Halloween Bakes 2025.

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. 

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!

How Well Do You Know Your Coffees?

You won't be surprised to hear that we love coffee at Cafe2U and, if you're reading this, you probably do too.

But whether you prefer a standard latte, a sweet mocha or a punchy espresso, how much do you know about your coffee of choice? And how do you make it properly (ie according to baristas)? 

Let's find out…

How do you steam milk?

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

Espresso.

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

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

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

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

Latte.

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

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

Cappuccino.

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

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

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

Americano.

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

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

Mocha.

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

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

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

How to Make The Best Hot Chocolate!

With Chocolate Week taking place from October 14th - 19th, now is the perfect time to celebrate (i.e. consume lots of) chocolate. And while the vast majority of us have a favourite chocolate bar/treat/dessert, this year we want to turn the spotlight on one of the chocolate canon's unsung heroes - hot chocolate!

Believed to have been created around 2,500 - 3,000 years ago by the Maya, today it's the UK's third most popular hot drink behind, of course, tea and coffee. But although hot chocolate is the hot drink of choice for more than one in ten of us, most of us rarely - if ever - make one from scratch.

If you fancy giving it a go this Chocolate Week, here's how to go about it.

Hot chocolate royale.

Why make a standard hot chocolate when you can go deluxe and pile it high with marshmallows?

Ingredients.

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 300ml milk

• 71ml double cream

• 50g chopped chocolate

• Mini marshmallows

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

Gingerbread hot chocolate.

Gingerbread and autumn go hand-in-hand, so what better time to try this fragrant and warming version of a classic hot chocolate?

Ingredients.

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 300ml milk

• 100ml double cream

• 1 tsp dark brown soft sugar

• 1 orange, zested

• pinch of ground ginger

• pinch of ground cinnamon

• 2 cloves

• 4 drops of vanilla extract

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped

• whipped cream

• 2 mini gingerbread biscuits, crushed

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

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

Vegan hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate is an equal opportunities treat and we believe EVERYONE should be able to enjoy it, so here's how to make it if your diet is exclusively plant-based!

Ingredients.

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 500ml oat milk

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

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 2 bruised cardamom pods

• ½ tbsp maple syrup

• vegan marshmallows

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

Boozy mint hot chocolate.

A hot chocolate nightcap? Don't mind if we do…

Ingredients.

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 100ml double cream

• 2 tsp icing sugar

• few drops peppermint extract

• 300ml whole milk

• 100g dark chocolate , chopped

• 50ml crème de menthe

• dark chocolate curls or sprinkles

First, whip the cream in a small bowl, then stir in the icing sugar and a few drops of peppermint extract, then place in the fridge.

Next, pour the milk into a saucepan and heat gently until simmering, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat, then add the chocolate and stir until it has completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Return to the heat until warm then add the crème de menthe and pour into two mugs. Top with some of the whipped mint cream and chocolate curls or sprinkles and serve.

HotChocolate2U!

Even though we're confident you'll love all these recipes, sometimes you just don't have the energy for DIY and if that's the case this Chocolate Week, you can always contact your nearest Cafe2U van instead.
Not only do we do a range of hot chocolates that will make your taste buds tingle, we'll even deliver them straight to your door! Get in touch here.

National Baking Week 2025.

Taking place from October 14th - 20th, National Baking Week 2025 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 2025 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!

Happiness At Work Week 2025.

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, October 6th-10th 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 2025, 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.

How To Take Part In Macmillan Coffee Morning 2025!

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 2025, 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 2025?

Although you can host an event whenever you like, this year's event officially takes place on Friday, September 26th.

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.

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.

Second Hand September 2025.

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!

Say Hello to Autumn With Cafe2U!

Sun-avoiders rejoice - autumn is nearly here!*

And as the crisp autumn air gets ready to start rolling 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-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, pour 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!

*If you go by the meteorological calendar, that is; if you go by the astronomical calendar, there are still a few weeks of summer left. But assuming you see September 1st as the beginning of the new season - autumn is nearly here!

Scenic Spots For A Bank Holiday Coffee!

Nothing beats a day trip or short break over the bank holiday weekend and, as the last bank holiday before Christmas is now upon us, we thought we'd take a look at some of the UK's best places to visit and enjoy a coffee in the open air.

Whitby.

One of Yorkshire's most famous seaside towns, Whitby is probably best known as the home of Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's classic novel, Dracula, and/or its fish and chips!

With incredible views at every turn, you could stop almost anywhere and find yourself in a great spot for a coffee but we'd recommend taking your flask to any of the following: 

• The Abbey. Best accessed via the 199 steps leading up to it (if you have the stamina!), Whitby Abbey's stunning ruins are crying out to be explored. Once you've finished, it's time to find a spot on the grass or one of the benches, pour yourself a coffee and enjoy the beautiful views out to sea and over Whitby Town. Make the most of the area's dramatic scenery by enjoying the Abbey as the sun is setting!

• Its two excellent beaches - West Cliff Beach and Tate Hill Beach. The perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon with some sand between your toes, the former tends to be busier, while the latter is usually quiet and secluded. Take your pick!

• The whalebone arch on West Cliff. The perfect place to take five and gaze through the two jaw bones at the Abbey and the church which sits opposite.

The Forest of Dean.

Sprawling woodlands made up of more than 20 million trees with outdoor activities, castles and more, the Forest of Dean is one of Gloucestershire's most beloved and historical destinations.

With cycle paths, beautiful walks, canoeing on the River Wye, crumbling abbeys and free-roaming wild boar, there are too many places to recommend visiting. As getting off the beaten track and exploring the area is one of the best things about it, we'd suggest simply choosing a starting point and seeing where the day takes you. Wherever you stop is pretty much guaranteed to be the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and a stunning view.

The Lake District.

Both a region and a national park, this popular Cumbrian destination in northwest England is known for its glacial ribbon lakes and rugged mountains. Home to a huge number of wonderful places to visit, it’s hard to pick our favourite, so we've narrowed it down to three.

• Derwentwater. With stunning views, small islands to explore and boats available for hire, there are no end of places to sit down and enjoy a coffee break.

• Windermere. England’s longest lake and the Lake District’s most popular destination, stopping for a coffee on the shore or while on a boat cruise is guaranteed to make everything feel better; either way, you'll be inundated with breathtaking views from every angle. 

• Scafell Pike. If you’re a keen walker and a coffee lover, scaling England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and enjoying a brew at its summit is a must!

York.

The historic city of York is full of parks, gardens and green spaces but for a truly unique experience, visitors should head for the minster.

Set in the heart of the city, York Minster is a gothic cathedral that stands a breathtaking 72 metres high and boasts the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the UK, some of which dates as far back as the 12th century.

Whether you're interested in its stunning architecture or not, there's nothing like taking a trip to the top of its Central Tower - York's highest point - where you can take in incredible views of the city and enjoy a coffee with the wind at your back.

And if you're not a fan of heights, the Minster's landscaped gardens are just as impressive and allow you to enjoy a brew in the shadow of the ancient monument instead.

Happy Bank Holiday From Cafe2U!

Our vans will be on the road as usual across the weekend so get in touch here if you need some coffee delivering to you wherever you are!

Summer Breakfast Bowls.

As the saying goes, 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 as true as ever.

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.

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 both tasty and healthy, and that is quick to assemble. Here are some of our favourites for you to try at home!

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, yogurt 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 2 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 2025!

Taking place from August 11th - 17th, 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 beauties 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!

The Best Coffee Desserts For Summer!

Although many Brits need no excuse to dive into a dessert at the end of a meal, for others desserts are very much a seasonal thing.

Well, if there's one season during which we should all feel guilt-free about going for broke on desserts, it's summer and all the long days and warm nights that come with it.

While the likes of sticky toffee pudding, strawberries and cream and trifle are all excellent dessert options, there's something about a coffee-flavoured treat that just hits different. So what are the best coffee desserts and how do you make them at home? Read on to find out!

Bruleed coffee and pear tart.

If it's a traditional pudding you're after, look away now. For those with an open mind, a sweet tooth and a hearty appetite, however, prepare to be amazed!

Ingredients.

To make a bruleed coffee and pear tart, you will need: 

• 435g frozen sweet shortcrust pastry, thawed 

• 2 pears, peeled, cut into 5mm slices

• 125g brown sugar

• 2 tsp finely chopped glace ginger

• 150ml milk

• 150ml thickened cream

• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules

• 3 eggs, lightly beaten

• 40g pure icing sugar

Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C. Then, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to 5mm thick, then drape over a 25cm round, loose-bottomed, fluted tart tin. Gently push the pastry into the fluted edges and trim any excess. Prick all over with a fork and freeze for 30 minutes.

Next, line the pastry case with baking paper (fill with pastry weights if you have some too) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove the paper and weights, then return to the oven for a further 15 minutes or until golden. Remove and set aside to cool.

Place the pears, 50g brown sugar, ginger and 1 tbsp water in a saucepan over a medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes or until the pear has softened. Set aside for 10 minutes, then spoon into the tart case and spread evenly across the base. Place the tart case onto a baking tray.

To make the custard mixture, combine milk, cream and coffee in a saucepan over low heat. Slowly bring to just below the boil, then remove from the heat. Whisk the eggs and remaining 75g brown sugar in a large bowl until creamy, then gradually whisk in the hot milk mixture.

Pour the egg mixture into the tart case and bake for 25 minutes or until the custard has just set but still has a slight wobble. Set aside for 2 hours to cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours.

Finally, sift icing sugar over the tart, then use a blowtorch to create a crisp brulee topping. Cut into pieces and serve.

Affogato.

An all-time classic, affogatos are probably most coffee-lovers' favourite dessert so why not have a go at making your own? Trust us, it's minimum effort for maximum reward! 

Ingredients.

To make an affogato, you will need: 

• Vanilla ice cream

• A shot of freshly brewed espresso coffee

OK. Brace yourselves. Ready?

Just put the ice cream in a bowl and pour the espresso over the top! Perfect!

If you want to jazz it up a little, try adding crumbled amaretti biscuits or biscotti to bring some crunch to the creaminess!

Espresso cheesecakes.

Desserts aren't reserved exclusively for after dinner, of course, and these tasty light-bites are perfect at any time of day!

Ingredients.

To make 8 espresso cheesecakes, you will need:

• 250g pitted prunes

• 100ml dark rum

• 170g amaretti biscuits, crushed

• 80g unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp almond meal

• 80ml espresso coffee

• 200g pure icing sugar, sifted

• 500g cream cheese, at room temperature

• 3 egg yolks

• 3 titanium-strength gelatine leaves

• 150ml milk

• Cocoa powder, to dust

First, place the prunes in a bowl with the rum, then leave to soak overnight.

The next day, grease and line a 20cm x 30cm brownie pan with baking paper. Make the cheesecake base by combining the amaretti, butter and almond meal in a bowl, then press into the base of the pan, cover and chill.

Next, break up the prunes in a food processor with 2 tbsp rum until smooth, then spoon over the cheesecake base.

To make the cheesecake, whiz espresso, icing sugar, cream cheese and egg yolks in a food processor for 1 minute to combine. Meanwhile, soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to soften. Then heat the milk in a heatproof bowl set over a small pan of simmering water for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Remove the bowl from the heat, squeeze any excess liquid from the gelatine, then whisk into warm milk. Return the bowl to the pan of simmering water and whisk constantly until the gelatine dissolves. Remove from heat.

Add the milk mixture to the cream cheese and stir to combine. Spoon over the prune layer, smooth with the back of a spoon and leave to chill for 4 hours or until set.

Using a 6cm round cutter, cut out eight individual cheesecakes, then dust with cocoa to serve.

Happy summer from Cafe2U!

There are an almost infinite amount of coffee-based desserts for us all to enjoy over the coming months. If you've got a favourite you think we should be aware of, tell us all about it on our social media channels!

In the meantime, if you need some top quality coffee delivered to your door to enjoy with your desserts, you can contact your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 20th - it's National Ice Cream Day! 

Held annually on the third Sunday (Sundae?) in July, National Ice Cream Day is a day dedicated to enjoying this delicious and cooling treat. And what better way to celebrate this year's event than by whipping up a batch of homemade coffee ice cream?

This velvety ice cream is bursting with the rich, aromatic flavours of freshly brewed coffee and is the perfect blend of sweet and bitter  - the ideal treat for a warm, sunny day! 

Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients.

To make coffee ice cream, you will need:

• 300 ml double cream

• 200 g sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tbsp instant coffee granules (or one shot of Cafe2U espresso)

• 1 tbsp boiling water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

• Pinch of salt 

Begin by mixing the instant coffee and boiling water together in a small bowl until dissolved, then leave to cool at room temperature. 

Next, in a large bowl, whip the double cream to soft peaks using a hand or stand mixer. In another bowl, mix the condensed milk, coffee, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture until it is well combined and smooth, then pour into a freezer-safe container (a loaf tin works well), smooth the top and cover.
Freeze for at least six hours, or overnight, until firm.

For an extra indulgent experience, pair it with a freshly brewed cup of Cafe2U coffee, or get adventurous with your toppings - think chocolate shavings, a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of cinnamon!

Send us your suggestions!

This is just one way you can celebrate National Ice Cream Day - let us know how you like to incorporate ice cream into your coffee routine on our social channels!

Plastic Free July 2025.

Did you know that this month is officially Plastic Free July, a month dedicated to 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 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! 

We were the first mobile coffee company in the world to introduce a fleet of all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee vans, meaning our CO2 output is significantly lower than many of our competitors'!

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 Get Your Franchise Ready For Summer.

As the temperature rises, 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.

Summer Sips: Cool Coffee Creations to Beat the Heat.

Summer is officially here and when the sun comes out and temperature starts to rise, caffeine lovers often find themselves facing a conundrum - what should I drink when it's too hot for coffee?

The answer, of course, is iced coffee! Cool, refreshing and delicious, iced coffee's popularity has grown steadily in recent years and the drink is now a summertime staple throughout the UK.

Iced coffee is also easy to make and tailor to your own tastes, so refill your ice tray and we'll explain how to make some at home!

Basic iced coffee.

Iced coffee can either be poured hot over ice or served already chilled. If you're attempting the latter, start by making a cup of strong black coffee, then allow it to go completely cold. Pour it into a blender, add 60ml of milk, two handfuls of ice and your favourite-flavoured syrup - if using - then blend until smooth and serve in a tall glass.

If you usually add sugar to your brew, remember it doesn't dissolve easily in cold liquids, so you'll need to add it to the coffee before it cools or swap it for a sugary syrup. And don't worry about it being too strong as the ice will dilute and weaken the coffee!

Coffee lemonade.

If there's a drink that symbolises summer better than lemonade, we've yet to try it. Combining it with a hit of caffeine results in a refreshing drink you'll want to make every time the sun's out.

Making coffee lemonade couldn't be simpler. Just combine cold black coffee, 120ml of orange juice, 80ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 80ml of honey and two handfuls of ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass half filled with more ice cubes and enjoy!

The sweet treat.

When the first ingredient is ice cream, you know you're onto a winner! Put a scoop of your favourite ice cream into a tall glass, cover it with cold black coffee, add another scoop of ice cream, then finish with a dash of sparkling water to make the whole thing fizz. 

For an even greater sugar fix, thread your favourite jelly or gummy sweets onto a toothpick and lay across the mouth of the glass.

Peanut butter iced coffee.

OK, peanut butter isn't traditionally associated with summer, but trust us, this rich, creamy recipe will quench your thirst and cool you down in no time!

To make, simply combine peanut butter, Nutella and cream in a saucepan, then heat gently while whisking until the mixture is melted and smooth. Leave it to cool in the fridge, then pour into a blender alongside black coffee and ice and blitz until foamy. 

Embrace summer with Cafe2U!

At Cafe2U, we love experimenting with new flavours and ingredients. Ask your nearest Cafe2U mobile barista about our summer range today!

How To Create The Perfect Picnic.

Summertime and al fresco dining go hand-in-hand so, if you're the sort of person that enjoys eating outdoors, you'll be delighted to hear that International Picnic Day takes place on June 18th.

A celebration of grabbing a blanket, friends, family, food and drink and heading to your nearest open space, picnics are the perfect way to enjoy lunch, while away a lazy afternoon or unwind after work. And with an official opportunity to celebrate them just around the corner, the time to start planning your perfect picnic is right now! Here's how to do it.

Food and drink.

The most important part of any picnic is, of course, the food and drink, and the trick with both is to keep things simple. Sandwiches, pork pies, sausage rolls and flapjacks are all picnic staples because they're small, simple and tasty but you can take whatever you fancy. This article from Sainsbury's has lots of great recipe ideas if you fancy making your food instead of buying it.

When it comes to drinks, it's a good idea to take both hot and cold options. Water, fruit squash and lemonade are all safe bets, while coffee, tea and hot chocolate can be easily made ahead of time and kept warm in thermoses. 

Alternatively, if you want fresh, barista-quality coffee at your picnic, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us bring some straight to your blanket!

Transport food in jars.

Utilising sturdy Mason jars to keep your food in will prevent spillages and make moving food between cars and blankets a doddle. Salads, sides, condiments and even desserts all work brilliantly.

Don't forget a chopping board!

Especially useful when kids are present, chopping boards always come in handy on picnics, both for cutting food into smaller portions and for using as a serving tray. Just remember to also pack wipes or paper towels so you can clean it afterwards.

Take utensils.

Sounds obvious but many a good picnic has been spoiled by a lack of forks or spoons, so remember to take plenty of everything, including napkins. To stop anything ending up on the ground, a vase or milk bottle makes a handy utensil holder.

Pick a good spot.

Each to their own, of course, but anywhere green, scenic and with natural shade that's also not too close to traffic is ideal. If you're picnicking with children, make sure there's plenty of open space for them to play in too.

Check the weather forecast.

Nothing ruins a picnic like a sudden downpour so check the weather forecast before setting off. If the forecast looks wet, pack umbrellas, parasols or even a tent or two and you'll still be able to have fun.

Pack a good blanket.

It's not a picnic without a blanket and while any will do, try and find one that provides cushioning, is easy to clean, waterproof and can be machine washed in case of any major spillages.

Take some pillows.

Chuck a few throw pillows in the boot of your car et voila - comfy and easily transportable seating for you and your friends!

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!

Contact us here if you'd like us to take care of your picnic's coffee requirements - we can't wait to see you all!

Coffee Gifts For Father's Day.

Sunday, June 15th, is Father's Day, a day on which we celebrate and show our appreciation for the men who raised us.

If you're like us, you've probably asked your dad if there's anything he'd like for Father's Day over the last few weeks, only to be told "I'll have a think and let you know" or "There's nothing I really want - just save your money."

Because neither of these answers is even remotely helpful, we've put our heads together to come up with a list of cracking coffee-themed gifts for your old man this Father's Day. Read on to find out more!

1. Hand Grinder.

Grinding your beans while they're still fresh significantly enhances the overall brewing experience but, unfortunately, coffee grinders can often be pricey.

If you're searching for an affordable gift, this small hand grinder is super compact, provides consistent performance every time and is easy on the wallet. What’s not to love?!

2. Portable Coffee Maker.

This coffee maker is a versatile and portable device that uses a rapid, total immersion brewing process to produce smooth, rich coffee in minutes. Easy to use, it ensures you can brew excellent coffee anywhere with ease. A hugely popular product, this is a gift that's sure to be well received!

3. One Touch Coffee Maker.

If your dad values quantity AND quality, the Bonavita One Touch 8 Cup Coffee Maker is a must-have, brewing up to 1.3 litres of perfectly brewed coffee at the touch of a button in just a few minutes. 

And, as a Specialty Coffee Association approved brewer, it meets Gold standards in brewing performance. Enjoying great-tasting coffee has never been so easy or so quick.

4. Portable Mug.

If you're searching for a coffee mug for Father’s Day, look no further than this popular Fellow Carter Move Mug. 

A sleek, vacuum-insulated travel mug, it keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24. Its ceramic interior ensures a pure taste, while the leak-proof seal and 360-degree lid make it ideal for on-the-go use. It's perfect for dads who are always on the move!

5. Milk Pitcher.

If it's style and practicality you're after, this Rhino Pro Milk Pitcher is an excellent choice. With its sleek stainless steel design, sturdy handle and precision spout, it’s perfect for creating beautiful latte art.

Whether your dad is a coffee connoisseur or simply enjoys a perfectly frothed cappuccino, the Rhino Milk Pitcher is an ideal gift to elevate his coffee experience.

6. 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 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!

From Farm To Cup: The Importance Of Traceability.

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 sustainable suppliers. 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.

How To Host The Perfect Garden Party For VE Day!

On May 8th, the UK came together to celebrate VE Day, the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.

With 2025 marking 80 years since this historic occasion, a series of celebrations have been organised across the country for this weekend. So why not join in?!

If you fancy hosting your own event, gather your friends, family and neighbours together and check out our top tips for ensuring your celebration is a 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 'Rule Britannia!' 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 asap.

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. Stick to crowd favourites most people know the words to; obscure B-sides from your favourite bands can wait til another day!

How Cafe2U can help

Whether you're hosting a VE Day 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.