Veganuary 2025.

Veganuary - the annual challenge to promote veganism and its benefits by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle throughout January - is back in full swing and it's made us think: which vegan recipes go best with coffee?

If you're a coffee-lover who is taking part in Veganuary 2025, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to get your apron on and experiment with some tasty vegan recipes. So where should you start?

Let's find out!

Chocolate vegan biscuits.

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

Ingredients.

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

• 150g vegan margarine

• 75g golden caster sugar

• 225g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

• 100g vegan chocolate chips

• 100g icing sugar, sifted

• 1 tbsp citrus juice, plus 1 tsp

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

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

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

Vegan courgette cake.

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

Ingredients.

To make vegan courgette cake, you will need: 

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

• 175g golden caster sugar

• 2 lemons, zested, 1 juiced

• 100ml oat milk

• 100g ground almonds

• 175g self-raising flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 175g courgettes, coarsely grated

• 200g icing sugar

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

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

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

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

Happy Veganuary from Cafe2U!

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

Become a Cafe2U Franchisee in 2025.

More than 25% of Brits are predicted to have made at least one new year's resolution for 2025, with 'gaining new skills and knowledge' and 'changing job' among the most popular choices.

If you're weighing up a career change this year, now is the perfect time to consider investing in a franchise like Cafe2U and taking advantage of all the benefits we offer all our franchisees. 

But what exactly are they?

Let's take a look!

Wellbeing on your terms.

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

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

It's profitable.

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

Swift start up.

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

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

Low-risk venture.

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

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

Comprehensive training and support.

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

Our customers aren't going anywhere!

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

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

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

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?

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

Four Wonderful Gifts for Coffee Lovers This Black Friday!

As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the crisp winter air, it’s that time of year again - Black Friday!

Now is the perfect time to find delightful gifts for fellow coffee lovers or treat yourself to a little caffeine-infused treat. We love a bargain at Cafe2U, which is why we have put together our top picks for the best gifts for coffee lovers this Black Friday!

Coffee Subscription Box.

Enjoy a new coffee experience each month with a subscription box that delivers a curated selection of premium roasts right to your door. A great gift for the coffee lover in your life, Rise is offering 10% off their coffee subscription boxes - just pick your brew, quantity and frequency, and keep an eye out for the postman.

Portable Espresso Maker.

For the coffee lover who is always on the go, a Portable Espresso Maker is a must-have. Whether travelling, camping, or commuting, the Wacaco Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker is the perfect gift - and you can save up to 30% on all “on the go” products this Black Friday.

Coffee Grinder.

A high-quality coffee grinder is just what you need to elevate your coffee-drinking experience. Grind your beans to perfection, and unlock the full potential of flavour and aroma in every cup. Amazon has a fantastic selection of Black Friday coffee grinder deals, with the Krups Coffee Mill being a particular favourite!

Coffee Themed Apparel.

Let them wear their love for coffee proudly, with some stylish coffee-themed apparel - from cosy sweatshirts to quirky accessories, there are plenty of gifts to choose from, like the P&Co Slow Sundays Coffee Club collection.

So there you have it! This year, why not spread joy and warmth with these fantastic coffee gifts to celebrate the coffee lover in your life, or just treat yourself?

Cheers to the perfect cup of coffee!

Celebrate International Coffee Day with Cafe2U!

It’s International Coffee Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a freshly brewed cup from Cafe2U? But first, let’s take a quick look at how this global celebration of coffee came to be and why we all love it so much!

The Origins of International Coffee Day

International Coffee Day was officially launched in 2015 by the International Coffee Organization (ICO). It’s celebrated on 1st October each year, recognising not only the joy coffee brings to millions but also the farmers, roasters and baristas who make it all possible. The day is also a chance to raise awareness of the need for fair trade and sustainable coffee practices around the world.

Coffee by the Numbers: How Much Do We Really Drink?

It’s no secret that coffee is one of the world’s favourite drinks - whether it’s that early-morning flat white, a lunchtime espresso or an afternoon cappuccino. Globally, we consume around 2 billion cups of coffee every single day and here in the UK, we’re drinking around 98 million cups daily - that’s a lot of caffeine!

Why We Love Coffee

Coffee doesn’t just taste great, it has some great benefits too. It’s been shown to help improve concentration, boost energy levels and it's packed with antioxidants that are good for your overall health. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s the perfect excuse for a break - whether you’re catching up with friends, getting through the workday or just need five minutes to yourself. 

Celebrate with Cafe2U

This International Coffee Day, why not enjoy a fresh cup of barista-quality coffee, delivered straight to you by Cafe2U? 

With our fleet of mobile coffee vans, we bring your favourite brew directly to your door - whether you're at work, at home or somewhere in between.

To get your coffee fix, simply find your nearest van and let us deliver the perfect cup to you!

How To Take Part In The World's Biggest Coffee Morning!

It’s nearly that time of year again when communities come together over coffee and cake to support an incredible cause - Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning!

This beloved annual event helps raise essential funds to support people living with cancer and the official date for this year’s Coffee Morning is Friday, 27th September 2024, but don’t worry - you can host your event whenever it suits you​!

How to Take Part

Getting involved couldn’t be easier! Simply sign up on the Macmillan Coffee Morning website to receive your free fundraising kit. The kit includes everything you need to make your coffee morning a success - bunting, balloons, a collection box and more. 

Once you’ve signed up, it’s time to start planning your event. Whether it’s a gathering in your home, a community hall or even in your garden or driveway, the choice is yours. Stock up on coffee, tea, and baked goods (or whatever treats you fancy!) and invite your friends, family and neighbours to join you. Every donation counts and, after the event, all you have to do is send the money you’ve raised to Macmillan to help fund their vital services.

Why Take Part?

The funds raised by the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning help Macmillan Cancer Support provide care for people affected by cancer. This includes funding nurses, support lines, counselling and more​. With cancer touching so many lives, this event provides an easy yet powerful way for anyone to make a difference. Last year, Macmillan raised over £1.2 million from coffee mornings across the UK and the aim is to surpass that this year​.

How Cafe2U Can Help

If you’re hosting a Coffee Morning and want to make it extra special, why not let Cafe2U lend a hand?

Our mobile coffee vans can bring high-quality coffee right to your event, along with a range of other hot drinks and snacks. Our friendly baristas take the pressure off you, allowing you to focus on what matters most - raising money for Macmillan and spending quality time with your guests.

You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

So, whether you’re planning a big community bash or a small, cosy coffee break with friends, join the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and make a real difference in the fight against cancer!

Happiness At Work Week 2024.

In the UK, working 40 hours per week is a common practice and with so much of our time being spent at work, it's important that we're happy while we're there.

For employers, this means doing everything they can to keep morale among their employees as high as possible, as having happy workers leads to more creativity and productivity in the workplace. With every worker having different wants and needs, however, this is easier said than done. 

Fortunately, September 23rd-27th is the International Week of Happiness at Work, a week-long event designed to spread happiness among employees the world over. So what are some of the most effective ways to improve morale among employees? We take a look.

Prioritise work-life balance.

Employees’ work-life balance plays a big role in their happiness at work. By allowing people greater balance and flexibility between their work commitments and their family and personal lives, they will be less stressed and much happier.

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.

Build a positive work environment.

Positive work environments constantly come up as one of the most desirable factors for workers so building a positive work environment that excites employees will make them happy to come to work and less likely to quit.

The keys to building a positive work environment are transparency and open dialogue as these ensure employees can discuss anything, preventing issues from being bottled up and negative feelings from thriving. They also stop employees from feeling the need to compete with each other and instead increase the likelihood of them encouraging and uplifting each other.

Another easy way to make the workplace a positive environment is to smile more! Smiling is a sign of positivity and one of the easiest ways to convey happiness and positive energy. And, of course, happiness is contagious, so smiling will make others happier too!

Reward hard work and celebrate successes.

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

• Taking employees out for a meal or to take part in activities like bowling, either after work or during working hours.

• 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'. Saying 'thank you' can go a long way - something employers often forget.

Ultimately, recognising employees for their efforts plays a significant role in how employees perceive their workplace and how they feel about their work.

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.

Coffee is also high in antioxidants which are good for your body and help reduce the risk of a host of ailments including cancer, strokes and diabetes.

Why not have great coffee delivered to your work?

Whatever you do during International Happiness at Work Week 2024, 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.

Autumn Drink Recipes to Warm Your Day.

As the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing better than warming up with a delicious seasonal drink. 

At Cafe2U, we're getting ready to launch our autumn drink range, which promises to boast cosy flavours and heart - and hand! - warming results, with flavours like spiced cinnamon, caramel and pumpkin spice to the fore!

So whether you're after a Pumpkin Spice Latte or a decadent Maple Cinnamon Macchiato, here are some of our favourite autumn drinks and how to make them!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso

• 200ml steamed milk

• 2 tbsp pumpkin spice syrup

• Whipped cream

• Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:
Brew your espresso and stir in the pumpkin spice syrup. Add steamed milk and finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

2. Caramel Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 250ml fresh apple cider

• 2 tbsp caramel syrup

• Whipped cream

• Cinnamon stick

Instructions:
Heat the apple cider in a saucepan, stirring in the caramel syrup until combined. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream, adding a cinnamon stick for an extra autumnal touch.

3. Spiced Mocha Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• 200ml steamed milk

• Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

• Whipped cream

Instructions:
Mix cocoa powder with cinnamon and nutmeg in a mug, brew your espresso over the mixture, then stir in the steamed milk. Top with whipped cream for a delightful, spiced finish.

4. Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 150ml chai tea concentrate

• 150ml steamed milk

• Honey to taste

• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:
Heat the chai tea concentrate and milk together, sweeten with honey, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a soothing drink.

5. Maple Cinnamon  Macchiato

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso

• 200ml steamed milk

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:
Brew the espresso and mix in the maple syrup. Add the steamed milk, then sprinkle cinnamon on top for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Happy autumn from Cafe2U!

These autumn recipes will add warmth to your day, whether you’re enjoying them at home or grabbing a cup from your local Cafe2U van.

Each drink is designed to reflect the comforting flavours of the season, making it easy to embrace the cooler weather with a smile. Enjoy, and don’t forget to check out our mobile vans for more autumnal treats!

The Cafe2U Guide to Breakfast Bowls.

Popular wisdom has it that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, with approximately 89% of the UK enjoying it every morning, it's clear that the old adage is still true.

What has changed is what we're eating. Thanks to the rise of cafes serving healthy, vibrant breakfasts inspired by Australia and New Zealand, 'breakfast bowls' have become one of the most popular breakfast options, both outside the home and in our own kitchens and especially during the summer months.

Bursting with colour, breakfast bowls allow you to start your day with superfoods (nutrient-rich foods that benefit your health and wellbeing) such as kale, fresh fruit, berries, granola and quinoa. The idea is to deliver a meal that is tasty, healthy and quick to make. 

With summer beginning to draw to an end, here are some of our favourites for you to try at home while the sun's still shining!

Gluten free peanut butter and fruit quinoa.

This delicious breakfast quinoa makes four servings of just 290 calories each that look amazing, taste even better and will keep you energised until lunchtime.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups of water

• 1 cup of quinoa

• ¼ cup of apple juice

• 3 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter

• 1 banana, chopped

• 1 small handful of strawberries or raspberries

• 4 teaspoons unsalted peanuts

Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to the boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, then cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, then stir in the apple juice and peanut butter until combined. Stir in the banana.

Next, divide the mixture among four bowls and top with some of the strawberries/raspberries and peanuts. And enjoy!

Tropical Smoothie Bowl.

Bring some sunshine to your kitchen table with this sweet, tropical, vegan blend that's packed with vitamins and minerals.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 1 small mango, cut into chunks

• 200g pineapple, cut into chunks

• 2 bananas

• 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt (not coconut-flavoured yoghurt)

• 150ml coconut drinking milk

• 2 passion fruits

• handful of blueberries

• 2 tbsp coconut flakes

• mint leaves

Put the mango, pineapple, bananas, yoghurt and coconut milk in a blender, then blitz until smooth. Pour into two bowls and top with the passion fruit, blueberries, coconut flakes and mint leaves just before serving.

Vanilla-almond chia breakfast bowl.

This bowl combines seeds, nuts, fruit and oats for a fibre-packed meal that will keep you fuller for longer.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 50g jumbo porridge oats

• 200ml unsweetened almond milk 

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp low-fat natural yoghurt

• 25g chia seeds

• 150g of blueberries

• 25g flaked almonds

• clear honey

Mix the oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, yoghurt and chia seeds in a bowl and set aside for 20 minutes or until the oats have softened. Stir through half the blueberries, divide the mixture between two bowls and top with the remaining berries, almonds and honey (to taste).

Partner your bowl with the right coffee.
Whichever breakfast bowl you decide to try, a cup of nutrient-packed coffee makes the perfect accompaniment and will help raise your energy levels further still. Find your favourite coffee at your nearest Cafe2U van here!

Afternoon Tea Week 2024.

Taking place from August 12th - 18th, Afternoon Tea Week is a typically-English celebration of the joys of getting together with friends and family for a hot drink, a bite to eat and a good old chat

Originally designed to promote afternoon tea by encouraging cafes, restaurants and hotels to offer discounts and special offers to entice as many people as possible to join in the fun, Afternoon Tea Week has since morphed into something even larger, with many people choosing to throw their own events.

So if you fancy playing host this year, what should you serve? Read on to find out!

What should I serve?

Once you've set a date and time and sent invitations to your nearest and dearest, it's time to decide what to serve.

While the beauty of being the host is that you can serve whatever you want, you probably won't want to stray too far from a traditional afternoon tea menu, so offer your guests a selection of teas for starters. English breakfast is a must-have but you should also consider Earl Grey, camomile, chai and fruit teas as well. Coffee options are certain to be well received too, while having some hot chocolate available for those with a sweet tooth won't hurt either.

Aside from remembering to stock up on milk and sugar, and ensuring your mugs/cups/fine china is all clean, the only other thing you need to worry about now is what treats to serve. Scones and Victoria sponge cake are your classic options here… so here's how to make them!

Fruit scones.

Served with jam and clotted cream, these babies go perfectly with any and all hot drinks!

Ingredients.

To make eight fruit scones, you will need:

• 350g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 85g butter, cut into cubes

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

• 175ml milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• squeeze of lemon juice

• 100g sultanas

• beaten egg to glaze

• jam and clotted cream, to serve

Begin by heating your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Next, tip the flour into a large bowl with the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Put the milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 secs until warm, but not hot. Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment. Put a baking sheet in the oven.

Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and sultanas and combine with a cutlery knife, then scatter some flour onto a work surface and tip the dough out. Dredge the dough and your hands with a little more flour, then fold the dough over two or three times until smoother. Pat into a round about 4cm deep.

Take a 5cm cutter and dip it into some flour. Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. You may need to press what’s left of the dough back into a round to cut out four more.

Brush the tops with beaten egg, then carefully place onto the hot baking tray. Bake for 10 mins until risen and golden on the top. Serve warm with jam, clotted cream and a hot drink!

Victoria Sponge Cake.

Delicious, traditional and easy to make, Victoria sponges are an afternoon tea staple!

Ingredients.

To make a Victoria sponge cake, you will need:

• 200g caster sugar

• 200g softened butter

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp milk

For the filling, you will need:

• 100g butter, softened

• 140g icing sugar, sifted

• vanilla extract

• half a 340g jar good-quality strawberry jam

• icing sugar, to decorate

Heat your oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Butter two 20cm sandwich tins and line with non-stick baking paper.

In a large bowl, beat 200g caster sugar, 200g softened butter, 4 beaten eggs, 200g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 2 tbsp milk together until you have a smooth, soft batter.

Divide the mixture between the tins, then smooth the surfaces with a spatula. Bake for about 20 mins until golden and the cake springs back when pressed, then turn onto a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.

To make the filling, beat the 100g softened butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually beat in 140g sifted icing sugar and a drop of vanilla extract. Spread the buttercream over the bottom of one of the sponges. Top it with 170g strawberry jam and sandwich the second sponge on top. Dust with a little icing sugar, then serve. 

We can help you throw a tea party to remember!

If you'd like some top quality coffee to go with your tea party bakes, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your door!

National Ice Cream Day: Coffee and Ice Cream Pairings To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!

Taking place on the third Sunday of July every year, National Ice Cream Day is fast approaching… and not a moment too soon, with a spot of hot, dry weather currently forecast for the coming days.

With more appropriate seasonal weather due to arrive, we've decided to combine two of our favourite treats - coffee and ice cream - and present you with our guide on how to perfectly pair one with the other.

Let's get started!

Affogato.

A nice easy one to start. A classic summer dessert that's easy to make, affogatos are perfect for lovers of espresso and vanilla ice cream.

Simply spoon two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a bowl, then pour over a freshly brewed cup of dark-roast espresso and, err, that's it! 

Bitter, sweet, hot, cold - affogato has it all! You can even add some crunch to yours by crushing a couple of your favourite biscuits (amaretti or biscotti work a treat!) and sprinkling them on top.

Coffee milkshake.

A milkshake for adults? Sign us up!

Ingredients.

To make four coffee milkshakes, you will need:

• 85g plain chocolate, 70% or 80%

• 1 tbsp coffee granules

• 700ml milk

• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, plus extra to serve (optional)

First, roughly chop 75g of chocolate and place in a large jug with the coffee granules. Next, bring 300ml of the milk just to the boil, then pour over the chocolate and coffee mix, stirring to melt. Once melted, cool.

Tip the cooled milk into a blender with the ice cream and remaining milk. Blitz until blended, then pour into four glasses. Add an extra scoop of ice cream to each, if you like, then grate a little of the remaining chocolate on top to serve.

Creamy, rich, chocolatey and perfect for lazy summer evenings, everyone should commit this recipe to memory!

Send us your suggestions!

Those are just a couple of ways you can celebrate National Ice Cream Day - let us know how you like to incorporate ice cream into your coffee on our social channels!

Plastic Free July.

Plastic Free July is all about refusing to use single-use plastics - items made from plastic that are only used once before being thrown away.

The problem with the 'plastic waste' associated with single use plastics is that it doesn't break down, it just breaks up into smaller pieces, producing toxic chemicals that are detrimental to wildlife and the environment.

Plastic Free July also helps raise awareness of this issue and encourages people all over the world to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use.

To celebrate, we're taking a look at the plastic-free and environmentally-friendly practices we've adopted at Cafe2U.

No plastic straws!

We've replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint.

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

Compostable paper cups.

Available from your local Cafe2U van, our compostable cups are biodegradable, so they can be composted or recycled, reducing waste and ensuring fewer items are sent to landfill. With people in the UK drinking approximately 95 million cups of coffee every day, we need to convince consumers to move away from single use cups as soon as possible.

We also offer reusable cups… and even give them away free with certain purchases every once in a while! Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here to find out more!

Coffee grounds recycling scheme.

Periodically, we also give customers the opportunity to take our used coffee grounds away with them absolutely free.

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

Used coffee grounds have a number of uses, including:

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

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

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

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

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

Emission-free deliveries.

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!

We need your help!

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

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

How To Make A Barbecue Coffee Rub.

The imminent arrival of summer coupled with the long evenings getting warmer can mean only one thing: it's National Barbecue Week!

Running from June 3rd - 9th, National Barbecue Week has been celebrated by hungry Brits since its inception in 1997. A lot's changed in the nation's approach to barbies in the last 24 years, with the types of foods being prepared high on that list. Burgers, sausages and kebabs will always be favourites but veggies, meat-free alternatives and unusual ingredients have all become commonplace at your average garden cook-out. 

One ingredient that continues to be overlooked, however, is coffee.

Although some may say that coffee and smoky meats aren't exactly obvious bed fellows, we beg to differ. And after you've tried our incredible Barbecue Coffee Rub recipe, we think you'll agree!

What Is A Rub?

A rub is a mixture of spices and/or herbs that is applied to meats before cooking to add flavour. Unlike marinades, which need to be left covering food for several hours, rubs season meats quickly and are easy to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu BBQs. They also add texture and help give meats those delicious, dark crusts so beloved by barbie aficionados, especially if cooked at a low heat for a long time.

Why Use Coffee?

The first thing to say is that a coffee-based rub WON'T make your food taste like an espresso. It will, however, add a deep, rich, earthy flavour that enhances the savoury flavours already at play. Because coffee is highly acidic, it will also help tenderize your meat, making it juicier and less chewy.

Barbecue Coffee Rub Recipe.

This rub can be used on any meat but works particularly well with beef. To make the rub, you will need:

• ¼ cup of freshly ground coffee

• Two tablespoons of brown sugar

• Two tablespoons of garlic powder

• Two tablespoons of onion powder

• Two tablespoons of cayenne pepper (this can be omitted if you don't like spicy food)

• Two tablespoons of paprika (normal, sweet or smoked)

• One tablespoon of ground cumin

• One tablespoon of kosher salt

In a bowl, mix the ingredients together thoroughly. If you have one, transfer the rub to a shaker to make it easier to apply. Then pat your meat dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture from its surface as possible.

If you want, you can add a binding agent - be creative here. We love smothering beef, lamb or pork in French’s mustard or even a generous helping of Worcestershire Sauce! Next, apply the rub all over the meat. If you don't have a shaker, simply rub it in with your hands. How much you want to use is a personal choice but one tablespoon per pound of meat is a good rule of thumb. If in doubt, be generous!

Although the rub can be applied just before cooking, the longer it sits on the meat, the more tender and flavourful it will become. Try to apply the rub at least an hour before cooking; if possible, do it the day before.

Put the rubbed meat on a plate, cover it with cling film or tin foil and place it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Any leftover rub can be stored in an airtight container and left in the fridge for as long as six months.

Finally, barbecue or smoke the meat as usual but remember not to use any oil as it will spoil the crust.

What Coffee Should I Use?

Again, this really comes down to personal preference but, as a rule, dark roasts give a more robust flavour, whereas light roasts are more subtle.

If possible, use freshly ground coffee as it tenderizes the meat quicker and more effectively than beans which aren't freshly ground. Instant/pre-ground coffee granules also work well.

If you do opt for freshly ground coffee, use a medium grind. Finely ground coffee is not a good idea as it is smaller than most of the other rub ingredients, so it will coat the meat first and prevent the other flavours from coming through. Coarse ground coffee, on the other hand, is too big and won't stick efficiently to the meat.

So there you have it. When it's time to impress the guests at your next BBQ, just bring out the coffee!

At Cafe2U, we offer a wide range of quality bagged coffee beans - and our baristas will be happy to grind it for you to use - so find your nearest van here and book a delivery today.

Euro 2024 - How Do Other European Nations Like Their Coffee?

In England, the humble latte is the most popular type of coffee but there are an almost infinite number of ways the drink can be enjoyed.

Now the Euro 2024 football tournament is nearly underway, what better time to take a look at some of the ways coffee is consumed by our European neighbours?

Italy.

As the world capital of coffee, Italy knows a thing or two about drinking the black stuff. Espressos are the most popular option, with Italians typically drinking multiple cups each day.

Rich and thick, espressos are brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee beans and, in Italy, are commonly served with a slice of lemon to bring out their sweeter flavours. 

Despite increasing your metabolism, helping you burn calories faster and being delicious, professional athletes are still more likely to opt for water at half-time.

Portugal.

A refreshing twist on a classic, one of the most popular coffees in Portugal is the Mazagran, aka the original iced coffee.

Available in any Portuguese pastelaria worth its salt, Mazagran is a sweetened, cold beverage that typically consists of espresso and lemon juice. However, the lemon can be replaced with rum for coffee fans in need of an even stronger kick. Ronaldo might not approve.

Turkey.

Turkish coffee, or Türk kahvesi, is prepared using very finely ground coffee beans and is one of the most popular types of coffee in the world due to its seriously high strength.

Simmered in a special brass pot known as a cezve, Turkish coffee is rich and gets its potency from being unfiltered, resulting in a higher concentration of caffeine and a drink that should come with a warning. Not for the faint-hearted.

Spain.

Among the best looking of all coffees, Spanish cafe bombon coffees are a sweet-toothed coffee lover's dream.

Sugary and so thick you can chew them, cafe bombons are equal parts black coffee and sweetened, condensed milk, served in a glass in order to appeal to the eyes as much as the taste buds. 

By slowly adding the milk to the coffee, the milk sinks to the bottom of the glass and separates, resulting in a coffee in two distinct, irresistible layers. Classy.

Cafe2U FC.

Whichever type of coffee you prefer, we're confident you'll find something to love among our range of quality Cafe2U coffees. Find your nearest van here and place an order today!