. Be proactive

2. Begin with the end in mind (have long-term vision)

3. Put first things first

4. Think win-win (mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers)

5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood (including social media)

6. Synergise (creative cooperation)

7. Sharpen the saw (practise, practise, practise)

The conference started with a speech by Franchise Development Manager Nick Sara, followed by an overview of the UK coffee market from CEO Martyn Ward. Head of Coffee Standards Callum Ellis then emphasised coffee quality and its significance to franchisees and customers alike.

A series of afternoon workshops covered critical issues like forging strong supplier relationships, gaining maximum benefit from social media and enhancing coffee-making skills. The day ended with an engaging Q&A session with CEO Martyn and the Franchise Development Management team. As night fell, a glamorous awards ceremony was held, with Amanda and Steve Lawrence winning the coveted 'Franchise Partner of The Year' award. CEO Martyn concluded by saying that 2022 was Cafe2U's best ever year for both sales and sales growth.

Preview of the 2024 Conference.

We are proud to announce that this year's Cafe2U conference will be held on Saturday, January 27th, at Alveston Manor, Stratford Upon Avon, bringing the theatre of coffee to the grandest stage of all: ‘To bean or not to bean? That is the question!’

This conference will not only be a great opportunity to engage with all our franchise partners and celebrate our suppliers and key partners, it will also mark the launch of our 20th year celebrations too!

We will be looking back at the business developments and successes that have taken place over the last 20 years, celebrating how far we have come while also setting out where we are heading. There will be more workshops featuring a blend of skill-based discussions and subject-specific topics, aimed once again at enhancing our franchisees' knowledge and practices.

We love to see our franchisees attending this annual platform of learning, networking and celebrating, joining us to reflect on our journey thus far and, more importantly, to aim even higher in the future!

Boozy Festive Coffee Recipes.

Christmas is a-comin', so dust off those bottles at the back of the shelf and get ready to make some of our alcoholic festive coffees!

Obviously we're a little biased but we think coffee is one of the most versatile drinks around. It's perfect first thing in the morning or during the day, great whether the weather's hot or cold and, most importantly at this time of year, it goes brilliantly with a host of other drinks and flavours. So when it comes to making a cheeky Christmas tipple, coffee is a must-have ingredient. 

We love a boozy coffee on special occasions so we've compiled some of our favourite recipes to share with you. Here's how to make them:

Orange mocha.

Bucks fizz has long been a Christmas staple in the UK and the perfect way to get into the party mood. But if you fancy a drink with a kick on Christmas morning, but don't particularly like champagne, this orange mocha is for you.

To make four boozy orange mochas, you will need:

• 4 cups of espresso coffee

• one tin of sweetened condensed milk (standard 397g size)

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• 2 oranges peels 

• 1 ¼ cups of chocolate vodka

Start by combining the coffee and condensed milk in a saucepan over a low heat, then slowly whisk in the cocoa powder, stirring continuously. Add the orange peels and leave to steep for five minutes.

Next, simply remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chocolate vodka, take out the orange peels and serve. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, adding some fresh whipped cream won't hurt either!

Gingerbread latte.

Along with pumpkin spice, gingerbread flavour lattes have become one of the UK's most popular Christmas drinks. But what you won't find on offer in your average high street coffee shop are gingerbread lattes with added coffee liqueur!

To make a gingerbread latte, you will need:

• 30ml strong espresso coffee

• 40ml gingerbread syrup

• 180ml full fat milk

• 20ml coffee liqueur

• whipped cream

• ground cinnamon

Begin by heating the milk to scalding, then stir in the gingerbread syrup. Next, pour the coffee liqueur into a mug and pour the coffee over the top, then add the gingerbread milk. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon to serve. Best enjoyed from a sofa when it's cold outside.

Peppermint mocha.

When it comes to Christmas, few things are as evocative as peppermint candy canes, so it's no surprise that peppermint mochas are the perfect accompaniment to an evening spent wrapping presents or watching a Christmas movie.

To make a super simple peppermint mocha, you will need:

• one cup of espresso coffee

• 15ml creme de menthe

• 15ml chocolate liqueur

• 2 tbsp double cream

• whipped cream

• one peppermint candy cane 

First, smash the candy cane by wrapping it in a tea towel and giving it a couple of whacks with a rolling pin. Next, add the creme de menthe and chocolate liqueur to the coffee, stir to combine, then add the double cream. Garnish with the whipped cream and a handful of the crushed candy cane pieces.

Irish coffee.

The classic! Everybody and their nan loves this combination of coffee and Irish cream liqueur once Christmas rolls around - it's the perfect way to finish a meal. Here's how to take your's to the next level.

To make one Irish coffee, you will need:

• 2 tbsp double cream

• 150ml freshly brewed black coffee

• 50ml Irish whiskey

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• freshly grated nutmeg

Start by lightly whipping the cream until it begins to thicken, then set aside. Next, pour the hot coffee into a mug, then add the Irish whiskey and sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Gently layer the cream on top, add a sprinkling of nutmeg to serve and prepare to feel smug when everyone compliments you on how good it is!

Christmas at Cafe2U.

Of course, alcohol isn't for everyone. If you'd rather settle in with a top quality coffee minus the booze, our mobile vans will be on the road throughout the festive period and our trained baristas have some of the finest coffees around. To have some delivered to your door today, find out where your nearest van is using our interactive map here.

The Art of The Mobile Cafe: Why Going Mobile With Cafe2U Spells Success.

Coffee houses have an alluring charm; a cosy place for a catch-up or a break away from your busy day. They are also full of expensive overheads for the shop owner! With rent, rates, staff costs and the ever increasing utility bills, a bricks and mortar coffee shop isn’t cheap to run. But what’s better than owning a coffee shop? Owning a mobile coffee shop!

Our van franchise is winning on all fronts and is full of people who made the choice between coffee shop and mobile cafe.

Are you dreaming of running a coffee business too? Here are some of the benefits:

Lower Running Costs.
Securing a prime location on a high street or in a shopping centre does not come cheap. From dealing with landlords, business rates and utility bills to staffing the your new venture, the costs quickly add up.

Opting for a mobile coffee van, however, significantly reduces your upfront costs and your ongoing overheads, fostering healthy profits and competitive prices. No rising rents or skyrocketing energy bills; the business is all about you, your van, your coffee and your client base.

You Can Get Closer To Your Customers.

Being mobile means that you have the freedom to take your business to your customers. This allows you the flexibility to find the customers you need and those that most need you. Unlike being tied to a single specific location, your mobile cafe gives your business the mobility to meet demand.

At Cafe2U, our model caters to customers on busy schedules and those missing high-quality coffee while at work.

Become A Focal Point In Your Community.

With a mobile coffee van, you enjoy the advantage of building a dynamic community presence. Serving at the right place and time during business hours or at local events can foster strong community bonds that last a long time.

Each arrival of a Cafe2U van at a workplace becomes a significant and common sight for many customers. Our delightful assortment of drinks and snacks, coupled with the comforting familiarity of our vans, keep customers coming back, day in, day out.

Live Life On Your Own Terms.

While your success ultimately depends on your dedication, owning a Cafe2U van allows you the freedom to decide your location and work hours. This means saying goodbye to dreary commutes and endless paperwork-filled nights at the office.

More often than not, you’ll be out engaging with people and brightening up their day - and who wouldn't fancy making people smile for a living?!

Delivering Top-Quality Coffee.

At Cafe2U, we’re committed to ensuring our customers’ favourite coffee shop isn’t actually a shop at all. It’s a van! And the equipment you’ll find there is of the same high quality you would expect to find in the best coffee shops across the country.

Our coffee roastery is a bit special - in fact, we’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Best Speciality Coffee Roaster’ award at the European Coffee Awards in Barcelona this month!

By choosing us as your business partner, you’ll be able to enjoy the perks of owning a thriving coffee establishment without the stress and costs of maintaining a fixed premise. Plus, you’ll get all the training and support you would expect from a market leading franchisor. It truly is the best of both worlds!

Eager to explore more about how a Cafe2U franchise might work for you? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at: https://www.cafe2u.co.uk/become-a-mobile-coffee-van-franchisee

From Farm To Cup: The Importance Of Traceability.

To become successful, businesses need to be viewed as trustworthy in the eyes of their customers. Here's how we strengthen trust with our clientele and why this is important for prospective new franchisees.

At Cafe2U, we're known worldwide for our top-tier coffee, with part of our charm lying in the stories about the ways in which our coffee beans travel from farms all over the globe to cups all over the UK. 

It's no exaggeration to say their journeys help make our coffee stand out.

Traceability is integral to this - and our - process. We track our coffee from the small, independent farms we source it from, all the way to our UK-based roastery. And, because we always prioritise quality over quantity and only work with farmers who do the same, great care is taken to treat each and every bean with the respect it deserves.

At our roastery, the beans are gently hand-roasted to give them a unique flavour profile, before they're distributed to our mobile baristas, who turn them into the delicious drinks our customers know and love. 

Although it's the manner in which our coffee is grown, prepared and served that sets it apart from our competitors', the beans' stories play an important role in strengthening our position as the UK's premier mobile coffee franchise too. Here's how…

The importance of a story.

Informing our customers about where their coffee has come from and the passion involved in its production allows them to appreciate it all the more, while understanding the journey of our coffee shows our commitment to serving only the best.

It also helps to build a bond between our customers and us and reinforces our position in the coffee industry - two things that should be music to the ears of potential franchisees!

Ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Today, issues like climate change and ethical sourcing are at the forefront of most people's minds. As a result, our customers love hearing that their coffee has been responsibly sourced and that we're a socially responsible company that ensures our farmers are paid a fair wage.

All our business practices are as eco-friendly as possible too. For example, in recent years, we've switched to using only electric vehicles, reduced the number of disposable paper cups we use and begun working with a new, sustainable sandwich supplier. All these steps reflect our commitment to environmental and ethical responsibilities, while also increasing our appeal to customers.

A guarantee of quality.

At Cafe2U, we want our brand to be synonymous with authenticity, transparency and quality. That's why our mobile cafés don’t use low-grade coffee beans, they use grade 1 and 2 beans that are 100% traceable - and nothing else.

Because we're proud of this fact, we make sure our customers know about it too, giving them yet another reason to remain loyal to the Cafe2U brand, while also giving potential franchisees another compelling reason to join our company today!

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

Investing in a Cafe2U franchise means joining a respected brand with a compelling backstory and a guarantee of top quality products - three things that are as appealing to our customers as they are to those thinking of becoming our newest franchisee.

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Best Coffee Gifts for Black Friday 2023

Looking to pick up something coffee-related this Black Friday? Here are our top picks!

With Black Friday 2023 - the day on which retailers slash prices on many of their items - taking place this Friday, November 24th, 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 67% off - down to £98.99 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 40% off at £163.91, 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 Taylors of Harrogate Rich Italian Ground Coffee, here's your chance!

During the Black Friday sales, you can pick up six 200g packs of this luxurious coffee for just £21, down from £26.10. With flavours of chocolate and almond, this is the perfect after-dinner coffee for anyone who wants to feel like they've been whisked away to an Italian piazza!

Best coffee beans

Bean-lovers rejoice - 1kg bags of Lavazza's fantastic Crema e Aroma, Arabica and Robusta Medium Roast Coffee Beans are available with almost 20% 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 Judge JDG35 Double Walled Glass Coffee Cups - heat resistant, dishwasher safe and super stylish.

• 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 with Cafe2U

If you're planning on spending Black Friday 2023 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?

National Career Development Month 2023: Why Choose A Franchise?

National Career Development Month 2023: Why Choose A Franchise?

With this annual event shining a nationwide spotlight on careers, could investing in a franchise be the right career move for you?

Established by the National Career Development Agency in 1967, National Career Development Month is a month-long awareness campaign designed to improve career development among people of all ages and encourage employees and students to focus on their future career choices.

With the opportunity to think about your future career prospects comes the opportunity to consider changing jobs but while changing your employer but remaining within the same industry has long been an everyday occurrence, today more and more people are considering leaving their current career behind in favour of becoming a franchisee.

So what benefits does choosing a franchise have over simply getting a new job? We take a look.

You are your own boss

In recent years, work models like the gig economy and zero-hours working have become more prevalent in the UK than ever before. But with people now realising the limitations of these ways of working, many people are choosing to become a franchisee in order to take back control of their career development.

Franchisees are essentially self-employed, so becoming one gives you the autonomy to make your own decisions on a huge variety of issues, including where, when and for how long you work each week, giving you a flexible job that fits in with your lifestyle and improves your work/life balance. 

With working from home now the 'new normal', running a business that can adapt to different locations and settings is a great idea and one that is likely to see the franchising industry continue to flourish over the coming months.

You can get started quickly

If you want to get a new business off the ground as soon as possible, franchising is an effective way to do so.

Becoming a franchisee is a simple process that involves an interview between the franchisor and franchisee to ensure suitability, the drawing up and signing of a contract, buying into the franchise and then training for the new role, which may only take a matter of weeks. After that, you're up and running!

It's low risk

It seems like the last few years have been fraught with risk at every turn, with everything from the pandemic to the cost of living crisis putting a dampener on people's ambitions. 

However, with the British Franchise Association estimating that approximately 97% of UK-based franchisees currently run in profit and fewer than 1% of franchisors are closing due to commercial failure, it's clear that one thing that is relatively low risk is investing in the franchising industry, especially when compared to the fact that only 38.5% of businesses launched in the UK in 2016 were still operating five years later.

Becoming a franchisee also increases your chance at enjoying a successful career because your customers are likely to already be aware of your brand and its reputation (which, hopefully, will be positive), meaning you get the benefit of an established customer base that would otherwise take years to establish, saving you both time and money on costly promotional activity designed to raise brand awareness.

It's typically profitable

Many people change careers in order to increase their earning potential and the franchising industry is profitable to say the least. Consistently good performances will see your income increase directly, meaning the sky's the limit when it comes to your earning potential.

With many people's finances in need of a shot in the arm after years of economic uncertainty, the franchising industry's profitability makes it a great place for people looking for a career change to start their search.

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every month. If you're interested in developing your career by 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. 

Why Are Hot Drinks So Good On Cold Days?

Why Are Hot Drinks So Good On Cold Days?

As the cold weather sets in and autumn blankets the UK in leaves and frost, there's nothing quite as comforting as wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of your favourite hot drink. Whether it's an ever-reliable coffee, a classic cup of tea or a mug of rich, luxurious hot chocolate, hot beverages have a magical way of making us feel warm and toasty both inside and out. But what's the science behind this delightful sensation?

Let's take a look…

First and foremost, let's talk about the immediate impact of sipping a hot drink. When you take that first sip, the warmth of the liquid stimulates thermoreceptors in your mouth and throat. These receptors send signals to your brain, which interprets the sensation as an increase in body temperature. It's a quick and effective way to trick your body into feeling warmer almost instantly.

Now, as you continue to drink your hot beverage, the real magic happens. The warmth from the drink starts to spread throughout your body, raising your core temperature. This is particularly beneficial on a cold day when your body is working hard to maintain its internal heat against the chilly external conditions.

But there's more to it than just the immediate warming sensation. Hot drinks can also play a role in regulating your body temperature over time. When you consume a warm beverage, your body may respond by increasing blood flow to the skin. This increased circulation helps dissipate heat, balancing your internal temperature with the external environment.

Interestingly, the act of holding a warm mug can also contribute to the overall sense of warmth. The skin on your hands is rich in blood vessels and, when exposed to the heat from a hot drink, these blood vessels dilate. This not only enhances blood flow but also promotes relaxation, making you feel more comfortable in the cold.

Let's not forget the psychological aspect of hot drinks on cold days. The ritual of preparing and savouring a warm beverage can have a soothing effect on the mind. It's a moment of pause, a chance to escape the brisk chill outside and indulge in a little self-care. The psychological warmth derived from this ritual can have a tangible impact on your overall sense of well-being during the colder months too.

Beyond the immediate and physiological benefits, hot drinks also offer a range of flavours and aromas that can elevate your mood. The scent of a freshly brewed cup of coffee or the delicate notes of herbal tea can be invigorating, providing a sensory experience that goes beyond mere warmth.

In conclusion, the benefits of hot drinks on cold days extend beyond the physical warmth they provide. From the immediate sensation of heat to the physiological responses that help regulate body temperature and the psychological comfort derived from such a cosy ritual, hot beverages are a delightful and multifaceted way to combat the winter chill. 

So, the next time you find yourself shivering in the cold, contact your nearest Cafe2U van here, grab yourself a hot drink and let science and indulgence work together to keep you warm and content!

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.