Why Franchising Remains a Good Option Despite the Cost of Living Crisis

As a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis, many people are experiencing financial worries and, if you're one of them, launching a business is probably the last thing on your mind.

However, if you've ever considered joining the franchise industry, here are a few reasons why doing so today could actually be a smart idea.

It's a Reliable Business Model

Franchisors enable franchisees to operate under an established brand with an existing customer base. This means that buying a franchise is both comparatively low-risk and, with 93% of franchisees in the UK running at a profit, potentially lucrative. 

Needless to say that, during a cost of living crisis, these are two of the most desirable characteristics a new business venture can possibly have.

You Receive Training and Support

By investing in a franchise instead of starting your own business, you will receive all the necessary training from the franchisor before your business opens, as well as access to ongoing support from the franchisor and other franchisees.

When you start your own business, you're essentially on your own, so having your franchisor's expert advice and experience to help you become established and deal with any issues further down the line is invaluable and increases the likelihood of your franchise being successful.

It's Easier to get Funding

In the eyes of the banks, franchises are generally considered to be a less risky route to business ownership, even when the economy is suffering. This means that, so long as you have a robust business plan in place, receiving the funding you need to get your franchise up and running can be reasonably straightforward.

There's Less Competition

When the economy is booming, more people are emboldened to take a risk on a new business venture. However, when finances are being squeezed, people are much less likely to take the plunge. This means that if you decide now is the right time for you to buy a franchise, you'll be competing with far fewer other new businesses than you would be than if the economy was booming, increasing your chances of cornering the market in your chosen industry.

Consumers 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. This means that, as long as you do your research and pick a franchise that operates in an industry which consumers regard as essential, there will be a guaranteed market for you to tap into.

You're Motivated

If the cost of living crisis is negatively impacting you, you'll naturally be more careful with your money and investments so, if you decide now is the time to buy a franchise, you'll have an incentive and be even more motivated to make sure it's a success. 

Cafe2U Franchise Opportunities

Our CEO, Martyn Ward, gives his thoughts on why investing in a Cafe2U franchise could be right for you despite the cost of living crisis.

"At Cafe2U, we have a robust and proven business model. We do everything possible to equip new franchisees with all the tools they need to make their business a success, from training and support, to organising networking events with other franchisees, providing them with exclusive areas in which to operate and helping them advertise their business to drum up interest before it launches and ensure it gets off to the best possible start.

"What's more, we know for certain how effective our approach is - despite the UK's financial issues, our mobile vans set a new sales record just last week! For anyone questioning whether a business such as ours would continue to be profitable in the current climate - there's your answer.

"Consumers love good coffee come rain or shine and it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is still a large market for it despite the cost of living crisis - where people might previously have treated themselves to a pair of shoes or a new jacket, they're now treating themselves to a top-quality coffee instead to reduce their outgoings while still getting a well-deserved pick-me-up.”

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

Best Coffee Pranks For April Fool's Day

The 1st of April is better known as April Fool's Day, the day on which it is entirely acceptable to play practical jokes on your nearest and dearest with total impunity.

Although not an officially recognised national day, April Fool's Day is bound by a couple of inflexible rules. The first is that the person playing the prank must expose their actions by yelling "April fool!" at the recipient once the deed has been done. The second is that all pranking must stop at noon; anyone playing a prank after midday is considered the April fool themself.

With a number of excellent coffee-centric April fool's pranks having been played over the years, we thought it was only right to present our favourites to you today. If you're reading this before 12:00, feel free to try them out on anyone in the vicinity - as long as you're sure they can take a joke!

The Not-so-sweet Tooth

It's not big and it's not clever but it is funny and it is effective. We're talking, of course, about the old sugar-for-salt switcheroo.

Yep, if you regularly make coffee for someone who likes a sugar or two in theirs, simply substitute the sugar for salt, then get out of the blast zone as they take a big, glorious gulp and try not to spray it back across the room when their taste buds realise what's going on. 

An oldie but a goodie, this classic prank is a jokers dream as it requires no forward planning apart from ensuring you have some salt. Just be prepared to make your victim a fresh cup afterwards to make amends.

The Wet Shirt

Perfect if you're collecting a takeaway order from your local coffee shop for an office full of people, all the ‘Wet Shirt’ requires is a pen or pencil to make some holes in a disposable cup. 

Simply select a victim out of those who have ordered an iced coffee, then make holes all the way around their cup, just above the fill line. As soon as they take a drink, the cold brew will spill out of the holes and into their lap, leaving them just stunned enough for you to make your escape before they realise what's happened

The Fake Spill

This sneaky prank involves making a fake coffee spill using paint and glue, then positioning it on your colleague's desk to make them think someone's knocked a fresh cup all over some of their treasured possessions, like their laptop or a stack of important paperwork.

Although this practical joke requires some forward-planning and additional materials to pull off, trust us, it's worth the effort. All you'll need is a coffee cup, some brown paint, PVA glue and greaseproof paper - check out this video tutorial to find out exactly how it's done.

The Prankless Prank

Sometimes the worst thing you can do to somebody is psychological, like making them believe you've played a trick on them when you actually haven't. In this case, all you have to do is wait for someone to take their first sip of coffee, then shout "April fool!" to convince them that their brew has been tampered with (which it hasn't). 

If you're a particularly good actor, they'll refuse to touch another drop and spend the rest of the morning on edge wondering what you're going to do next. This fine line between anticipation and mild anxiety is what April 1st is all about!

The joke's not on you!

That's right - we may enjoy a joke at Cafe2U but we take our coffee extremely seriously, so we'll be out and about on April Fool's Day as normal, delivering our top quality coffee wherever it's needed most. Contact your nearest van here.

Perfect Coffee Gift Ideas For Mother's Day

Mother's Day is here again so it's time to get your thinking caps on and try to find the perfect present for your mum.

But with flowers too obvious and chocolates no longer the treat they used to be, what should you buy? As is so often the case, the answer is caffeine-related - why not surprise her with one of the coffee-tastic Mother's Day gifts? 

Hand Grinder

For mums who like to roll their sleeves up and grind their own coffee beans, this mini coffee hand grinder is a must.

Light yet sturdy, easy to use, transportable and boasting a stainless steel finish, this grinder takes approximately one minute to transform beans into grounds, so your mum will feel like she's earned her brew by the time she's finished using it. 

Bean to Cup Coffee Machine

If you like to push the boat out on Mother's Day, this tasty little coffee machine from kitchenware specialist Lakeland could be just the ticket.

With touchscreen controls, built-in grinder and filter that allows it to take beans or grounds and a host of features including a 30-minute keep warm function and variable size and strength controls, this discreet coffee machine will enhance any kitchen with its contemporary design and delicious results.

Espresso Cups and Saucers

Every coffee drinker needs an espresso every once in a while and every espresso drinker needs some suitable cups. This cup and saucer set from Scandinavian company Nordic Nest is among the nicest around and your mum is guaranteed to love them.

Available in four different colours, the cups are stylish and sturdy, while the accompanying saucers are large enough to accomodate a wet teaspoon or, even better, a couple of carefully-stacked biscuits. Pick up a set here.

Coconut Coffee Liqueur

If there's one thing most mums love as much as coffee it's booze, so this coffee liqueur is sure to go down a treat on Mother's Day.

A delicious combination of coffee, rum, coconut and dark chocolate, this liqueur is fantastic added to a coffee for an after-dinner drink with a kick, served neat over ice as a cocktail or poured over vanilla ice cream as a dessert from the Gods.

A Prepaid Cafe2U Card

If your mum is a Cafe2U customer, why not pick up her tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards? Better still, if you pay for five, she'll get the sixth completely free!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Mother's Day!

We'd like to wish a happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there. Our vans will be on the road as usual across Mother's Day weekend so get in touch if you need some coffee delivering and we'll bring it direct to your - or your mum's - door.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Irish Coffees

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?

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 this week. 

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!

The Top UK Franchising Trends

It's no exaggeration to say that the UK franchising industry is in rude health. Recent figures have revealed that it's both one of the most profitable in the country and one that is growing exponentially - in 2001, it contributed £5bn to the UK economy; today, that figure stands at £15bn, an increase of 200% in fewer than 20 years.

Following another positive year in 2021, in which the industry recovered impressively from the difficulties of the COVID outbreak and subsequent lockdowns of 2020, there's every reason to believe that 2022 will be another positive one for franchisors and franchisees alike. 

But what are the secrets of the most profitable franchises' success? We've highlighted some of the trends being adopted by them below.

Franchising Trends 2022

Before we get into the details, the first thing to mention is that all the current trends are geared towards growth. If 2020 was about survival and 2021 was about making a comeback, 2022 looks set to be the year when the most successful franchises consolidate and expand their businesses. 

This is how they'll be doing it:

By appealing to the growing number of prospective franchisees

As a result of the franchising industry's ongoing success and the fact that more than 50% of franchisees are now declaring an average turnover in excess of £250,000, interest in franchising is at an all-time high. Add in the fact that would-be investors are eager to make up for lost time when it comes to changing careers post-COVID and it's not hard to see why many people believe 2022 is set to be a year of major franchise growth.

So with an ever-growing pool of franchisees to attract, franchisors will be going all out to ensure they have the materials and systems in place to make their businesses as appealing as possible by creating strong marketing plans, installing expert franchise development teams and refining - or even completely redesigning - their websites.

By investing in public relations

This follows closely on from the previous point and offers significant benefits to those who can afford it.

Simply put, hiring a public relations (PR) company helps franchises communicate with the public or a specific target audience, increasing awareness of its image and improving its reputation and profile by positioning it as an expert in its field.

Although PR works hand-in-hand with marketing and advertising and has the same goal of securing the customers and sales necessary to increase the franchise's profitability, it differs from both by earning consumers' attention, rather than paying for it. To put it another way, adverts tell people how great your franchise is; PR convinces people to talk about how great your franchise is.

With growth at the top of franchisors' to-do lists, expect to see more and more of them adding PR teams to their pay-rolls.

By becoming more sustainable

With awareness of climate change and the threat it poses at an all time high, it has never been more important for organisations to reduce their carbon footprints and become as sustainable as possible. And, with prospective franchisees, employees and consumers all increasingly unlikely to deal with any company that isn't explicitly environmentally friendly, ensuring your franchise is as sustainable as possible has become non-negotiable if you want it to succeed.

While this is a trend which has been gaining traction for many years, 2022 is likely to be the year when record numbers of businesses become greener than ever, with shifts towards going paper-free by digitising records, using recycled/recyclable/reusable products and materials wherever possible and installing long-lasting LED light bulbs among the most common initiatives.

At Cafe2U, we're introducing zero emission electric vans to our fleet of vehicles, with the aim of becoming the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company.

By strengthening key relationships

Important in any year, strengthening relations with internal teams, other franchisees, suppliers and consumers is perhaps the most important trend for 2022.

Having reestablished key relationships in the aftermath of the pandemic, solidifying and strengthening them to ensure stability and repeat customers will almost certainly hold the key to business growth over the coming months.

Franchise Opportunities with Cafe2U

With the industry stronger than ever, now is the perfect time for people interested in investing in a franchise to leverage the strength of the industry and begin their journey towards becoming a franchisee.
At Cafe2U, our franchisees receive all the training and equipment they need to get their business up and running, as well as ongoing support, marketing advice and an exclusive area in which to operate. To find out more about our mobile coffee franchise opportunities, click here.

Best Pies to have with Coffee

Did you know that, in the UK, we each eat an average of 36 pies per year? Probably not, we imagine, but the fact that Brits eat a pie every ten days clearly shows why British Pie Week has become one of the country's favourite national awareness days.

Taking place from March 7th - 14th, Pie Week is designed to raise the profile of the humble pie even higher. Hot or cold, sweet or savoury, big or small, everyone has their favourite but one question still remains: which pies go best with coffee? We decided to not only find out but also tell you how to make them.

Banoffee Pie

When it comes to sweet pies, they don't come much sweeter than the legendary banoffee. These colourful delights go great with a coffee as a reward after a long day at work.

Ingredients

To make a banoffee pie, you will need:

• 4 bananas, sliced

• 394g caramel

• 300ml double cream

• dark chocolate (optional)

For the pastry, you will need:

• 100g butter, chilled (plus extra for greasing)

• 200g plain flour

• 1 medium egg, separated

• 1 tbsp golden caster sugar

Begin by preheating your oven to 190C/170C/gas 4, then make the pastry. Put the flour and butter in a food processor and pulse until the mixture has the consistency of breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and sugar, then pulse again until mixed. Finally, add one tbsp at a time of very cold water - pulsing the processor after each tbsp - until the dough starts to come together as a single piece. When this happens, remove the dough and knead it with your hands until smooth. Wrap tightly with cling film and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Next, grease a 23cm loose bottomed fluted tart tin, then roll the chilled pastry out onto a lightly floured surface and use it to line the tin. Leave an excess of approx a ½cm of pastry around the edge, then cut it to length with scissors. Place a piece of parchment paper on the pastry and weigh it down with baking beans or uncooked rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and brush the pastry with beaten egg white. Return to the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

Fill the pastry case with half of the caramel, layer the sliced bananas on top, then add the rest of the caramel and place in the fridge. Whip the cream until thick and spread over the tart. Garnish with 2-3 pieces of finely grated dark chocolate and serve with a cappuccino to perfectly accentuate the bitterness of the chocolate and enhance the sweetness of the banana and caramel.

Roast Chicken Pie

Pork pies are sensational, obviously, but if you're going to the effort of making your own savoury pie, why not push the boat out with this chicken, bacon and leek filled classic? One of the greatest dishes ever created, this goes great with a frothy coffee when all you want to do is kick back and get comfortable.

Ingredients

To make a roast chicken pie, you will need:

For the pastry:

• 250g flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 60g cold butter

• 60g cold lard

For the filling:

• 1 whole chicken, rubbed with butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 6 rashers smoked streaky bacon, chopped into lardons

• 3 leeks, sliced into rounds

• 45g butter

• 45g plain flour

• 225ml milk

• 200ml chicken stock

• 100g petits pois

• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard

• 25g pack parsley, roughly chopped

• 1 egg, beaten, to glaze

Heat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 5, then season the chicken and roast for 90 minutes or until the juices run clear.

To make the pastry, sift the salt and flour into a bowl, then grate in the lard and butter. Rub the mixture with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs, then add 2 tbsp cold water. Continue to add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture binds together, then wrap tightly in cling film and leave to rest.

Next, in a large, non-stick frying pan, heat the oil and fry the bacon. Once browned, reduce the heat, add the leeks and cook until soft. Mix the butter and flour together and add to the pan, ensuring it coats the bacon and leeks. Gradually add the milk while stirring continually, then add the chicken stock and petit pois and cook for 2 minutes. Add the mustard and remove from the heat.

When the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 10 minutes, then carve - discarding the skin and bones - and add to the pan along with the parsley.

Increase the oven temperature to 220C/200C fan/gas 6, then roll out two-thirds of the pastry and use to line a 25cm pie dish. Spoon in the filling, then roll out the remaining pastry for the pie topping. Brush the edges of the pie with water, then lat the top over it and crimp and seal the edges. Brush with beaten egg then make an X-shaped incision in the middle to allow the steam to escape. Bake for 45 minutes until golden. Serve to hungry friends or family with a latte for maximum indulgence.

Apple Hand Pies

These irresistible golden treats are perfect hot, cold, on their own or served with cream or custard and are the perfect accompaniment to a strong cup of coffee.

Ingredients

To make five apple hand pies, you will need: 

• 2 cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into 3cm chunks

• 50g light brown soft sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• 25g salted butter, cubed

• 320g sheet of ready-rolled shortcrust pastry

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tbsp demerara sugar

Put a saucepan over a medium heat, add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the apples soften. Tip the mixture into a bowl and leave to cool.

Unroll the pastry with the short side facing toward you, cut in half lengthways to make two rectangles, then cut each into five smaller rectangles.

Once cool, toss the apple mixture with the cornflour and spoon into the middle of half the pastry rectangles. Brush the exposed pastry around the mixture with some of the beaten egg, then carefully place the plain pastry rectangle on top of the filling, pressing down around the sides to encase. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork, then use just the tip of a knife to cut three lines across the top of the pies to allow steam to escape. 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the pies on top and brush all over with more of the beaten egg. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Next, heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6, brush the pies with the remaining egg, sprinkle with the demerara sugar and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden. Serve with an espresso for the ultimate pick-me-up.

The Pie’s the Limit!

Here at Cafe2U, we can't resist a good pie/coffee combo and we're sure you'll love it

too. To have some of our top-quality coffee delivered straight to your door, contact your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Best Pancake Recipes to Go with Coffee

Christmas pudding and Easter eggs are all well and good but let's be honest, no public holiday has better food associated with it than Pancake Day.

Whether you prefer them thin and covered in lemon and sugar or thick and fluffy with bacon, there's a pancake for everyone. And better still, they're the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee.

With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best sweet and savoury pancake recipes the culinary world has to offer for you to make at home on March 1st and enjoy over a cup of the good stuff.

Polite pancake notice

If you're planning on making several pancakes and serving them up together, preheat your oven to a low heat and keep the pancakes warm in there - just place them on an oven-proof plate and cover with tin foil.

Cheese and ham pancakes

Not got much of a sweet tooth? No problem - these simple savoury sensations will have you counting the days until Pancake Day 2023. 

Ingredients

To make four cheese and ham pancakes, you will need:

• 200g plain flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 500ml milk

• oil, for frying

• 130g ham, cut into small chunks

• 150g cheddar cheese, grated

Start by combining the flour, eggs and milk with a generous pinch of salt in a large bowl. Next, heat a crepe or frying pan until very hot, add a little oil and swirl it around until evenly distributed. Ladle a spoonful of the pancake mixture into the pan, tipping it to ensure an even covering.

Cook for 30 seconds, then flip. Add some cheese and ham and cook until the cheese starts to melt. Sprinkle on a little black pepper and serve immediately with a freshly made latte.

Chocolate pancakes

Why are you wasting your time reading this bit?! CHOCOLATE PANCAKE RECIPE BELOW!!

Ingredients

To make 16 pancakes (that's right!), you will need:

• 225g self-raising flour

• 50g cocoa powder, sieved

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 400ml whole milk

• 100g dark chocolate chips

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 50g unsalted butter, cubed

First, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and sugar together in a large bowl, then add a pinch of salt. Add the eggs and whisk until you have a smooth batter, then slowly whisk in the milk and mix in the chocolate chips. 

Next, heat a little oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan until sizzling. Using 2 tbsp of batter per pancake, cook for 2 mins until the pancake's surface starts to bubble. Flip and cook for 2 more mins, then serve immediately with a cappuccino. 

Top the pancakes with whipped cream, ice cream, berries or maple syrup if you really want to push the boat out.

Vegan banana pancakes

Everybody deserves to enjoy Pancake Day and this gluten-free recipe will have vegans licking their lips in no time.

Ingredients

To make 12 vegan banana pancakes, you will need:

• 1 large ripe banana

• 2 tbsp golden caster sugar

• ¼ tsp fine salt

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for cooking

• 120g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 150ml oat, almond or soya milk

• syrup, sliced banana and berries, to serve (optional)

Begin by mashing the banana in a mixing bowl, then stir in the sugar, salt and oil, add the flour and baking powder and mix thoroughly. Make a well in the centre and gently whisk in the milk until the batter combines and thickens.

Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the batter and fry on each side for 2-3 mins until golden, then serve with the syrup, sliced banana, berries and a black coffee.

Coffee pancakes

Because the only thing better than coffee and pancakes is coffee pancakes!

Ingredients

To make four coffee pancakes, you will need:

• 250g plain flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

• butter, to cook

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium sized bowl. Next, beat the egg and buttermilk together in a small bowl, then whisk in the instant coffee until completely blended. Combine with the dry mix and whisk until almost smooth.

Heat a heavy-set pan over a medium heat and add 1 tbsp butter. Add 4 tbsp of the batter and cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake. Flip and cook until golden brown, then serve with a little butter and your coffee of choice.

Celebrate Pancake Day with Cafe2U

We love a pancake (or three) at Cafe2U but don't worry, our 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.

What Actually is a Cappuccino?

According to database company Statista, cappuccinos are UK consumers' second favourite type of coffee, with 48% of respondents picking one up when in a cafe or restaurant or on the go.

With so many being consumed every day, we thought it was high time we gave the foamy masterpiece some time in the spotlight.

Where Do Cappuccinos Come From?

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. Similar to a latte but with less steamed milk and more foam, cappuccinos comprise a shot of espresso with hot milk and a foamed milk topping. 

How Are They Made?

Although the methodology remains largely the same, cappuccinos do actually differ from country to country. 

For example, in Europe, the espresso is poured into a 150ml - 180ml cup - which usually has a handle - followed by a similar amount of hot milk, with foamed milk then added on top. In America, however, the cup tends to be significantly larger - approximately 360ml.

In Italy, the espresso/milk/foam ratios are stricter than in some other countries, with an authentic cappuccino comprising 25ml of espresso; the rest of the cup is equal parts milk and foam. The foam should measure at least 1cm in thickness. Elsewhere, however, you can expect your cup to be filled with ⅓ espresso, ⅓ milk and ⅓ foam.

Can You Make Them At Home?

Yes!

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!

Cappuccino2U

Making your own cappuccino is all well and good but let's be honest, nothing beats one which has been freshly prepared by an expertly trained barista. 

At Cafe2U, not only can we make an excellent cappuccino, we can even bring it to your door, regardless of where you are. To arrange a delivery from your nearest van, click here.

Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Ideas

Regardless of your relationship status, you're probably aware that Valentine's Day takes place on Monday, February 14th. If you're in a relationship and you've only just realised that Valentine's Day is just around the corner then a) you're welcome and b) don't panic - we've got some gift ideas that your significant other is sure to appreciate. Assuming they're a coffee connoisseur, that is! And if they're not, maybe it's time to reassess your life choices…

So read on to find out which coffee-related presents we're recommending this Valentine's Day.

Milk frother

For many people, the best coffees come topped with a glorious, thick, bubbly layer of foam. However, making coffee shop-quality foam at home is almost impossible without a good quality frother.

The good news is that a wide variety of them are available for home use these days and our favourite is Italian coffee company Lavazza's milkEasy frother. Not only does it produce fantastic results across its three settings, the milkEasy is also spacious without taking up much room on your kitchen side, quiet as a mouse and a doddle to clean. Brewtiful.

Coffee storage container

If your partner is a coffee lover, they'll almost certainly have a favourite coffee bean they like to keep a steady supply of in their kitchen. But getting hold of quality coffee counts for nothing if it isn't stored correctly, so why not pick them up a stylish storage container to help them keep their precious beans fresh by keeping them away from moisture, air, heat and light?

This stainless steel container from Coffee Gator is an excellent bit of kit, with a CO2 valve for freshness, a measuring scoop and, best of all, a date tracker to ensure the beans never go bad. It looks the business too and will have your other half wondering where it's bean all their life.

Something to read with their lunchtime brew

Having a coffee with friends is one of life's great delights but so too is enjoying one all by yourself, with nothing for company but peace, quiet, a couple of biscuits and a good book.

But if your significant other loves a good page-turner, finding a new one you're confident they'll enjoy can be a minefield. So what do you do? Get them a book about coffee, of course!

While there are literally hundreds to choose from, we had a great time reading Brian Williams' The Philosophy of Coffee. The brains behind the popular 'Brian's Coffee Spot' blog, this bright and breezy book takes a look at the culture and history of coffee in an accessible and entertaining way - perfect for a lazy afternoon on the couch. You can order a copy here.

Ceramic coffee cups

Something about fancy mugs just makes coffee taste better so what better way to say 'you mocha me so happy' this Valentine's Day than with a set of ceramic coffee cups?

These 320ml stacking mugs from Japanese company Kinto come in a range of colours, are the ideal combination of style and substance and are guaranteed to brighten up any coffee table. We're getting thirsty just looking at them!

A prepaid Cafe2U card

If your partner is a Cafe2U customer, you can pick up the tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards; pay for five and they'll get the sixth completely free! Words cannot espresso how much they'll appreciate it.

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We love a bit of romance at Cafe2U, so we hope everyone has a great time on Valentine's Day. Our mobile baristas will be out and about all day as usual so get in touch if you need a cup of the black stuff delivering to your door.

Lattes, Camera, Action: The Most Iconic Coffee Moments in Movies

Following the unveiling of this year's BAFTA nominees - and with the shortlist for the Oscars due next week - we've been thinking about the best coffee scenes in our favourite movies.

From European art house films to Hollywood blockbusters, coffee has always been one of the most popular ways of setting a scene or defining a character, so we had plenty to choose from. 

Read on to discover our top 5…

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Everybody with even a passing interest in movies knows about Breakfast in Tiffany's, from Audrey Hepburn's little black dress to 'Moon River' and all the other iconic moments in between.

One such moment takes place in the very first scene. In it, socialite Holly Golightly exits a yellow New York taxi and makes a beeline for the window of luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. to gaze at the jewellery inside while drinking from her takeaway coffee cup.

While we'll never know how many people were inspired to pick up a coffee to go as a result of the film, one thing's for sure - drinking coffee has never looked cooler.

Pulp Fiction

Coffee features throughout Quentin Tarantino's black comedy/crime drama masterpiece, with two scenes standing out in particular. In one, Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta's characters try to distract attention from one of their misdeeds by complimenting their unhappy friend on the quality of his coffee, to no avail - he's the one who buys it; he already knows how good it is.

Even more famous is the opening scene in which a couple of armed robbers discuss plans to hold up the same diner in which they're currently drinking bottomless coffees with their breakfasts. All together now: "Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!"

Don't be alarmed though - drinking coffee doesn't increase your chances of becoming a career criminal.

Coffee and Cigarettes

Let's face it, you'd be pretty annoyed if you bought a ticket for a film called Coffee and Cigarettes and it didn't have anything to do with the black stuff!

Filmed before smoking was outlawed in cafes, this low-key classic is a collection of short films about people meeting up for, you guessed it, coffee and cigarettes while discussing an enormous array of topics, such as Paris in the '20s, caffeine popsicles, the cult of celebrity, acoustic resonance and many more. 

With an incredible cast including Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Steve Buscemi, Steve Coogan and members of hip-hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan, this film is all the proof you need that catching up for a chat with a friend over a good cup of coffee is the cure to many of life's ills.

Thor

When Thor, the God of thunder, is cast out of his kingdom and forced to live among mere mortals on Earth, he soon realises he's going to have to get on board with some human traditions if he's going to fit in with his new surroundings.

Under the watchful eye of a caring scientist, Thor tries his first sip of coffee while visiting a local diner and is instantly hooked, loudly proclaiming his love for it before getting carried away, smashing his mug on the floor and demanding more. We know how you feel, big guy.

The Usual Suspects

If you've seen Bryan Singer's Oscar-winning thriller/crime/whodunnit classic, you'll already know exactly which scene we're talking about. And if you haven't seen it, go and watch it before somebody spoils the ending for you!

The film concerns a weary, coffee-fuelled U.S. Customs agent's attempts to uncover how a ship with nearly 30 people on board ended up on fire in a dock in LA by interrogating one of its only survivors. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn that a mysterious criminal overlord is behind the whole thing but it's not until the final scenes that the agent figures out the kingpin's true identity.

As he finally puts two and two together, he freezes and drops his latest cup of coffee to the floor in disbelief, all in glorious slow motion. While it's a shame to see a good cup of joe go to waste, there's arguably never been a more iconic coffee scene in the history of cinema.

What are your favourite coffee scenes in films?

Like most people, we love a good movie but let's face it, our expertise is in coffee, not cinema! If we've overlooked one of your favourite coffee scenes, let us know on our social media channels and we'll be sure to give it a watch on our next movie night.

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.