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

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

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

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

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

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

You Can Get Closer To Your Customers.

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

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

Become A Focal Point In Your Community.

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

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

Live Life On Your Own Terms.

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

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

Delivering Top-Quality Coffee.

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

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

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

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

From Farm To Cup: The Importance Of Traceability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The importance of a story.

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

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

Ethical and sustainable sourcing.

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

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

A guarantee of quality.

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

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

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

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

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

Best Coffee Gifts for Black Friday 2023

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

With Black Friday 2023 - the day on which retailers slash prices on many of their items - taking place this Friday, November 24th, we've taken a look at the best gifts for coffee lovers.

Best coffee machines

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

Not only does it make customisable, barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button, it also features a raft of features including voice control and a temperature boost function, has Alexa built-in and is currently available with a staggering 67% off - down to £98.99 from £299.00.

Best grinder

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

Available with 40% off at £163.91, this grinder features a 2.1 inch LCD display with Aroma Function, a stainless steel conical grinder with removable insert for easy cleaning and adjustable settings. It looks smart and stylish too!

Best coffee grounds

If you've never tried Taylors of Harrogate Rich Italian Ground Coffee, here's your chance!

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

Best coffee beans

Bean-lovers rejoice - 1kg bags of Lavazza's fantastic Crema e Aroma, Arabica and Robusta Medium Roast Coffee Beans are available with almost 20% off while the sales last.

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

Coffee accessories

Looking for a few more items to complete your coffee set? How about:

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

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

Enjoy Black Friday with Cafe2U

If you're planning on spending Black Friday 2023 browsing for online deals, why not contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring you some top-quality coffee to your door to help keep you going?

National Career Development Month 2023: Why Choose A Franchise?

National Career Development Month 2023: Why Choose A Franchise?

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

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

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

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

You are your own boss

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

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

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

You can get started quickly

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

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

It's low risk

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

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

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

It's typically profitable

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

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

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?

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

Why Are Hot Drinks So Good On Cold Days?

Why Are Hot Drinks So Good On Cold Days?

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

Let's take a look…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halloween Bakes 2023

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

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

Here's how to make some of our favourites.

Toffee apples.

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

Ingredients.

To make 8 toffee apples, you will need:

• 8 red apples

• 400g caster sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 4 tbsp golden syrup

• red or black food colouring

• 8 lolly sticks

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

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

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

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

Eyeball pops.

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

Ingredients.

To make 10 pops, you will need:

• 100g/4oz madeira cake

• 100g Oreo cookies

• 100g bar milk chocolate, melted

• 200g bar white chocolate, melted

• Smarties and icing pens to decorate

• 10 wooden skewers

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

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

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

Halloween cupcakes.

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

Ingredients.

To makes 22 cupcakes, you will need:

• 200g butter, softened

• 300g golden caster sugar

• 200g dark chocolate, melted

• 2 eggs

• 250g self raising flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder mixed with 100ml boiling water

• 50g cocoa powder

• 200ml milk

• 1-2 tsp black food colouring (optional)

For the buttercream, you will need:

• 300g unsalted butter , softened

• 500g icing sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• black food colouring

For the decorations, you will need:

• a pack of Smarties

• black icing pen

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

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

• icing eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edible fake blood.

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

Ingredients.

To make edible fake blood, you will need:

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 45ml cherry juice

• 250g glucose syrup

• red, blue and yellow food colouring gel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coffee and Recycling: How Cafe2U is Making a Difference

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

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

How sustainable is the coffee industry?

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

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

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

There are several ways. These include:

Recycling coffee grounds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using reusable or compostable cups.

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

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

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

Avoiding plastic straws.

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

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

Having your coffee delivered emission-free.

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

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

Do your bit this Recycling Week.

While all these ideas are good news for the environment, they will only be successful if people adopt them, so why not support our efforts and help us reduce our carbon footprint by picking up a reusable or compostable cup next time you visit your local Cafe2U van and, if you could use some, take some of our used grounds away with you. You'll be helping us help the planet!

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Best Coffee Bakes To Enjoy During National Baking Week

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

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

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

Why Coffee and Baking?

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

Espresso Chocolate Cake

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

Ingredients

To make an Espresso Chocolate Cake, you will need:

500g plain flour

375g granulated sugar

250g unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)

250ml buttermilk

125ml vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

250g chocolate chips

1 tub coffee-infused icing

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

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

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

Coffee Cupcakes with Mocha Buttercream

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

Ingredients

To make coffee cupcakes, you will need:

375g plain flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

85g unsweetened cocoa powder

250g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)

125ml buttermilk

85ml vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

To make the mocha buttercream, you will need:

250g unsalted butter (softened)

500g icing sugar

2 tbsp brewed coffee (cooled)

2 tsp cocoa powder

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

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

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

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

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

Coffee and Walnut Muffins

Coffee + walnuts = a match made in heaven!

Ingredients

To make coffee and walnut muffins, you will need:

420g plain flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules

85ml hot water

125g unsalted butter (softened)

250g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

85ml cup brewed coffee (cooled)

125g chopped walnuts

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

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

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

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

Happy National Baking Week from Cafe2U!

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

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

The Best Breakfasts To Pair With Coffee

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

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

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

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

• increase your metabolism

• raise serotonin and dopamine levels

• offer pain relief, and

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

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

Greek yoghurt with fruit and nuts

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

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

Eggs

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

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

Pancakes

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

A big mug of good coffee is also amazing.

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

Croissants

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

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

Bacon sandwich

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

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

 Cafe2U - making breakfast better

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

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

Take Part In The World's Biggest Coffee Morning

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

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

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

When is Coffee Morning 2023?

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

How Do I Take Part?

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

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

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

Why take part?

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

All the money raised goes to Macmillan, meaning your donations could pay for more nurses, vital telephone services, cancer information booklets, mindfulness sessions for patients or to train a person affected by cancer to become a Cancer Support Course facilitator.

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

Cafe2U - happy to help.

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

You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Happiness At Work Week

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

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

Enter International Week of Happiness at Work 2023!

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

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

Build a positive work environment

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

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

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

Prioritise work-life balance

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

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

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

• Encourage them to take breaks and disconnect.

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

• Increase support options for parents.

Reward hard work and celebrate successes

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

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

• Encouraging managers to hand out positive feedback.

• Bringing treats into the office.

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

Get them some coffee!

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

Why not have great coffee delivered to your work?

Whatever you do during International Week of Happiness at Work 2023, ensuring there is plenty of coffee to go around your employees and colleagues is an excellent way to kick things off. At Cafe2U, our mobile cafes are available to bring our top quality coffees to offices all over the UK and you can find your nearest one here.

Second-Hand September

Anti-poverty charity Oxfam's Second-Hand September campaign is an annual event designed to reduce waste, take a stance against climate change and help people in need by encouraging shoppers to only buy pre-owned clothes for a month.

At Cafe2U, we like to do our bit for future generations by helping protect the environment wherever possible and, as a result, we're on course to become the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company. So what exactly makes us so environmentally-friendly? Here are the top three reasons!

We have a fleet of electric vans

100% electric and 100% emission-free, with lithium-ion batteries instead of diesel generators, our electric vans have very few moving parts and more effective brakes. This means fewer replacement parts need manufacturing which, in turn, reduces our greenhouse gas emissions even further.

When we switched from petrol to electric-powered vans, we significantly reduced our CO² emissions in an instant, and we're determined to find more opportunities to reduce our company's emissions even more over the coming years.

We're big on recycling

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

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

All our food products come in 100% recyclable packaging too!

We're a digital franchise

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

Help reduce waste with Cafe2U

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

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

How To Make The Most Of National Picnic Week 2023

With summer officially getting under way in just a few days (on Wednesday, June 21st, to be precise) and National Picnic Week now upon us too, it's time to start making plans for that most British of summer traditions - going to a green open space to eat lunch outdoors, on a blanket!

But what constitutes the perfect picnic experience and how can you make sure yours is as enjoyable as possible? We take a look.

Food and drink

Food and drink is central to any picnic and the key thing to remember here is - keep it simple. Classic selections like sausage rolls, pork pies, Scotch eggs, sandwiches and pre-made salads should form the basis of your picnic - along with sweet treats like chocolate rolls or Viennese Whirls - as all are tasty, small, inexpensive and/or easy to make. 

They're also easily transportable in picnic baskets, tupperware boxes or Mason jars, all of which will also help keep spillages to a minimum.

Simplicity is key when it comes to drinks too. Don't be tempted to take multiple exotic ingredients so you can make your own cocktails; instead, stick to a small selection of cordials, plenty of water and a fizzy option like lemonade or ginger ale. Unless you know for sure the weather is going to be hot, it's worth taking a thermos or two of tea or hot chocolate as well.

If you want to take coffee with you on your picnic - and who wouldn't? - the best way to ensure you have a wide selection of barista-quality brews available is to contact your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring some straight to your blanket!

Keep an eye on the weather

Although the UK's weather is always susceptible to changing at the drop of a hat, there's no excuse for not checking the forecast in the lead up to your picnic so that you can at least try to plan accordingly.

If there's a chance of rain, take umbrellas and waterproofs; if it's going to be hot, don't forget the sunblock and wide-brimmed hats!

Take cushions and pillows

There's no need to lug heavy tables and chairs around on a picnic - simply chuck some throw pillows and old cushions in your car boot and you'll be able to fashion everyone a spot where they can relax comfortably in no time.

Don't forget utensils

Many picnics have come undone due to a lack of cutlery, so remember to take plenty of everything, including napkins. You could even take an old plant pot, vase, jug or small bucket to use as a practical utensil holder!

Remember to take a chopping board

Especially useful when kids are present, chopping boards are as great for cutting food on as they are for serving food off. Just remember to also pack wipes or paper towels so you can clean it afterwards!

Pick a good spot

Picnics should be relaxing so do some research before heading off and try to find a green location that has plenty of shade and isn't right next to a busy road. If you'll have kids with you, choosing somewhere with plenty of open space or that is close to a play area is a good idea too.

Clean up when you're finished

Nobody likes litter - or litterers - so take a couple of bin bags with you, chuck all your rubbish in them before you leave and place them in public bins or take them with you to dispose of when you get home.

No coffee, no picnic!

With the weather forecast for the coming days looking pretty positive at the time of writing, we imagine we'll be making plenty of trips to parks and fields across the UK over National Picnic Week. 

If you'd like us to take care of your picnic's coffee requirements, you can contact us here.

Coffee Gifts For Father's Day 2023

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

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

Camera lens coffee mug

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

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

Java fire logs

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

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

Single-Serve Capsule Coffee Machine

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

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

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

Plastic free French press coffee maker

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

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

It makes excellent coffee too!

Coffee tasting book

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

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

Prepaid Cafe2U Card

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

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Father's Day 2023 from Cafe2U!

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

Going Green For National Clean Air Day 2023

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

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

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

We're a digital franchise

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

Our vans are electric

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

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

We're big on recycling

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

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

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

Tackle air pollution with Cafe2U

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

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

How To Get Your Franchise Summer Ready

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, now is the perfect time for Cafe2U franchisees to gear up for a successful summer season. With people craving refreshing and energising beverages, this is the perfect opportunity to attract new customers and boost your sales. In this blog, we'll explore some essential tips and strategies to ensure your franchise is ready to thrive during the summer months.

Give your menu a summer twist

To cater to the summer crowd, it's important to introduce new and enticing offerings like iced coffees and frappés to your menu. Experiment with seasonal flavours, like strawberry, and don't forget to offer non-dairy milk alternatives to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Invest in equipment and supplies

Ensure your van is equipped with the necessary tools to handle the increased demand for chilled drinks. Stocking up on cups, straws, napkins, and any other supplies you'll need to serve your customers efficiently during busy summer days is a must!

Enhance your outdoor setup

Make your van a destination for people seeking respite from the heat. Create an inviting and comfortable outdoor seating area with umbrellas or awnings to provide shade. Set up some tables, chairs and cosy seating options to encourage customers to relax and enjoy their drinks, as well as to attract passers-by.

Embrace social media

Leverage the power of social media platforms to promote your franchise during the summer. Share enticing photos and videos of your seasonal offerings and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Run contests and offer special discounts or giveaways exclusively for your online followers to increase your online presence and drive foot-fall to your business.

Collaborate with local events and businesses

Summer is the season for festivals, concerts and outdoor gatherings, so why not partner with local event organisers or nearby businesses to establish collaborations? Not only will this increase your visibility, it will also provide an opportunity to connect with a broader customer base.

Offer mobile ordering

To cater to customers who demand convenience above anything else and help you tap into new markets, be sure to make the most of the mobile ordering options that are available through the Cafe2U app and online platform.

Here's to another successful summer!

Preparing your franchise for summer requires a combination of thoughtful planning and creativity but, by keeping your focus on providing exceptional customer experiences and staying ahead of the competition, there's no reason your mobile coffee business can't thrive over the splendid summer months ahead.

Top Bakes For National Vegetarian Week 2023

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

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

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

Carrot cake porridge

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

Ingredients

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

• 2 small carrots, peeled and grated

• 180g porridge oats

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• grating of fresh nutmeg

• 75g raisins

• 850ml milk

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

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

Potato and cheese muffins

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

Ingredients

To make 12 muffins, you will need:

• 750g mashed potatoes

• one large egg

• 250g cheddar cheese, grated

• three tbsp chopped chives

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

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

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

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

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

Courgette, lemon and thyme cake

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

Ingredients

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

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

• 350g golden caster sugar

• zest 2 unwaxed lemons

• 6 large eggs

• 400g self-raising flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 4 courgettes (about 600g), coarsely grated

• 2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves

For the icing, you will need:

• 250g mascarpone

• 250g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

• zest 2 unwaxed lemons

• 900g icing sugar

For the crystallised thyme, you will need: 

• 50g golden caster sugar

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

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

For the candied lemon slices, you will need:

• 200g golden caster sugar

• 2 unwaxed lemons, thinly sliced into rounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy National Vegetarian Week with Cafe2U

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

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

How to Hold the Perfect Garden Party for the King's Coronation

On May 6th, the UK will come together to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and, to commemorate this momentous occasion, a series of celebrations have been organised across the country.

If you fancy hosting your own event, why not gather your friends, family and neighbours together for a Coronation celebration of your own? Here are our top tips for ensuring your celebration is a right royal success.

What to serve

The easiest way to ensure there's plenty of food to go round - and stop you having to spend all day in the kitchen - is to ask your guests to bring a dish. 

The most popular items for garden parties consist of traditional finger foods like quiches, sausage rolls, cucumber sandwiches and egg and cress rolls but let's face it, if it's tasty, somebody will eat it, so really anything goes.

If you're planning something more formal, potato salads, giant pork pies and classic Victoria sponges are the way to go. 

When it comes to drinks, nothing says 'royal celebration' like a jug of Pimms, packed full of fruit and fresh mint leaves. This recipe from BBC Good Food is a great place to start. 

Wine and champagne are also fool-proof options, while soft drinks should be provided for non-drinkers and anyone under 18. And with the UK's famously unpredictable weather, you'll definitely want to have a range of hot drinks ready to serve!

Seating

As the host, you'll need to provide seating and tables, so dust off any that have been sitting in your garage or shed and give them a good clean a few days before the event.

If you need more than you have, you can either ask your guests to bring their own or do a quick Google search for companies that hire out garden furniture in your area and arrange to borrow some for a day or two.

Decorations

Nothing gets people in the mood for a party like colourful decorations and accessories, so get creative by hanging bunting between trees and around tables, and attaching red, white and blue bows, balloons and ribbons to chairs. Union Jack flags are essential too!

You can also bring tables to life by decorating them with vases, jars or milk bottles filled with flowers picked from your and your guests' gardens.

It's also important to get the party started by having a sound system ready to play music; if possible, set up a TV so your guests can watch the Coronation taking place in real time too.

How Cafe2U can help

Whether you're hosting a Coronation garden party for dozens of people or a small do exclusively for your nearest and dearest, why not book one of our mobile cafés to come and handle the coffee-making duties for you?

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

Barista Tips: Things To Consider When Making A Latte

First of all, a disclaimer - if you want consistently great, coffee-shop quality lattes, you're going to have to pay your local barista a visit. The fact of the matter is that while teaching yourself how to make a decent latte at home is definitely worth the effort, it's unlikely to be better than one made by a qualified coffee professional.

But should you let that put you off learning how to make your own lattes? Definitely not. With our handy hints, you'll be enjoying delicious home-brewed lattes in no time.

How to make a latte

Ingredients

Although lattes are essentially just espressos with milk, making them well is easier said than done.

To make the perfect latte, you will need:

• a large mug

• 18g ground espresso (or one espresso pod)

• 250ml milk

Start by making around 35ml espresso, then pour it into your mug.

Next, steam the milk with the steamer attachment on your coffee machine until it has around 2-3cm of foam on top. Hold the jug so that the spout is about 3-4cm above the cup and pour the milk in steadily. As the amount of coffee within the cup increases, bring the jug as close to the surface of the drink as possible. Aim to pour into the centre. 

Once the milk jug is almost touching the surface of the coffee, tilt to speed up the rate of pour. As you accelerate, the milk will hit the back of the cup and start naturally folding in on itself to create a pattern on the top.

Once all the milk has been poured, your latte is ready to drink! We recommend serving it alongside breakfast, brunch, lunch… or a sweet treat at elevenses!

Latte2U

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

Coffee Haikus2U

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

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

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

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

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

— Cafe2U