Cafe2U Conference 2022: Our Roundup

On Saturday, January 15th, we outlined our plans for 2022 at Cafe2U’s annual conference at The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare.

The conference was attended by more than 60 of our 90 franchisees, as well as business partners and suppliers, including food products specialist Devonvale and van fit-out masters Dack Motor Group. It began with a speech by our CEO, Martyn Ward, in which he laid out the business' aims for the coming months.

“We are focussing on reconnecting, re-energising and having fun!”

He said: "Since we last met at our conference in February 2020, a lot has happened. When I stood in front of you in London that day, none of us knew what was about to come in the days and months ahead. But here we are, in what for many is still a very challenging time. 

“Firstly, looking around the room, the biggest thing that strikes me is the sheer number of winners we have here, those who have faced adversity and challenges of their own and worked hard to ensure that their business remains ready to serve as we start 2022. And that’s why there won’t be a single powerpoint presentation in sight today. We are focussing on reconnecting, re-energising and having fun! So speak to your suppliers, talk to other members of the team and, of course, network with fellow franchise partners, but most of all enjoy yourself!"

In the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to experience one of our new all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee vans. The electric vans are the first of their kind anywhere in the world and are a testament to Cafe2U’s sustainable approach to business, which we intend to expand upon in 2022 and beyond.

There were also a number of sessions available for franchisees to attend with the Cafe2U head office team, ranging from accounting to barista skills and marketing. Franchisees also had the opportunity to speak to the company's suppliers about new vans, new products, new revenue streams and financial services.

“We firmly believe we have everything in place to ensure that  2022 is our best year ever!”

However, the main focus was on ensuring our franchise partners had fun, with many of them heading to the Pier’s arcade armed with bags of 2ps that were provided in their welcome packs. There was even a Fastest Barista competition with a twist, with attendees going head to head in a virtual F1 simulator battle!

The conference climaxed with an awards ceremony, which saw prizes handed out to the companies rising stars, best baristas, best new franchisees and most improved performers, before concluding with the Franchise Partner of the Year award, which was claimed by Eric Draper, a franchisee based in Manchester South West. Draper was commended for the record breaking sales he had consistently achieved.

Summing up the day, Ward concluded: "Our 2022 conference has given our franchisees and partners the opportunity to understand our ambitious plans and we're delighted to have their support going into the new year. We firmly believe we have everything in place to ensure that  2022 is our best year ever and continue to make ourselves one of the most popular choices for people looking for franchise investment opportunities this year and beyond."

New Year, New Start: Become a Franchisee in 2022

Well over half a million people in the UK work in the franchising industry - circa 620,000 - and, in 2021, an astonishing 97% of franchisees turned a profit. Consequently, the number of people employed in the industry is expected to swell even further over the coming months.

If you're weighing up whether or not becoming a franchisee is the right move for you, it's important to remember that there's a lot more to becoming successful than just identifying an opportunity you like the look of and handing over your money. Here are a few things to consider before you take the plunge.

Make sure you can afford it

Different franchises have different costs but whatever franchise you're considering, you'll need enough money to cover both start-up and ongoing costs.

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.

The average cost of buying a franchise in the UK is £15,000 but that figure varies enormously depending on the nature of the business. The start up cost for a home-based franchise, for example, will be much cheaper than for one that requires premises, specialist equipment and furniture.

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.

Be passionate about your business

This may seem obvious but if you're not really 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 end up costing you a lot of money.

On the flip side, 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.

Do 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.

Customer service is vital

When you launch your new business, you ideally want it to gain a good reputation, fast. However, in the age of social media and online reviews, poor feedback from customers can quickly break a business, so you need to remain friendly, knowledgeable and professional at all times (the same goes for any employees).

If you can achieve this, not only will your customers keep coming back, improving your customer retention rates, it will also increase the chances of them singing your praises to their friends and colleagues. There's nothing better than free publicity, especially when it's positive!

Marketing and advertising are vital too!

Speaking of publicity, you'll need to spread the word about 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 but putting up posters, making and delivering flyers and advertising in local newspapers are all effective ways of promoting 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 2022. In addition to a Mercedes-Benz Vito premium 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 assist in arranging finance for you and your personal investment can be as little as £15,000. For more information, click here.

How Coffee Can Help Boost Your Fitness Regime

Getting fitter and doing more exercise are among the most popular new year's resolutions every year so, with this year no different, we've compiled some hints and tips to help you on your way.

Not only that, we've also investigated the role that coffee can play in your new year's fitness regime. With some people swearing by the benefits of drinking a cup before exercising and others advising against it, we've used all our coffee expertise to weigh in on the argument.

Read on to uncover our conclusion!

General Advice

Before we get started, it's important to remember that, when making changes to lifelong habits, you should make them small and incremental. 

Don't try to quit smoking, stop drinking and cut out all sugary foods in your first week of lifestyle change as this is likely to make you feel worse and make it much harder to achieve your goals. Make your targets achievable, take small steps and plan any lifestyle change over a sensible time period.

Safety First

Getting fitter may be about safeguarding your general health but it's easy to hurt yourself if you try to do too much too soon, especially if it's been a while since you last exercised or you're recovering from Covid or another debilitating illness.

One of the best ways to ensure you don't put too much strain on your body is to warm up before exercising and warm down afterwards. The NHS website has some excellent tips on preparing your body for exercise; check it out here. 

In addition to that, always listen to your body - if something hurts, stop exercising and contact your GP for advice. 

Exercise

When it comes to exercise, moderation is key. There's no point trying to do 100 press ups and a five mile run every day for the next month if you get out of breath every time you get off the sofa, so set yourself realistic targets, gradually increase the amount of exercise you do and you'll be feeling better before you know it.

And when it inevitably all seems like too much hard work and/or you aren't seeing the results you were hoping for soon enough, remember the first steps are always the hardest!

Start Small

With that in mind, there's no harm in starting with the sorts of exercises that don't feel like exercises at all. In fact, getting your body to exercise when you're not actually exercising is a great way to start getting healthier and is easily achievable.

The key is being more active day-to-day. If you work at a desk or regularly find yourself sitting down for long periods, set alarms on your phone and, when they go off, stand up and walk around for a few minutes or go and get a glass of water. 

Take the stairs instead of relying on lifts. Get off the bus one or two stops earlier than you need to and walk the remaining distance. You'll find you're burning off calories without working up a sweat or making yourself too tired for more vigorous exercise later on.

Set Challenges

A good way to stay focussed on fitness and keep yourself motivated is to set yourself regular, achievable challenges. Even if it's just walking 10,000 steps per day, each one brings you closer to a healthier you and you'll quickly build up your stamina, muscles and confidence and be ready to progress to more difficult challenges.

Do Some Cardio

Cardiovascular training (cardio) is any type of exercise that gets your heart pumping faster than usual. It can be done at home or in the office in as little as 15 minutes.

While running and cycling remain the most popular forms, there are an almost infinite number of cardio routines to choose from. Any combination of squats, press-ups, jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges and crunches will help improve your fitness and general health.

As with any form of exercise, however, everyone's ability is different. Plenty of advice is available online regarding what cardio exercises are best suited to your age and lifestyle, how to do them and how much rest is required between sets etc, so do a little research before you start to ensure you don't bite off more than you can chew. The NHS guide to exercise is a good place to start.

Train your Body to look Forward to Exercise

Don't worry, people who can't wait to exercise or hit the gym are in the minority; for most of us, the thought of working up a sweat to a strict schedule is something of a nightmare.

Fortunately, help is at hand. Research conducted by ScienceDirect has shown that, by combining an activity you actually enjoy with exercise, it is possible to trick your brain into looking forward to a workout. For example, if you enjoy listening to audiobooks, you should only listen to them while exercising. By only allowing yourself to enjoy them while working out, you will form positive associations with both and you'll find you have extra motivation to work up a sweat in no time.

Diet

Improving your diet is easier said than done but, with gradual changes and a little discipline, it is possible. Give these dietary tips a try and begin your journey to weight loss today.

Drink more Water

It may not be glamorous or exciting but water plays an important role in increasing physical wellbeing.

As well as boosting your metabolism - which speeds up the rate at which your body turns food and drink into energy - having enough water in your system helps it flush toxins out and enables your cells to regenerate quicker, reducing the risk of injury which could stop you from exercising while simultaneously improving your overall health.

Drink less Alcohol

At the opposite end of the scale, alcohol is bad for your metabolism and heart health and is full of calories, increasing your risk of gaining weight. If you regularly drink alcohol, reducing your intake will make it easier to lose weight and improve your general health.

Plan Ahead

Planning and preparing your meals ahead of time is a great way to help you stick to your diet, so plan what you're going to eat at least one week in advance - that way you can buy everything you need at the supermarket and ensure you're never out of stock of key ingredients.

By preparing your meals ahead of time, you can also take small portions of them with you to work or when you're out and about, meaning you always have healthy food available, which reduces your risk of snacking. Speaking of which…

Beware Snacks!

One of the biggest problems for people on a diet is getting a hunger pang, not having anything healthy to eat and eating a 'bad' snack, like a chocolate bar, as a result. Keeping foods that are low in calories close to hand will keep you full and reduce the likelihood of you resorting to off-plan sugary treats that you later regret.

Remove Temptation

Unfortunately, out of sight doesn't always mean out of mind - if you're on a diet and you know there's a packet of biscuits in the cupboard or tub of ice cream in the freezer, there's a pretty good chance you're going to end up eating it. 

To prevent this from happening, banish all the things you shouldn't be eating from your house as soon as possible. And be utterly ruthless!

Coffee and Exercise - a healthy combination?

In short, the answer is yes! A few years ago, Olympic athlete Mo Farah revealed that he drinks coffee every morning and in the hours leading up to a race and it clearly hasn't done him any harm!

However, there are pros and cons when it comes to drinking coffee before exercising. These include:

Pros

• Coffee stimulates your central nervous system, raising your heart rate and improving blood flow around the body, increasing your endurance.

• It also increases your metabolism, helping you burn fat quicker.

• Coffee is full of micronutrients that aid recovery and reduce muscle pain, minimising your risk of injury.

• It also boosts your alertness, helping you focus better and exercise more effectively.

Cons

• Drinking too much coffee before exercising can cause an upset stomach - the last thing you need in the middle of a workout!

• Additionally, too much coffee can actually cause fatigue, preventing you from exercising as much as you'd intended.

• If your brew is too strong, it can also cause dizziness.

As a general rule of thumb, drinking one or two cups of coffee one to two hours before exercising should benefit your workout. 

However, everyone is different so err on the side of caution to begin with and if you feel any negative side effects, wait until you've finished exercising before brewing a cup.

How Cafe2U can Help you Stay Fit

At Cafe2U, we offer a range of top quality coffees which can be incorporated into your diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. Contact your nearest van here to have some delivered to your door and see which one works best for your workout.

Best Vegan Bakes For Veganuary

According to database company Statista, there are approximately 600,000 vegans in the UK. That's a significant proportion of the population that doesn't eat meat, eggs, dairy products or other animal-derived substances. Luckily, plenty of vegan-friendly ingredients are now available in supermarkets and shops across the UK, meaning vegans can still enjoy as many tasty treats as everybody else. 

To celebrate Veganuary - the annual event that encourages people to follow a vegan lifestyle throughout January - we've selected some vegan recipes for you to make at home and enjoy with a cup of coffee. Time to get your apron on!

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

Moreish cookies that are easy to make and dairy-free? Don't mind if we do!

Ingredients

To make 10 vegan peanut butter cookies, you will need: 

• 100g dairy-free margarine

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 tbsp vanilla paste

• 100g crunchy peanut butter

• 225g plain flour

• 3 tbsp roasted peanuts, split in half

Begin by beating the margarine, sugar and vanilla together until smooth, using a whisk, then mix in the flour and peanut butter until combined. Use your hands to bring the mixture together into a smooth dough. Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3 and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. 

Next, roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s approximately 1cm thick. If the dough is very soft, pop it in the fridge until it firms up.

Finally, use a cookie cutter to cut circles out of the dough and place them on the lined baking tray. Press some peanut halves, cut side-up, into the tops, then bake for 12-15 mins. Leave to cool on the tray for 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve to family and friends as the perfect mid-morning accompaniment to a cup of coffee.

Cheesy Vegan Scones

Don't worry, it's not actually cheese - this recipe uses nutritional yeast, which makes an ideal alternative to the real thing.

Ingredients

To make 7 cheesy vegan scones, you will need: 

• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tray

• 1 tsp white wine vinegar

• 250ml almond milk

• 1 cauliflower stalk (around 100g)

• 300g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• ¼ tsp mustard powder

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• 3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked

• vegan onion chutney

First, heat your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and lightly oil a baking tray. Add the cauliflower stalk to a saucepan of boiling water and cook for 5 mins, then drain well, leave to cool and finely chop. While the cauliflower cools, mix the vinegar and almond milk and set aside.

Mix the flour, baking powder, nutritional yeast, spices, thyme leaves and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl, then add the cauliflower, oil and 230ml of the almond milk and vinegar mixture. Combine using a wooden spoon - adding extra almond milk if any dry mixture remains in the bowl - until you have a soft dough. Place the dough onto a floured work surface and pat to a thickness of 2-3cm. Use a cutter to cut out rounds and transfer to the baking tray.

Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 10-12 mins until golden, then serve warm with the chutney.

Vegan Chocolate Cake

At Cafe2U, we're firm believers that nothing goes better with coffee than chocolate so, to ensure nobody has to miss out on this fabulous combination during Veganuary, we've got an incredible recipe that is guaranteed to scratch your chocolatey itch.

Ingredients

To make vegan chocolate cake, you will need:

• dairy-free sunflower spread, for greasing

• 1 large ripe avocado (about 150g)

• 300g light muscovado sugar

• 350g gluten-free plain flour

• 50g good-quality cocoa powder

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 2 tsp gluten-free baking powder

• 400ml unsweetened soya milk

• 150ml vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting, you will need:

• 85g ripe avocado flesh, mashed

• 85g dairy-free sunflower spread

• 200g dairy-free chocolate, 70% cocoa, broken into chunks

• 25g cocoa powder

• 125ml unsweetened soya milk

• 200g icing sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• gluten-free and vegan sprinkles

To make the cake, heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3, then grease two 20cm sandwich tins with the dairy-free sunflower spread and line the bases with parchment paper. Put the avocado and muscovado sugar in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the plain flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, soya milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and ½ tsp fine salt and process again to a liquid batter.

Divide the batter between the tins and bake for 25 mins or until fully risen. Cool in the tins for 5 mins, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, beat together the avocado flesh and sunflower spread with electric beaters until smooth, then pass through a sieve and set aside. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate over a bowl of water (or in the microwave), then leave it to cool. 

Sift the cocoa powder into a large bowl, then bring the unsweetened soya milk to a simmer and gradually beat into the cocoa until smooth. Cool for a few mins, then tip in the avocado mix, sifted icing sugar, melted chocolate and the vanilla extract and mix until shiny and thick. Use the frosting to sandwich and top the cake, then cover with the sprinkles, leave to set for 10 mins and serve.

Celebrate Veganuary with Cafe2U

At Cafe2U, we know that vegan treats are every bit as tasty as traditional bakes, which is why our mobile baristas offer a range of vegan options. Contact your nearest van and find out more here.

New Year's Coffee Resolutions

With 2021 finally in our rear-view mirrors, now is the time to look forward to a new year full of possibilities… and make some new year's resolutions!

With plenty of articles full of advice about doing more exercise or reading more books already out there, our resolutions have been designed with coffee drinkers in mind and aim to broaden your coffee horizons over the next 12 months. Read on to find out more.

Consider using alternative milks

If you want to try something new in your coffee and help the environment, try switching to non-dairy milk. More and more people are experimenting with milk alternatives these days and with so many to choose from, now could be the ideal time to join them.

Whether it's soy, oat, almond or coconut, there's a non-dairy milk for everyone, so don't be afraid to try as many as possible. As well as bringing subtle new flavours to your coffee, you'll also be doing the planet a favour by making the switch - each glass of dairy milk produces almost three times more greenhouse gas than any plant-based alternative, making them far better for the environment.

Try some new drinks

Trying something new is great fun and hugely rewarding but don't worry, we're not suggesting you need to go skydiving to make the most of 2022 - just order some hot drinks you've never tried before!

From coffees flavoured with sugar-free syrups like caramel, vanilla or hazelnut, to luxury hot chocolates, your new favourite drink is just waiting to be discovered. At Cafe2U, our Winter Warmers range is available now and includes:

• the gingerbread latte - blended with biscuity tones and ginger for a delicious, warming, winter flavour.

• the Irish cream hot chocolate - irish cream flavours mixed with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

• the Toblerone cappuccino - our classic espresso blended with almond, vanilla and chocolate syrups for a fantastic new year's treat.

• the Toffee hot chocolate - hot chocolate blended with vanilla, toffee and caramel. For those with a sweet tooth!

• the Ferrero Rocher latte - a delicious latte blended with hazelnut and chocolate syrups for a classic seasonal flavour.

Contact your nearest van here to find out which limited edition drinks they have in stock.

Recycle your coffee grounds

Did you know your used coffee grounds are recyclable? That's right, once you've brewed a batch of coffee, you can reuse the grounds in several ways, such as:

• as a pest repellant. Simply sprinkle the grounds in your garden to keep slugs and snails at bay.

• as a fertiliser. Adding used grounds to your soil will improve drainage and water retention, helping plants thrive.

• to help your compost heap. Used coffee grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen, which improves soil structure, giving your compost heap a shot in the arm.

• as an air freshener for your fridge. Yep, placing a bowl of used grounds in your fridge will improve the smell as the grounds absorb any lingering odours.

Better still, recycling your used grounds instead of simply throwing them away benefits the environment as it reduces the number of items being sent to landfill or to be incinerated, both of which increase the amount of harmful greenhouse gases that are produced. It's a win-win!

Say 'goodbye' to disposable cups

One of the best resolutions coffee drinkers can have is to ditch disposable cups. 

According to a report from The Guardian, Britain goes through approximately 2.5 billion disposable cups each year, with most ending up in landfill and far too many ending up as litter. To start your new year off on the right foot, why not invest in a reusable coffee cup and do your bit to ensure that, when it comes to climate change, the coffee industry is part of the solution and not part of the problem?

Spread the coffee gospel

We all know someone that doesn't like coffee. Well the time has come to go forth and change that heathen's mind!

This year, why not make it your goal to take a non-coffee drinking friend out for a good quality brew? Cappuccinos and lattes are perfect 'entry level' coffees for non-believers, while flavoured coffees are also a safe bet. Let's face it, if the drinks are on you, they're unlikely to turn you down, so get out there and start converting!

Happy New Year from Cafe2U!

While nobody can predict what the future has in store for any of us, here's hoping the next 12 months are as positive and stress-free as possible. We'll be doing everything we can to spread some joy in the new year and we can't wait to see you all out and about in 2022.

How To Make the Most of Your Christmas Leftovers

With Christmas here and sustainability higher than ever on our mission statement, we're using this blog to encourage everybody to reduce unnecessary waste this festive season.

One of the best and tastiest ways to do so is to ensure you're making the most of your Christmas dinner by reusing your leftovers to make more meals on Boxing Day and beyond. Here are some of our favourite Christmas leftover recipes -  after all, there's nothing like enjoying good grub with your lunchtime coffee!

Mega Christmas Sandwich

Perfect for those waking up on the 26th feeling a little delicate, the Mega Christmas Sandwich is as simple as it is filling. And the name alone tells you it's going to be good!

There's no preparation time or pre-cooking required for these bad boys, simply pile all the bits of leftovers that take your fancy between two slices of bread, find a spot on the sofa and you're all set. Any combination of meats, veggies, stuffing, cheeses, sauces and gravy work perfectly.

If you have any baguettes or loaves of bread lying around, these can also be utilised: either slice the baguette length ways to make an even bigger sandwich, or, if you're really, REALLY hungry, cut off ⅓ of the loaf of bread, hollow out a decent amount of the crumb (the fluffy, non-crust bit) and pack with leftovers. Pair with an espresso if you don't want to spend the rest of the afternoon asleep!

Turkey curry

In the UK, many of us regularly crave something spicy, so if you have any turkey left over from Christmas, this recipe is quick and easy to make and has your name written all over it.

Ingredients

To make a turkey curry for four, you will need:

• sunflower oil

• onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated

• thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated

• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• ½ tsp garam masala

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 400g can passata or chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp mango chutney

• 100ml double cream

• about 600g leftover roast turkey, cut into large chunks

• chopped coriander, toasted flaked almonds, steamed rice and garlic naan breads, to serve

Begin by heating the oil in a casserole dish over a medium heat, then fry the onions for 10 mins or until golden. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli and all the spices and cook for 2 mins until the mixture looks like a paste. Stir in the tomato purée, passata/chopped tomatoes and mango chutney, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 mins.

Next, stir in most of the cream and return the mixture to a simmer. Add the turkey and keep simmering until the turkey is piping hot. Remove from the heat, pour in the remaining cream and stir. Top with the coriander and almond flakes and serve with the rice and naans. Eat in front of the pick of the movies on TV at that moment.

Cheeseboard mac and cheese

Cheeseboards are common around Christmas so, if you've got a load of odds and ends left over on Boxing Day, don't throw them away - stick them in a mac and cheese! This recipe is perfect for enjoying on a cold evening or over a coffee with friends at lunchtime.

Ingredients

To make a cheeseboard mac and cheese for four, you will need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 leeks, finely sliced

• 250g macaroni

• 40g unsalted butter

• 40g plain flour

• ½ tsp English mustard powder

• 650ml (1pt 2fl oz) milk

• 4 tbsp white breadcrumbs

• 150g of whatever cheese you have left

• Any leftover ham 

First, heat the oil in a frying pan with a lid over a low heat. Add the leeks, cover and cook for 15 mins or until tender. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°C, then bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the macaroni for 10 mins until al dente. Drain and set aside. 

Next, make a roux by melting the butter in a pan, then adding the flour and stirring to make a paste. Cook, stirring continuously, for 2 mins, then add the mustard and gradually pour in the milk. Continue stirring until combined and smooth, slowly bring to the boil, then simmer for 4-5 mins, stirring regularly, until thickened. Add two-thirds of the cheese and stir to combine, then season with black pepper.

Pour the macaroni into a 1.5-2 litre ovenproof baking dish, add the leeks and any ham, then pour over the sauce. Mix well. Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs and scatter over the top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 mins until bubbling around the edges and serve immediately.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Cafe2U!

These recipes only skim the surface of what is possible when cooking with leftovers so don't be afraid to experiment with your meals in the days after Christmas this year. 

Our mobile baristas will be out and about as usual over the coming weeks, so you can still get in touch with your local van if you'd like some top quality coffee delivered to your door to help ease you through the morning after the night before.

Why a Coffee Van Franchise Could be Right for You in 2022

In the UK, 620,000 people are employed within franchising and, with 97% of franchisees turning a profit, there is every reason to think that that number will increase next year. 

But profitability is just one of the reasons that make the industry such an excellent option for people considering a career change over the next 12 months. Here, we've taken a look at some of the others.

The opportunity to become your own boss...

In the UK, forms of work such as the gig economy and zero-hours working have become more common than ever. However, following the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are increasingly on the lookout for jobs that offer them the opportunity to take control of their own work destiny and becoming a franchisee does precisely that, making the franchising industry an attractive proposition in 2022.

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.

If you've ever dreamed of being your own boss, becoming a franchisee will make that dream come true.

...and do it quickly!

If you want to get a new business off the ground in a hurry, franchising is the answer to your prayers.

Typically, 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 few weeks. After that, you're up and running.

With people keen to put 2020 and 2021 behind them as soon as possible, the quick process involved in joining a franchise is likely to see people taking the plunge in large numbers over the coming months.

Franchising is a low risk industry

People who want to run their own business have seen their ambitions restrained by Covid-19 over the last couple of years, with everything from going to the shops to changing jobs carrying with it a significant degree of risk.

One thing bucking that trend is the franchising industry; 97% of UK-based franchisees currently run in profit, with fewer than 1% of franchisors closing due to commercial failure. Compare that to the fact that only 40% of new businesses in the UK survive more than three years and it's not hard to see why the industry is so popular.

Becoming a franchisee increases your chance at succeeding because your customers are usually already aware of your brand and its reputation (which, hopefully, will be positive). It also brings with it 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.

With many people currently more risk-averse than ever, the low risk involved with becoming a franchisee is another reason the industry should perform well in 2022.

Profitability

As we've already mentioned, the franchising industry is a profitable one but 'profitable' could be an understatement. Consistently good performances will see your income increase as a direct result, making your earning potential as big as you make it.

With many people's finances in need of a shot in the arm after two years of economic uncertainty, the franchising industry is a likely destination for many people looking for a new challenge in the new year.

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every single month. 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. 

As well as receiving a Mercedes-Benz Vito premium van, we'll also supply you with everything you need to get your business off the ground, from training and equipment to ongoing support and advice on marketing. What are you waiting for?!

Boozy Festive Coffee Recipes

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.

Ingredients

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!

Ingredients

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.

Ingredients

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.

Ingredients

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 Best Festive Food and Drink: Our Recipes

When people in the UK think of Christmas, the first things that come to mind tend to be presents, brightly decorated trees and Santa. But without a doubt, one of the best things about the festive period is the food and drink - from pigs in blankets to Christmas pud and mulled wine.

If you fancy trying your hand in the kitchen this Christmas but can't decide what to make, check out our sumptuous suggestions below. 'Tis the season, after all!

Mince pie brownies

If you a) like mince pies and b) like brownies then boy have we got the recipe for you! These delicious bakes combine the best of both worlds, stay fresh for days AND are easy to make.

Ingredients

To make a batch of 16 brownies, you will need:

• 185g unsalted butter, cubed

• 185g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped

• 85g plain flour

• 40g cocoa powder

• 3 large eggs

• 275g golden caster sugar

• 6 mince pies

• icing sugar

Start by melting the butter and chocolate in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted, then leave to cool. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, line the base of a shallow 20cm square tin with non-stick baking parchment and sieve the flour and cocoa into a medium bowl.

Next, whisk the eggs and sugar until thick and creamy, which should take 3-8 mins. Add in the cooled chocolate mixture, then gently fold together using a figure of eight motion until the mixture is dark brown - try not to knock out all the air! Sift in the cocoa and flour mixture and continue gently folding until the mixture goes from looking dry and dusty to looking fudgey.

Spoon a little mixture into the prepared tin, then add the mince pies, whole. Pour over the rest of the mixture, ensuring it goes between and over the pies, then pop in the oven for 25 minutes. If the brownie mixture is very wobbly in the middle, it’s not quite done, so bake for another 5 -10 mins. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin, then dust with icing sugar, cut into squares and tuck in!

Gingerbread stars

These brilliant biscuits can double as Christmas tree ornaments and are perfect for baking with kids.

Ingredients

To make a batch of gingerbread stars, you will need:

• 100g salted butter

• 3 tbsp golden syrup

• 100g dark muscovado sugar

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tbsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 225g plain flour

• 50g icing sugar

Heat the butter, syrup and sugar in a pan until melted, stirring occasionally, then set aside to cool.

Mix together the bicarbonate of soda, ginger, cinnamon and flour in a large bowl, then pour in the butter and syrup mixture and stir to combine. Next, use your hands to bring everything together and form a dough. Place the dough on a sheet of baking parchment paper, shape into a rectangle and lay another sheet of parchment on top. Then roll the dough out to a thickness of ½cm, place on a baking sheet - leaving the parchment in place - and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and line a large baking sheet with more baking parchment. Remove the dough from the fridge and cut out star shapes (or whatever shape you prefer) using a cookie cutter, then place them on the lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Leave to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Meanwhile, mix the icing sugar with 1-2 tbsp water and decorate the biscuits with the icing using a piping bag fitted with a thin nozzle. To use as tree ornaments, simply cut out the middle, thread with ribbon and get hanging!

Eggnog latte

As far as we're concerned, a good proportion of Christmas drinks ought to be rich, sweet and delicious, and nothing fits the bill better than this cheeky delight.

Ingredients

To make one eggnog latte, you will need:

• 35ml espresso

• 100ml milk, steamed and whisked until frothy

• 150ml eggnog

• a pinch of nutmeg 

• a pinch of ground cinnamon

Begin by pouring the espresso into a large mug, then top with most of the frothy milk, then the eggnog. Stir, add the rest of the milk and sprinkle with the nutmeg and cinnamon to serve.

To make frothy milk, either heat the milk gently in a pan while whisking or, if you have one, use a coffee machine.

Here's to a Merry Christmas!

Whatever Christmas has in store for us all this year, there's nothing to stop you making sure yours is a tasty one with a bit of home cooking. And to make sure your coffee requirements are all taken care of, our mobile vans will be out and about throughout the festive period - to find your nearest van and have some top quality coffee delivered to your door, click here.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Coffee Lovers

With only a few weeks left until Christmas, it's time to start frantically racking your brains for gift ideas for your nearest and dearest. 

While we can't come up with suggestions for all your family and friends, we can help you find some excellent gifts for the coffee lovers in your life, whatever your budget. Try these on for size.

Travel French Press Coffee Maker Set

Travel mugs are old news - if you want coffee on the go, you need a travel french press! Simply add ground coffee and hot water, seal the lid and hit the road. Then, when you're ready for a drink, press down on the plunger and hey presto - hot coffee with all the aromas and flavours of a freshly pressed cup.

With a spill-proof lid, a non-slip grip and double insulation to keep your brew hot for hours, this is a game-changer. Order yours here.

Aerolatte Milk Frother

Every coffee fan needs a milk frother and not only does this jet-black, stainless steel version include a stand, it also creates frothy milk in under 20 seconds and is good for approximately 150 uses before the batteries will need changing.

Buy one here.

Prepaid Cafe2U Gift Card

If one of your family is a regular Cafe2U customer, make his next few visits free by picking him up one of our prepaid gift cards. Better still, if you pre-pay for five coffees, you'll get the sixth one free! To get your eager festive hands on one, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

The Best Cakes To Have With Coffee

Everybody knows that hot drinks and biscuits are among the all-time great combos and easily up there with the likes of strawberries and cream or fish and chips. But for some reason, the combination of hot drinks and cakes is far less celebrated, despite both items being sensational.

With the latest season of The Great British Bake Off coming to an end later this month, we thought it was high time someone turned the spotlight on the best cakes to enjoy with a hot drink. Luckily, we know a thing or two about coffee and the best things to enjoy with it, so we've compiled a list of the best cakes to pair with a steaming hot brew.

8. Banana bread

Don't worry, it's ok to admit to liking banana bread again - enough time has passed since everyone started chain-baking it at the start of the first lockdown. Putting social acceptability aside, there's no getting away from the fact that banana bread goes beautifully with a cup of coffee, with both accentuating the others' sweetness to perfection.

7. Vanilla sponge

Traditional and tasty, the vanilla sponge is among the most popular cakes ever created. It's the hint of vanilla that makes this such a good option to enjoy with a cup of coffee and if you ever need a safe bet to make ahead of a tea party, look no further. 

Ironically it's the vanilla sponge's 'play it safe' approach that counts against it in this instance; there are so many cakes to choose from these days that coffee enthusiasts want something a little more exciting with their drink.

6. Blueberry cake 

A cake that has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, blueberry cakes (or muffins - they're just small cakes, after all) are sweet and juicy, enhancing the natural sweetness of coffee while also offsetting its acidity. Through no fault of its own, however, blueberry cake lacks the richness required to really bring out the best of coffee, so sixth place it is.

5. Cardamom cake

Carda what now?!

It doesn't matter if you've never heard of it, you really need to try it. Cardamom has an aromatic smell and a mild, mint-like taste that works perfectly in a cake, especially one that you're enjoying with a coffee. Trust us, the combination is sublime!

4. Lemon drizzle cake

A bit of a controversial choice in some circles due to its strong flavour, lemon drizzle cake is so light, it's arguably the most moreish cake ever devised and deserves its place on this list for that reason alone. If you don't think lemon and coffee belong together, think again.

3. Madeira cake 

Another criminally underrated gem, madeira cake is a soft, buttery masterpiece. It's strength lies in its mild flavour which enables it to enhance the taste of your favourite coffee without distracting from it. Try it once and you'll be hooked for life.

2. Carrot cake

Now we're talking. Rich and delicious, with incredibly Roger moreish icing and, if you're lucky, chopped nuts, carrot cake is essentially several cakes in one. What makes it so good with coffee are the spices, especially cinnamon and ginger, which are among the most popular additions to a cup of coffee. Welcome to cake heaven.

1. Chocolate cake

No list of the greatest cakes to have with a coffee would be complete without chocolate cake, which combines two of the greatest pleasures known to mankind (chocolate and cake). Sweet, rich and gooey, anyone who has ever enjoyed a mocha knows how delicious the combination of coffee and chocolate is. Resistance is futile.

Whichever cake is your personal favourite, pairing it with one of our quality Cafe2U coffees is guaranteed to make it even better - find your nearest van here to make a booking.

Best Bonfire Night Bites

If you're attending a party to celebrate Bonfire Night this year, you'll need something warm to get you through the cold, dark evening. And after 18 months of restrictions and lockdowns, why not push the boat out with some of these indulgent recipes?

Honey mustard hot dogs

A sweet, sticky twist on a delicious Bonfire Night staple that will keep you warm, fill you up and can be eaten on the go. If you don't eat any hot dogs on November 5th, you're doing it wrong. 

Ingredients

To make four hot dogs, you will need:

• 50g emmental cheese, grated

• 50g cheddar cheese, grated

• 3 tsp wholegrain mustard

• 1 tbsp honey

• 4 sausages

• 4 hot dog buns

Begin by cooking the sausages to the pack instructions, then heat your grill to high. Combine the cheeses, mustard and honey in a bowl. Split the hot dog buns, put a sausage in each and top with the cheese mixture, then place onto a baking sheet and grill for two minutes or until the cheese has melted. Best enjoyed next to a bonfire! 

Loaded jacket potatoes

Another classic of the Bonfire Night genre, jacket potatoes are as essential as sparklers. You can either prepare these at home or, better still, cook them by the bonfire.

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 4 baking potatoes

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 100g Gruyère cheese, grated

• 100ml half fat crème fraîche

• 60g pack of good quality ham, cut into pieces

• 3 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced

Prick each potato with a fork and brush with olive oil, then wrap in tin foil and place near the edge of the bonfire (near enough that it will cook but not so close that it catches alight!) for 75 - 90 minutes or until soft. Alternatively, don't wrap the potatoes in foil and bake in an oven preheated to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6 for the same amount of time instead.

Slice each potato in half, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove the majority of the flesh and place into a large bowl with the cheese and crème fraîche, then mix until combined and season to taste. Add the ham and most of the spring onions, stir, then spoon back into the potato skins and top with the remaining spring onions. 

Bonfire toffee

This treacle toffee is the perfect Bonfire Night accompaniment whether you're celebrating with a small group or a large crowd.

Ingredients

To make bonfire toffee, you will need: 

• 450g dark brown sugar

• 125ml hot water

• ¼ tsp cream of tartar

• 115g black treacle

• 115g golden syrup

Start by lining the base and sides of a medium-sized tin with non-stick parchment paper and then grease with a little oil. Next, put the hot water and sugar in a pan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. DO NOT stir the mixture; if it needs moving around, tilt the pan instead.

Once the sugar has dissolved, add the remaining ingredients and a sugar thermometer. Bring to the boil until the temperature reaches 270/140℃, which should take approximately 30 minutes, then immediately pour into the tin and leave it to cool.  

Once cool, remove the toffee from the tin and break into chunks with a toffee hammer or rolling pin. 

Enjoy your Bonfire Night!

In addition to good food and good company, an evening spent standing outside in the cold also requires hot drinks, so get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us deliver them direct to your bonfire!

Top Halloween Bakes

Halloween has become one of the UK's most eagerly anticipated days, one which is as beloved among kids eager to go trick-or-treating as it is with horror movie fans.

But if you aren't into witches or the occult, fear not - October 31st is about more than just scares; there's a whole host of hideously good, Halloween-themed recipes for you to make at home and either enjoy yourself or share with others. Here's how to make some of our favourites.

Toffee apples

The perfect Halloween treat, toffee apples are a guaranteed hit among 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 cookie

• 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. As long as you don't 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.

Cafe2U’s Pumpkin Spice Special!

For many people, autumn is their favourite time of year, with the colder weather giving them the ideal excuse to stay indoors and keep toasty, or to head out and enjoy a warming coffee on the go.

But even if you prefer the hot days of summer, autumn still has plenty to offer, thanks to the incredible amount of tasty treats you can make from the season's unofficial mascot, the humble pumpkin.

We've picked out some of the best recipes for you to try yourself.

Pumpkin spice latte

You didn't think we were only talking about food recipes, did you?!

Alongside gingerbread lattes, pumpkin spice lattes are one of the UK's favourite seasonal hot drinks and what better time to enjoy one than over autumn?

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 autumn evening.

Pumpkin cake

If you thought the only autumnal treat worth shouting about was toffee apples, think again - this pumpkin cake recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. 

Ingredients

To make the pumpkin cake, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 330g light muscovado sugar

• 3 tsp mixed spice

• 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 175g sultanas

• ½ tsp salt

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 200g butter, melted

• the zest of 1 orange

• 1 tbsp orange juice

• 500g (peeled weight) pumpkin flesh, grated

For the frosting, you will need:

• 200g pack of soft cheese

• 85g butter, softened

• 100g icing sugar, sifted

• the zest of 1 orange

• the juice of half an orange

First, preheat your oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4, then butter and line a 30 x 20cm baking tin with parchment paper. Put the flour, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda, sultanas and salt into a large bowl and stir to combine. Next, beat the eggs into the melted butter, stir in the orange zest and juice, then mix with the dry ingredients until combined. Stir in the pumpkin, then pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.

To make the frosting, beat together the cheese, butter, icing sugar, orange zest and 1 tsp of the juice until smooth and creamy, then set aside in the fridge. When the cake is done, cool for 5 mins then turn it onto a cooling rack. Prick it all over with a skewer and drizzle with the rest of the orange juice while still warm. Leave to cool completely.

Quickly beat the frosting to loosen it, then, using a palette knife, spread over the top of the cake. If you’re making the cake ahead of time, keep it in the fridge then take out as many pieces as you want 30 mins before serving - the cake should make approximately 15 portions.

Pumpkin spice cookies

If you don't manage to lay your hands on a pumpkin this autumn, or your kids use it as a jack-o'-lantern, don't worry - this cookie recipe uses an easy-to-make spice mix instead of pumpkin. And you'd never know the difference!

Ingredients

To make pumpkin spice cookies, you will need:

• 300g plain flour

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1-2 tsps pumpkin spice mix

• 115g unsalted butter

• 100g brown sugar

• 100g granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 200g white chocolate chunks or chips

• 100g orange M&Ms

To make the spice mix, you will need:

• 3 tbsps ground cinnamon

• 2 tsps ground ginger

• 2 tsps ground nutmeg

• 1.5 tsps all spice

• 1.5 tsps ground cloves

Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4, line two large baking trays with parchment paper, then prepare the spice mix by adding the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, all spice and cloves to a bowl and whisk until even. Add the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cornflour and whisk until combined.

Next, carefully melt the butter and add to a bowl, then add the sugars and whisk for two minutes. Add the vanilla and the egg and whisk again until combined. Add in the flour mixture, M&Ms and chocolate and beat well until the mixture resembles cookie dough.

Finally, using a cookie dough or batter scoop, scoop the dough out in even portions, roll them into balls, place on the baking trays and cook in the oven for 10-13 minutes. Once cooked, leave the cookies to cool for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and serve.

Check out our new autumn drinks range

We're big fans of autumn at Cafe2U, as it's the perfect opportunity to beat the cold with a steaming hot cup of coffee. And that's why we've launched a limited edition range of autumn drinks! To find out what your local Cafe2U van has to offer, get in touch with them here.

S'more Than Meets The Eye

Every year at Cafe2U, we introduce a special, limited edition item to our drinks menu to help get the nation in the mood for bonfire night - s'more flavoured coffee. 

Despite their enduring popularity in America, s'mores are a bit of an unknown quantity in the UK, with most people having heard of them but relatively few people ever eating them. Not us though, we love a s'more and we think it's about time the rest of the country did too. 

So here's everything you need to know about where they come from and how to make them.

What is a s'more?

S'mores are a sweet, chewy Stateside snack that have been around since the 1920s and consist of one or more toasted marshmallows and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers (American digestive biscuits). 

The tasty treat became popular thanks to American scout groups, who were among the first to experiment with cooking the marshmallows over a campfire instead of in a kitchen.

The name s'mores is a contraction of the phrase 'some more', in reference to most people's inability to only eat one at a time. As in: "Can i have some more?"

Although Americans enjoy s'mores all year round, in the UK they are regarded as a seasonal treat that are typically enjoyed around bonfire night, when there are more opportunities to cook them over an open flame.

How do you make s'mores?

If you want to make your own s'mores, the good news is that they're extremely quick and easy to make. 

Ingredients

To make eight s'mores, you will need:

• 16 digestive or Rich Tea biscuits 

• 16 chunks of milk chocolate

• 8 marshmallows

If you are cooking over a campfire/bonfire, place a marshmallow on a wooden or metal skewer and hold it over the fire, rotating frequently, until it is golden brown and the inside is gooey. If you prefer your marshmallows dark brown and charred, simply leave over the fire for an additional 30 seconds.

Next, assemble your s'more. Put one biscuit on a flat surface with a chunk of chocolate on top, then add the cooked marshmallow, another chunk of chocolate and top it all off with another biscuit. Eat it sandwich style for maximum enjoyment!

Alternatively, if you are making s'mores at home, simply assemble your s'more as above but without cooking the marshmallow, then wrap the whole thing tightly in tin foil and place in an oven pre-heated to 180℃ for two minutes until the marshmallow and chocolate begin to melt.

One of the best things about s'mores is that no two are the same, so feel free to experiment with different types of biscuit, marshmallow and chocolate until you find your favourite combination. Substituting the chocolate for chocolate spread works well too.

Would you like to know s'more?

At Cafe2U, we've been big fans of the s'more for many years and we're sure that after just one taste you will be too. To order one of our incredible s'more flavoured coffees, simply contact your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Espresso Martini Brownies Recipe

Summer's been and gone, the nights are drawing in and winter's on its way - you'd be forgiven for feeling a little glum about things right now. But what October lacks in warm weather, it more than makes up for in awareness weeks, specifically National Chocolate Week and National Baking Week, both of which take place from October 14th-19th.

With that in mind, we set out to find the perfect do-try-this-at-home chocolate and coffee recipe to help raise the nation's spirits. And we think we've found it!

Ingredients

This simple recipe makes 16 decadent, grown-up brownies.

For the brownies, you will need:

• 185g unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 185g dark chocolate, roughly chopped

• 3 large eggs

• 275g golden caster sugar

• 85g plain flour

• 40g cocoa powder

• 1 tsp ground coffee or espresso, mixed with 1 tbsp water

• 16 chocolate balls or truffles with soft centres - dark, white or milk chocolate or coffee-flavoured
  

For the espresso martini sauce, you will need: 

• 60ml freshly brewed very strong coffee or two shots of espresso

• 3 tbsp golden caster sugar

• 150ml double cream

• ½ tbsp cornflour

• 30ml vodka

Method

1. First, tip the butter into a heatproof bowl with the dark chocolate, then fill a small pan about a quarter full with boiling water and sit the bowl on top ensuring it doesn't touch the water. Put the pan on the hob over a low heat and stir occasionally until the butter and chocolate have melted. Remove the bowl from the pan and leave the melted mixture to cool to room temperature.
   

2. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line a shallow 20cm square brownie tin with non-stick baking paper. Combine the eggs and sugar using an electric whisk until they are creamy and doubled in volume - this may take as long as 7-8 minutes depending on the power of your whisk. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the combined eggs and sugar, then gently fold together with a spatula until the two mixtures combine and the colour is a dark brown. Try not to knock the air out of the mixture as this will prevent the brownies from rising properly.
   

3. Sieve the flour and cocoa over the chocolate and egg mixture along with a generous pinch of salt. Gently fold the powder into the mixture along with the espresso and water. Mix until it resembles fudge then pour into the tin and use a spatula to ensure an even, level topping. Push the chocolate balls into the brownie at regular intervals.
   

4. Put the brownie mix into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top develops a shiny crust and the sides begin to come away from the tin. Remove from the oven.
   

5. To make the sauce, heat the coffee and caster sugar together to dissolve the sugar. Mix a little of the double cream with the cornflour then add to the pan with the remaining cream. Bring to a simmer and stir over a medium heat until it thickens. Add the vodka then turn off the heat. Serve each square of brownie with the sauce poured over.

Why not use our coffee in the recipe?

At Cafe2U, we use only the finest quality coffee and it's perfect for use in a recipe such as this. Find your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring some direct to your door!

Guide For The Coffee Confused

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

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

Let's find out…

How do you steam milk?

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

Espresso

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

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

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

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

Latte

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

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

Cappuccino

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

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

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

Americano

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

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

Mocha

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

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

Why not celebrate International Coffee Day with Cafe2U?

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

Cafe2U's Green Coffee Fortnight 2021

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

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

Compostable paper cups

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

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

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

Reusable cup giveaway

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

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

Coffee grounds recycling scheme

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

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

Used coffee grounds have a number of uses, including:

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

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

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

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

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

Going paper free

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

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

• digitising all our files at head office

• switching from print to digital advertising, and

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

We need your help!

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

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Our Red Vans Are Going Green!

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

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

On the road to being the first carbon neutral coffee company

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

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

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

Our other existing sustainable practices

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

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

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

Beat The Work Blues With Coffee

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

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

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

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

Coffee improves your mood

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

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

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

Coffee helps build work relationships

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

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

Coffee is good for your body

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

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

• cancers

• suffering a stroke

• Parkinson's disease

• Type II diabetes

• Alzheimer's disease

• dementia 

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

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

Why not have great coffee delivered to your work?

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