How To Make The Most Of National Picnic Week 2023

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

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

Food and drink

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

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

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

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

Keep an eye on the weather

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

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

Take cushions and pillows

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

Don't forget utensils

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

Remember to take a chopping board

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

Pick a good spot

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

Clean up when you're finished

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

No coffee, no picnic!

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

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

Coffee Gifts For Father's Day 2023

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

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

Camera lens coffee mug

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

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

Java fire logs

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

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

Single-Serve Capsule Coffee Machine

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

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

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

Plastic free French press coffee maker

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

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

It makes excellent coffee too!

Coffee tasting book

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

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

Prepaid Cafe2U Card

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

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Father's Day 2023 from Cafe2U!

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

Barista Tips: Things To Consider When Making A Latte

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

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

How to make a latte

Ingredients

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

To make the perfect latte, you will need:

• a large mug

• 18g ground espresso (or one espresso pod)

• 250ml milk

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

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

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

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

Latte2U

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

Coffee Haikus2U

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

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

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

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

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

— Cafe2U

Pancake Day 2023: How To Make Pancake Art

Tuesday, February 21st, is Pancake Day, a sacred day for most Brits who celebrate their love for the fluffy, round treats by eating as many of them as possible.

An incredibly versatile snack, pancakes can be enjoyed sweet or savoury, big or small, open or rolled up. They can form the basis of a meal or be served after dinner as a dessert. To cut a long story short, they're brilliant.

As the origins of Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday, to give it its rightful name) can be traced all the way back to the 15th century, surely we know everything there is to know about pancakes by now? Well, maybe not. For there exists a phenomenon known as pancake art, which is exactly what it sounds like - an art form that involves creating works of art out of pancakes.

If the opportunity to make super tasty pancakes while simultaneously unleashing your artistic potential in the kitchen sounds like your idea of a good time, read on for some of our favourite recipes that you can try at home!

Confetti pancakes

Bring colour to your pancakes with this simple yet fancy recipe. Matisse and Rothko would approve!

Ingredients

To make six pancakes, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 300ml milk

• hundreds and thousands

• vanilla ice cream

• fresh fruit of your choosing 

Start by tipping the flour, baking powder, sugar and two teaspoons of hundreds and thousands into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt, then crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the maple syrup and milk while whisking.

Next, heat a splash of oil and a small knob of butter in a non-stick frying pan until sizzling. Add a spoonful of batter and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side. Serve with sliced fresh fruit and vanilla ice cream. If that's not colourful enough, add a sprinkle of hundreds and thousands as a final flourish!

Unicorn pancakes

Stepping the difficulty up a notch, this adorable design is tricky but worth it in the end!

Ingredients

To make six unicorn pancakes, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 300ml milk

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• hundreds and thousands

• white chocolate stars

• ice cream (optional)

• fresh fruit (optional)

• gel food colouring - 4 different colours is best

• 3 piping bags

Start by tipping the flour, baking powder, sugar and two teaspoons of hundreds and thousands into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt, then crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the maple syrup and milk while whisking.

Next, divide the mixture into three bowls. Mix one tablespoon of cocoa powder into one batch and put in a piping bag.

Dip a skewer or clean paint brush into some food colouring and draw a line on the inside of another piping bag from bottom to top, repeating a few times with different colours (pink, blue, green and yellow work well). Fill the piping bag with a batch of the pancake mix to create a rainbow batter. 

Put the remaining mix into the third piping bag, then snip the ends of each bag to create small nozzles.

Put a little sunflower oil in the base of a non-stick frying pan then warm over a low heat. Pipe the outline of a unicorn head into the pan using the cocoa mixture. Fill in the horn with the multicoloured batter, then use it to draw the unicorn's hair. Fill in the gaps with the plain batter, then increase the heat slightly and cook until everything has set. Once set, use a palette knife to carefully turn the pancake over and cook for another minute until the batter is cooked through. 

To make extra 'unicorn-y', scatter hundreds and thousands and white chocolate stars over a plate before placing your pancake on top. Serve with ice cream and/or fresh fruit if using.

You can use this method to make pancakes in any shape you like - other good options include bumble bees, llamas or lions!

Initials pancakes

Personalise your pancakes by making some in the shape of everyone's first name!

Ingredients

To make six ‘initials pancakes’, you will need:

• 300g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 300ml milk

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Start by tipping the flour, baking powder and sugar into a large bowl with a small pinch of salt, then crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the maple syrup and milk while whisking.

Pour approx 75% of the mixture into one bowl and the remaining 25% into another. Mix one tablespoon of cocoa powder into the smaller batch and put in a piping bag. Fill another piping bag with the plain batter.

Next, lightly grease a non-stick pan, then pipe cocoa-flavoured batter into the shape of the first letter of your name. Remember to write it backwards, so it's the right way round when the pancake is flipped! 

Turn your hob to a low heat and allow the pancake to cook for a few moments, then completely cover it with plain pancake batter. When bubbles rise to the surface, flip the pancake over to cook on the other side until completely set.

Why not let Cafe2U provide the perfect accompaniment to your pancakes?

As much as we like pancakes (and we do, a lot!) we'd never let our love of doughy snacks stop us delivering top-quality coffee to wherever our customers need us most. Whether it's to your office or your doorstep, our mobile baristas will be out and about on Pancake Day as usual. Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here to find out more and arrange a delivery.

Espresso Some Love for Valentine's Day 2023 with these Coffee Gifts

When most people think of Valentine's Day, the first things that come to mind are traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates and champagne.

While these are all perfectly adequate ideas, let's be honest - there's not much to excite coffee aficionados. So, if your other half is as fond of coffee as we are, what should you get them to show your love this year? How about one of these Valentine's Day coffee gifts?

Handmade coasters

Coffee lovers need coasters so why not push the boat out this Valentine's Day and get your partner some stylish and colourful ones they won't find on the highstreet? 

The ultimate coffee table accessory, these Mexico-inspired coasters will keep your furniture ring-free and brighten up any living area in which they're used. And, because they're hand-woven rather than wooden or plastic like most coasters, they're a guaranteed conversation piece for when guests come to visit.

Coffee body scrub

Coffee isn't only for drinking - it can also be used as part of an effective skin care routine!

Celebrated for their ability to leave your skin feeling nourished and moisturised, coffee scrubs even help combat breakouts, scars, stretch marks and cellulite.

This one from Frank Body, the world's leading coffee-based skincare company, is 100% natural and vegan, combining coffee, vitamin E and specially selected oils to leave skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Once your coffee-loving other half tries it once, they'll never go back.

Classic cafetiere

One of the most widely used and best coffee filter machines in the world, cafetieres are a kitchen staple for many people and a brilliant gift for any coffee drinker who doesn't already own one.

Perfect for those that enjoy a full bodied coffee, cafetieres are easy to use - simply add freshly-boiled water and coffee grounds to the jug, leave for a few minutes, plunge the mesh filter down to the bottom of the beaker, then pour the brew straight into your mug. 

There are plenty to choose from in shops and online but a couple of our favourites are this 34oz glass and stainless steel French press from Bodum and this large capacity, double-wall insulated beauty from Coffee Gator.

Coffee necklace

Why not show your loved one how you feel about them with this charming coffee-themed necklace?

Made from sterling silver, this sweet piece of jewellery is eye-catching yet subtle, with a heart cutout that's impossible not to fall in love with. It even comes with a velvet storage bag and presentation gift box!

A prepaid Cafe2U card

If your partner is a Cafe2U customer, why not pick up the tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards? When you prepay for five, they'll get the sixth completely free and it'll mocha their day!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here to find out more.

Happy Valentine's Day 2023 from everyone at Cafe2U!

We're happy whenever romance is in the air, so we hope everyone has a great time for Valentine's Day 2023. Our mobile coffee vans will be on the road as usual and you can get in touch with your nearest barista here if you'd like a quality brew delivered straight to your sweetheart's door!

Franchising Resolutions For 2023

Resolutions are for the whole year, not just January, so we've compiled five top franchising tips for you to stick to in 2023 in order to take your business to the next level.

Become as sustainable as possible

Climate change awareness is higher than ever, so it's imperative for your franchise to reduce its carbon footprint to become as sustainable as possible without delay. With consumers increasingly unlikely to deal with any company that isn't overtly environmentally friendly, ensuring your franchise is as sustainable as possible has become non-negotiable if you want it to succeed.

While sustainability has rightly been a buzzword for franchises for many years already, 2023 could well be the year when record numbers of businesses become greener than ever, with shifts towards going paper-free by digitising records, using recycled/recyclable/reusable products and materials wherever possible and installing long-lasting LED light bulbs among the most common initiatives.

At Cafe2U, our zero-emission electric vans are helping us on our way to becoming the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company.

Get out and about

This might sound obvious for a mobile business but in order to increase the profitability of your franchise, it's worth getting off the beaten track every once in a while.

Every Cafe2U franchisee has an exclusive territory in which to operate but, no matter how well they know the area, untapped opportunities can often be found within it. If there's a good-sized park or sports field in your vicinity, find out if any upcoming events are taking place there as these will often provide you with an excellent opportunity to make new customers.

Freshen up your offering

It's no secret that customers quickly become bored if a franchise's product offering stays exactly the same every day. That's why it's so important to occasionally add new items to your menu to complement your perennial best-sellers to keep regular customers interested and attract new business.

Keep an eye out for opportunities like Easter, Halloween etc and offer products themed around them when the time comes. Our sweet and warming S'more mochas always go down a treat around Bonfire Night!

Plan for upcoming seasonal events

Do your research to make sure you're always prepared for any national holidays or awareness days that are just around the corner and can be targeted by your franchise. Bank Holidays are an obvious example as they can provide multiple catering opportunities for your franchise.

What this means is that you should be promoting your services now - whether it’s in person or online - to try and get some bookings in the diary. A simple Google search will also bring up a list of other relevant dates for you to note down and target. 

Ensure you're making the most of social media

It's one thing to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but if you're not posting regularly and using them to interact with customers, you're missing a trick!

As well as allowing you to let people know when you'll be out and about - and where you'll be - social media also allows you to advertise any new drinks or snacks you're offering, answer customers' questions and build strong relationships with consumers.

Franchising opportunities with Cafe2U

If you're interested in changing careers or becoming your own boss, franchising is one of the most risk-free ways of doing so.

All our franchisees receive all the training and support they need to help make their business a success. If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Get Involved With 'Brew Monday' 2023

You've probably heard of Blue Monday, the name given to the third Monday in January that is allegedly the most depressing day of the year. But what about ‘Brew Monday’?

What is Brew Monday?

Brew Monday is the brainchild of emotional support charity, Samaritans, and is designed to directly counteract the doom and gloom surrounding Blue Monday by encouraging people to reach out to their friends and family, arrange a catch-up over a coffee and enjoy some quality time together.

Those interested in taking part can also choose to raise funds for Samaritans by hosting a Brew Monday event. While the fundraising methods are up to the host, they typically involve baking cakes or biscuits then selling them to guests and sending the proceeds to Samaritans.

When Does Brew Monday 2023 Take Place?

Brew Monday takes place on the same day as Blue Monday which, this year, is on January 16th.

Why take part?

According to estimates, Samaritans responds to a call for help every 10 seconds from someone who is struggling to cope and wants to talk about their feelings without judgement or pressure. 

As a charity, it relies on donations so hosting a Brew Monday event to help raise funds enables it to continue providing support to people in the UK and the Republic of Ireland who are suffering emotional distress.

How Do I Take Part?

Taking part is as easy as inviting a friend round for a coffee, while those wanting to arrange a larger get-together can either organise a tea-party at home or at work, or host a virtual event via a website/app like Zoom, Skype or Facebook Messenger.

Simply select a date and location for your event, invite your guests and bake some treats to sell them. If you're hosting an event at work, remember to book a meeting room that's big enough for all the invitees.

Then, if yours is a fundraising event, all you need to do is collect all your donations and send them to Samaritans. You can pay by cheque, bank transfer or over the phone. For more information, visit this page.

If you need some tips or activities to make your event go smoothly, take a look at this page.

For help arranging an event, email: community&events@samaritans.org

How Cafe2U can help

If you're hosting a fundraising event or would just like a professional barista to make your guests' hot drinks, why not book one of our mobile cafés to come and handle the coffee-making duties for you?

You can find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

Best Vegan Bakes To Go With Coffee

Veganuary is an annual challenge that promotes - and educates about - veganism and its benefits by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle throughout January, in order to help end animal farming and protect the environment. 

With celebrity ambassadors including ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, actor Joaquin Phoenix and author and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, the Veganuary movement has grown in popularity since its inception in 2014, with more than 620,000 people taking part in 2022.

If you're a coffee-lover who is taking part in Veganuary 2023 and your favourite biscuit or cake isn't vegan, what are the best vegan bakes to enjoy with a fresh brew instead? Let's take a look.

Vegan cranberry and orange cookies

Oaty, zesty and perfect for dunking, these fruity delights put the 'oo' in 'cookie'!

Ingredients

To make 12 cranberry and orange cookies, you will need: 

• 85g flavourless oil (such as sunflower or vegetable)

• 75g caster sugar

• 75g light muscovado sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 orange, zested

• 175g plain flour

• 50g jumbo oats

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 75g dried cranberries, roughly chopped

Begin by heating your oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 5, then line two baking trays with parchment paper. Whisk the oil together with the sugars, vanilla extract and 2 tbsp water in a large bowl until smooth, then stir in the orange zest.

Next, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, bicarb, cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of sea salt flakes in a separate bowl. Tip the dry ingredients into the wet, mix until you have a thick dough, then stir in the cranberries.

Form the dough into 12 evenly sized balls. Arrange on the baking trays, leaving a space between each one. Flatten slightly with your palm, then bake for 13-15 mins until the edges are set. Leave to cool for 15 mins on the trays before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vegan flapjack

This recipe encourages anyone making it to be adventurous with the nuts and dried fruits of their choosing, proving that variety really is the spice of life!

Ingredients

To make 16 vegan flapjacks, you will need:

• 140g dairy-free spread

• 140g soft light brown sugar

• 2 tbsp golden syrup

• 175g rolled oats

• 75g chopped nuts of your choice

• 75g dried fruit (such as raisins, dried cranberries or chopped apricots)

Heat your oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 4 and line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper. Melt the dairy-free spread, sugar and syrup in a saucepan over a medium heat, then remove from the heat and add in the oats, chopped nuts and dried fruit. Transfer to the tin, packing the mix in with the back of a spoon.

Bake for 30 - 35 mins until lightly golden and crisp around the edges. Leave to cool in the tin before slicing into squares.

Vegan chocolate traybake

Perfect as an afternoon treat or for special occasions, this traybake recipe is as indulgent as it is simple.

Ingredients

To make a traybake for 12, you will need:

• 215ml sunflower oil, plus extra for the tin

• 300ml soy, almond or coconut milk

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 335g light muscovado sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 175g soy or coconut yoghurt

• 300g self-raising flour

• 105g cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the buttercream, you will need:

• 100g dark dairy-free chocolate

• 140g vegan spread, at room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 265g icing sugar, sifted

• ½–1 tbsp plant milk (whatever you used in the sponge)

• colourful vegan sprinkles, to decorate

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil a 23 x 33cm baking tin (at least 4cm deep) and line the bases and sides with parchment paper. Whisk the milk and vinegar together in a jug, then set aside.

Next, whisk the sugar, oil and vanilla extract together in a bowl, then whisk in the yoghurt, pour in the soured milk and mix well.

Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and ¼ tsp salt into a separate bowl and stir well to combine. Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until the batter becomes smooth. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 30-35 mins, until well risen and springy, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out almost clean.

Leave the cake to cool in its tin for 20 mins, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the vegan buttercream, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, then leave to cool. Beat the spread and vanilla on high speed in a stand mixer for a few minutes until pale and fluffy, then add the icing sugar gradually, beating on slow to start with, then turning up the speed to max until the mixture is light and creamy. Pour in the cooled chocolate and combine. Add a little plant milk if the icing is very stiff. Chill the buttercream for at least 30 mins before using.

When the cake is completely cool, spread the icing over the top and decorate with the sprinkles. Keep the cake in the fridge to stay firm, then remove one hour before serving.

Happy Veganuary 2023 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 and find out more here.

Best Coffee Cracker Jokes for Christmas 2022

Looking to stir things up with a few coffee-centric gags this Christmas? Well we sure are, so bear with us as we present some of our favourite coffee-themed gags - all of which are deSERVING of a place in even the poshest crackers!

1. How did the hipster burn her mouth? She drank her coffee before it was cool!

2. What do gossiping coffees do? Spill the beans!

3. Why did the coffee file a police report? Because it got mugged!

4. What do you call it when you walk into a cafe you’re sure you’ve been to before? Déjà brew!

5. Why shouldn't you drink 1p espresso? It’s a cheap shot!

6. How are coffee beans like teenagers? They're always getting grounded!

7. What’s a barista’s favourite exercise at the gym? The French press!

8. Why did the coffee-shop worker get fired? He kept showing up in a tea-shirt!

9. What do you call a sad cup of coffee? A depresso!

10. Why did the kangaroo stop drinking coffee? It made him too jumpy!

Merry Christmas from Cafe2U!

What do you mean 'don't give up your day job'?!

Send us your favourite coffee Christmas cracker jokes via our social channels and we'll share the best ones over the coming weeks!

Top Coffee Christmas Gifts 2022

Christmas is a-coming and if, like us, you haven't started finished your shopping yet, you might be in need of some inspiration. Well fear not, because we've rounded up some of the best coffee-related presents money can buy and we're sure you'll find something to delight your coffee-loving friends and family among the following selection.

Portable espresso machine

Coffee fans that need to be within easy reach of an espresso at all times will love this portable espresso machine that makes fresh coffee in an instant.

The Minipresso GR is a robust but lightweight and easy to use bit of kit that's perfect for use at home, at work or on the go, with a decent capacity and low price point. Sold!

Coffee wall art

Not art made from coffee - although such a thing probably does exist - but a fun and simple coffee guide print that will enhance any wall on which it hangs.

Available in a wide range of sizes, this wall art features adorable pictures of either 16 or 25 different coffees and their ingredients, making it the perfect decoration for any coffee lover's kitchen, living room or home office. Never again will they forget how to make a cafe con leche or latte macchiato!

Salter coffee grinder

Many coffee aficionados enjoy nothing more than grinding their own beans and this nifty little grinder is one of the very best - and most reasonably priced - on the market.

A single speed, stainless steel electric coffee grinder, this bad boy is simple to use, quick to grind and of excellent quality. Despite being small enough to not require much kitchen space, its 60g capacity allows it to grind up large portions in no time. You can use it to grind nuts or spices to add to your favourite coffee concoctions too!

Friars coffee chocolate collection

Coffee and chocolate go together like a hand in a glove or a spoon in a mug. This year, why not treat the one you love to some of the finest coffee chocolates around, courtesy of Friar's, one of the UK's oldest and most popular chocolatiers?

This coffee chocolate collection is bursting at the seams with 24 luxury treats, including cappuccino cupcake, caramel latte and, of course, tiramisu flavours, so be sure to stay on the recipient's nice list so you can get to try some yourself!

Coffee candle

Nothing beats the smell of freshly brewed coffee which is why this coffee candle makes such a brilliant gift-idea.

A 100% natural candle that features a coffee fragrance, crackling wick and a burn time of 40+ hours, it's guaranteed to improve the ambience of any coffee lover's living room, kitchen or hallway. It even comes in a stylish black whisky glass-style jar for added cool points!

Prepaid Cafe2U Gift Card

If you need a present for a regular Cafe2U customer, why not make their next few visits free by picking them up one of our prepaid gift cards? Or you could pre-pay for five coffees so they get the sixth one free! To find out more, get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy shopping!

Whatever you decide to buy this Christmas, remember that it's all just a bit of fun and not worth losing any sleep over. And, if the stress of the festive season gets too much and you find yourself needing a quick pick-me-up, remember we're always happy to deliver some top quality, fresh coffee direct to your door!

Christmas Coffee Recipes

If the festive season has you yearning for a suitable drink to go with it, we've got some tasty suggestions to help coffee lovers turn their favourite brew into a Christmas cracker!

From traditional flavours to boozy treats, you're bound to find something you'll love among our top Christmas coffee recipes.

Cinnamon latte

Sweet, sharp and comforting, cinnamon is an unmistakable Christmas taste!

Ingredients

To make two cinnamon lattes, you will need:

• 500ml milk

• 2 shots espresso

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 0.75 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• cream and cinnamon to serve

Simply add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon together in a pan, then gently heat through for approximately about 3-4 minutes. Add the espresso and stir well, before pouring into cups and topping with cream and extra cinnamon to serve.

Nutmeg and orange Christmas coffee

Perfect first thing or after-dinner, this zesty delight is Christmas in a mug!

Ingredients

To make two mugs, you will need:

• 2 tbsp ground coffee

• ½ small cinnamon stick

• 1 pitted dates

• pinch of ground nutmeg

• 1 clove

• strip of pared orange zest

Put the ground coffee, cinnamon stick and dates in a large cafetiere. Add the ground nutmeg, cloves and orange zest, then pour over 200ml freshly boiled water.

Stir gently to combine, then leave to steep for four minutes. Slowly push down the plunger, then serve in espresso cups.

Peppermint mocha

Peppermint and coffee bring out the flavours in each other for a warming treat that's the perfect antidote to plummeting temperatures.

Ingredients

To make two peppermint mochas, you will need:

• 190ml milk

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 190ml espresso

• ½ tsp mint extract (or ½ peppermint candy cane)

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• Whipped cream

• Pinch of chocolate shavings

Add the milk, cocoa and sugar to a small saucepan on medium heat and warm until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. While the milk is heating, brew the espresso.

Pour the espresso and milk mixture into large mugs and top with whipped cream, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Gingerbread latte

Sweet, cosy and creamy, gingerbread lattes are the ultimate comfort drink.

Ingredients

To make two gingerbread lattes, you will need:

• 1½ tsp ground ginger, plus extra to serve

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, plus extra to serve

• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 600ml whole milk

• 2 shots hot espresso 

• whipped cream, to serve

In a bowl, mix together the spices, sugar and vanilla extract, then heat 100ml of the milk in a pan and add the spice and sugar mix. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved, then whisk in the remaining milk in additions until incorporated. Heat through until steaming.

Put a shot of espresso in each glass and top up with the spiced milk. Top with whipped cream and the extra spices.

Brandy coffee

If you're in the mood for a hot drink with a bit of a kick, look no further - brandy and coffee are a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

To make two brandy coffees, you will need: 

• 4 tbsps coffee grounds

• 250ml boiling water

• 60ml coffee liqueur

• 60ml brandy

• 30ml chocolate liqueur

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings

Add the coffee grounds and boiling water to a cafetière and leave to brew for four minutes. Once brewed, press the coffee and pour into a heatproof glass, then pour in the coffee liqueur, brandy and chocolate liqueur. Stir well.

Layer whipped cream on top of the coffee, followed by a sprinkling of chocolate shavings and serve.

Christmas2U!

If you're hoping to settle in with some top quality coffee this Christmas, our mobile vans will be on the road throughout the festive period and our trained baristas have some of the finest coffees around. To have some delivered to your door, find out where your nearest van is using our interactive map here.

World Cup 2022: Coffee XI

To celebrate World Cup 2022, we've compiled our best coffee XI from players who will be taking part in this month's tournament. Read on to see if your favourite players have made the cut!

Goalkeeper

In goal, it's Germany's number two, Kevin Trapp-uccino. 

Although he's unlikely to play much this winter, he'll be the first player his teammates turn to when they need a luxury hot drink the morning before a match.

Defence

We've gone for a versatile back five, with the Netherlands' Jurrien Timber-ista serving up delicious assists from his position at right wing-back, while Brazilian Alex Telles-presso brings relentless energy to his role on the opposite flank.

Making up the rest of the defence are two English centre backs and another Dutchman, in the forms of Ben 'Flat' White, Conor Coady-caff and our captain, Virgil 'Mobile Coffee' van Dijk, who we know will deliver the goods all over the pitch.

Is this the most thirst-quenching fivesome there's ever bean?!

Midfield

To accommodate our marauding wing-backs, we've opted for safety and stability in our team's engine room, with an athletic but defensively-minded duo comprising another Brazilian and a third English representative. Take a bow Cafemiro and Declan Rice-d coffee.

What this pair lack in goal threat, they more than make up for in tasty tackles. Let's just hope they don't end up in too much hot water!

Completing our midfield in an advanced role just behind the strikers is Morocco's Sofiane Brew-fal. A lively, silky smooth operator, he's the perfect pick-me-up when energy levels start to flag in the latter stages of a game.

Attack

Who else but France's favourite son, Kylian Mfrappé, alongside Samba star Neymaricano!

With flicks and tricks galore and ice running through their veins, we're sure these two will score our XI plenty of latte-minute winners.

Manager

And every team needs a manager - so our Coffee XI will be coached by Spain’s Luis Enri-queue at the back of our van.

It's coming home?

Let us know how you think this team would get on at World KeepCup 2022 and send us your own coffee XI on our social media channels!

Get Ready For The World's Biggest Coffee Morning 2022

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 2022, 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 the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 2022?

Although you can host an event whenever you like, this year's event officially takes place this Friday, September 30th.

How Do I Take Part?

Taking part is easy. Simply sign up here 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 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.

Last year's Coffee Morning raised more than £11m, so the bar's been set pretty high for 2022!

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.

Best Days Out For Coffee Lovers for the August 22 Bank Holiday Weekend

Most bank holiday guides encourage people to head to a beach, theme park or site of historical interest, and while all these are all fine suggestions, they're not necessarily how a coffee aficionado really wants to spend their long weekend.

Fortunately, the UK is home to a large number of roasteries that allow visitors to go behind the scenes of their operations with tours, cupping sessions, workshops and more. Naturally the top-notch on-site cafes are well worth a visit too!

If this sounds like your cup of tea coffee, read on for some of our top roasteries to visit this August 2022 bank holiday weekend.

92 Degrees

If you take a trip to Merseyside this bank holiday, a visit to 92 Degrees should be high on your to-do list.

The incredible smell of straight-from-the-drum coffee coming from 92 Degrees' roastery/coffee shop draws in coffee lovers, intrigued tourists and members of the local community every day. Make a bee line for the on-site brew bar to sink the popular house blend or sample the latest single origin releases at one of the regular cupping sessions.

Although 92 now has five branches across the UK, its story began in Liverpool so that's the venue we think you should prioritise visiting.

92 Degrees, 11 Summers Rd, Liverpool. L3 4BL.

Roost Coffee and Roastery

This North Yorkshire-based, family run business sits within a Grade II-listed carriage house alongside several other artisanal food and drink producers in Malton, aka the food capital of the north, overlooking some truly breathtaking hills and valleys. And trust us, it's every bit as good as it sounds.

Offering a huge selection of single-origin beans and freshly roasted coffees, which can be sampled as espresso or pourover on one of its super comfortable leather sofas while the roaster gets to work in the background, Roost is the definition of 'a feast for the senses'.

Roost Coffee and Roastery, Unit 6, Talbot Yard, Yorkersgate, Malton, North Yorkshire. YO17 7FT.

UE Coffee Roasters

For an out-of-the-ordinary roastery experience, make tracks to UE on the Cotswolds/Oxfordshire border where you can watch the team bronze beans on a traditional wood-fired roaster, learn more about the process by booking a class at the in-house training school or take part in one of their regular events.

You can also just stop by for a browse and brew at the UE coffee lab, of course. Coinciding your trip for when one of their pizza nights or latte-art throwdowns is on is also highly recommended!

UE Coffee Roasters, 11a - 11b Windrush Industrial Park, Linkwood Road, Witney, Oxfordshire. OX29 7HA.

Williams & Johnson

Of course, there's excellent coffee to be had over the border too and our Scottish friends will be pleased to hear that Edinburgh's Williams & Johnson is well worth a visit.

An artisanal roastery-cafe hybrid, W&J's offers a warm welcome to customers interested in watching the proprietors roasting and preparing carefully chosen beans to produce delicious, single-origin coffees which can either be enjoyed in the stunning setting of the roastery itself or taken away for a walk by the Water of Leith river.

Williams & Johnson, 1 Customs Wharf, Edinburgh. EH6 6AL. 

Enjoy your bank holiday!

Whatever you decide to do this bank holiday weekend, we hope you have a great time. If you can't make it as far as a roastery, you can contact your local Cafe2U mobile barista to have some top-quality coffee delivered to your home right here instead.

Top Summer Desserts to go with a Coffee

As we all know, strawberries and cream is as synonymous with British summer time as barbecues, bustling beer gardens and, to some, having anything else for pudding between July and October is tantamount to treason.

But tradition be damned! With an almost endless number of desserts to choose between - and a coffee waiting to be enjoyed as soon as the dessert course is over - we've been wondering: 

a) which other summer puddings are as enjoyable as strawberries and cream on a hot day

and

b) which of them go best with coffee? 

The answer, of course, is those that have coffee in them! These are a few of our favourite recipes.

Coffee ice cream

The chilly yin to strawberry and cream's cool yang, coffee ice cream is easy to make and perfect when the sun's out. Pair it with your favourite coffee for an incredible hot and cold contrast.

Ingredients

To make one litre of coffee ice cream, you will need: 

• 300ml double cream

• 175g condensed milk

• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder

• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur

To make, simply whisk all the ingredients together until soft peaks form and the mixture becomes caffè-latte-coloured. Then pour into an airtight container, freeze overnight and you're done. Told you it was easy!

Coffee panna cotta

Delicate, smooth and simultaneously sweet and bitter, coffee panna cotta is among the best possible ways to end a meal, especially when there's a hot cup of coffee ready to enjoy with it.

Ingredients

To make six coffee panna cottas, you will need:

• 250ml strong coffee

• 60g caster sugar

• 6 titanium-strength gelatine leaves

• 300ml milk

• 300ml thickened cream

• 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped

• 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules

• 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped

• 30g unsalted butter, chopped

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Crushed amaretti biscuits, to serve

To make the coffee jelly layer, place the coffee and 25g sugar in a saucepan over a low heat and stir constantly for two minutes or until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. 

Next, soak two gelatine leaves in cold water for five minutes, then squeeze the excess water from the gelatine. Whisk the leaves into the hot coffee mixture and divide among 6 x 180ml ramekins or glasses and chill for one hour or until set.

To make the panna cotta layer, place the milk, 250ml of cream and the vanilla seeds and pod in a saucepan. Stir in the instant coffee and the remaining sugar, then place the pan over a medium-low heat and bring to just below the boil.

Meanwhile, soak the remaining gelatine leaves in cold water for five minutes, then squeeze out the excess water. Remove the cream mixture from the heat and whisk in the leaves. Discard the vanilla pod and chill the cream mixture for 30 minutes or until room temperature.

Lightly scratch the surface of each coffee jelly layer with a fork. Strain the cream mixture into a jug, then divide among the ramekins/glasses and chill for four hours or until completely set.

Finally, when ready to serve, make the hot chocolate sauce by placing the chocolate, butter, remaining 50ml of cream, 60ml of water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over a low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for three minutes or until smooth. Finish by stirring through the maple syrup.

Dip the base of each ramekin/glass in boiling water for three seconds to release the panna cotta, then turn out onto serving plates. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and scatter with crushed amaretti. Serve immediately.

Tiramisu

No list of best desserts would be complete without this simple Italian classic, which simply demands to be devoured alongside a fresh cup of coffee. Despite being a dessert, tiramisu is just as delicious at lunchtime, mid-afternoon or, well, any time, really.

Ingredients

To make six tiramisus, you will need:

• 400ml double cream

• 250g mascarpone

• 75ml marsala

• 5 tbsp golden caster sugar

• 300ml coffee

• 175g sponge fingers

• 25g dark chocolate

• 2tsp cocoa powder

First, put the double cream, mascarpone, marsala and golden caster sugar in a large bowl, then whisk until completely combined and the mixture has the consistency of thickly whipped cream.

Next, pour the coffee into a shallow dish and dip in a few of the sponge fingers at a time, turning for a few seconds until nicely soaked, but not soggy. Layer these in a dish until you’ve used half the sponge fingers, then pour half the cream mixture over the top.

Using the coarse side of a grater, grate over most of the dark chocolate. Then repeat the layers, using up all the coffee and finishing with another layer of cream. Cover with cling film and leave in the fridge overnight

To serve, dust with the cocoa powder and grate over the remainder of the chocolate. 

Enjoy summer with Cafe2U

There are plenty more desserts that go great with coffee so why not head for the kitchen and get experimenting? If you need some top quality coffee delivered to your door to enjoy with your tasty creations, you can contact your nearest Cafe2U van here.

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 National Picnic Month takes place from July 1st - 31st. 

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 a whole month's worth of opportunities officially ahead of us, 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 a date. If there's only one day you and your friends/family are free and 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!

We've been looking forward to National Picnic Month 2022 for a while now and we expect we'll be making plenty of trips to parks and fields across the UK over the coming weeks. 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!

Gift Guide for Coffee-Loving Dads for Father's Day 2022

Dads are notorious for just buying themselves whatever they want, making it nigh on impossible to surprise them with a gift they'll actually like. 

But fear not because if one thing's almost certain, it's that your dad loves coffee and, if that is indeed the case, he'll be delighted to receive any of the coffee-related gifts we've rounded up below.

Great Wave of Coffee t-shirt

Based on the famous 19th century Japanese woodblock print by artist Hokusai, this cool and comfortable black cotton t-shirt will be your dad's new favourite item of clothing.

Perfect for wearing around the house or out and about, the design is timeless and the message is clear - I need coffee!

Coffee ice tray

If your dad likes iced coffee, he'll love this funky and functional coffee ice tray. 

Never again will he need to use traditional ice cubes to cool his drink - with this coffee ice tray, he'll have his own dedicated tray he can fill with coffee to make 'coffee cubes', ensuring his cups never get watered down when the ice cubes melt.

Reusable coffee cup

With environmental awareness at an all-time high, there's really no excuse for anyone to still be using disposable cups in 2022. Some people, though, are creatures of habit and if your dad's one of them, it's time to get him on-board with sustainable coffee receptacles.

There are loads to choose from but our favourite is this one from Circular & Co. Made from recycled coffee cups, it's not only incredibly sustainable but also extremely robust, with a leakproof design and several colour options. It's even dishwasher safe!

Espresso machine

If you decide to really push the boat out this year, nothing will excite a coffee loving dad more than a shiny new espresso machine.

As these aren't the cheapest items on this list, you'll need to choose your model carefully and we recommend this Dualit 3-in-1 Coffee Machine for its versatility. It allows for many options in terms of the coffee you can use (grounds, pods, capsules etc), so it's suitable for every household; it also looks great, doesn't take up much room and is built to last. And it comes with a handy milk frothing wand!

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. Our Cafe2U vans will be on the road as usual to help you celebrate if you're out and about.

Delicious Cupcake Recipes for National Cupcake Day 2022

With National Cupcake Day, what you see is what you get. There's no fundraising involved and no need to hang any bunting, just an invitation to enjoy a cupcake or two, alone or with friends, at home or in a cafe. So long as you're eating and enjoying all things cupcake, you're doing it right.

Of course, there's a whole lot of fun to be had baking cupcakes too and if you're the kind of person who prefers to make things instead of buy them, you're in luck because we've rounded up some cracking cupcake recipes for you to try at home.

Vanilla cupcakes

Simple, sweet and satisfying, these tasty treats are a surefire winner. 

Ingredients

To make 12 vanilla cupcakes, you will need:

• 110g softened butter

• 110g golden caster sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 110g self-raising flour

For the buttercream, you will need:

• 150g softened butter

• 300g icing sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp milk

Begin by heating your oven to 180C/160c fan/gas 4 and fill a 12 cupcake tray with cases. Next, use an electric whisk to beat 110g softened butter and 110g golden caster sugar together until fluffy, then whisk in the eggs one at a time.

Add ½ tsp vanilla extract, 110g self-raising flour and a pinch of salt, whisk until combined, then spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases. Bake for 15 mins until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle of each cake comes out clean. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

To make the buttercream, whisk 150g softened butter until soft then add 300g icing sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Starting off slowly, whisk until smooth, then beat in 3 tbsp milk. Spoon or pipe onto the cooled cupcakes to finish.

Strawberry cupcakes

Colourful and fresh, these little beauties won't last long around kids! Or adults, for that matter…

Ingredients

To make 12 strawberry cupcakes, you will need:

• 175g self-raising flour

• 115g caster sugar

• 2 eggs

• 100g Greek yoghurt

• 115g butter, melted and cooled slightly

• 100g strawberries, finely chopped

For the icing, you will need:

• 300g icing sugar, sifted

• 150g butter, softened

• 2tbsp milk

• 1tsp vanilla extract

• pink food colouring

• 6 strawberries, halved, or 12 small whole strawberries

Heat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake cases. Mix the flour and sugar together in a large bowl, then whisk together the eggs, yoghurt and melted butter in a large jug. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until you have a smooth batter, then fold in the strawberries.

Next, fill the prepared cases so they are about three-fourths full. Bake for 25-30 mins, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the middles comes out clean, then leave to cool.

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the icing. First, beat the sugar and butter together until smooth, then add the milk, vanilla and a little pink food colouring and beat until the icing is pale pink. Spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, then pipe in swirls onto the cooled cupcakes. Decorate each with a strawberry half or small strawberry, then serve.

Coffee cupcakes

Our favourites. Of course!

Ingredients

To make 18 coffee cupcakes, you will need:

• 140g golden caster sugar

• 140g butter, softened

• 3 large eggs

• 140g self-raising flour

• 2 tbsp instant espresso mixed with 1 tbsp water

• chocolate-coated coffee beans, to decorate

For the icing, you will need:

• 200g butter, softened

• 200g icing sugar

• 2 tsp instant espresso mixed with 1 tbsp water

• 50g plain chocolate, melted

Start by heating your oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3, then line 18 holes in 2 bun tins with fairy cake cases. Beat the sugar and butter until light and creamy, then beat in the eggs, one by one, adding 1 tbsp flour at the same time. Beat in the rest of the flour along with the espresso. Spoon into the cake cases and bake for 17 mins, swapping the trays after 12 mins, then leave to cool on a wire rack.

To make the icing, beat the butter until pale, then gradually beat in the icing sugar, followed by the espresso and the melted chocolate. When the cakes are completely cool, swirl the icing generously on top and decorate with the coffee beans.

Salted caramel cupcakes

The UK's love-affair with salted caramel is still going strong and with these indulgent cupcakes, it's not hard to see why.

Ingredients

To make 12 salted caramel cupcakes, you will need:

• 100g softened salted butter

• 100g golden caster sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 100g self-raising flour

• 1 tbsp milk

• 6 tsp caramel sauce

For the icing, you will need: 

• 75g soft salted butter

• 150g icing sugar

• 200g caramel sauce

• sea salt flakes

First, heat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, then line a 12-hole cake tin with paper cases.

Beat the butter and sugar together with an electric whisk until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, then mix in the flour until just combined. Finally, stir in the milk until the batter falls off the beaters.

Next, divide the mixture between the cases, leaving about 2 tbsp batter in the bowl. Add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce, then add ½ tsp to the tops of each cupcake. Use a teaspoon to cover the caramel sauce with the remaining batter. Bake for 15-20 mins until springy and golden, then leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, make the icing. Beat the butter and half the icing sugar together, then tip in the remaining icing sugar and whisk until pale and fluffy. Stir in half the caramel sauce, then spoon the mixture into a piping bag with a star nozzle. Pipe swirls of icing on top of the cooled cupcakes. 

To finish, stir a pinch of salt into the remaining caramel sauce, then drizzle over the icing and sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each.

Cafe2U - the perfect accompaniment to National Cupcake Day

Whichever cupcakes take your fancy, one thing's for sure - they'll taste even better with a cup of coffee. Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us deliver some of our top quality drinks to your door while there are still some cupcakes left to have with it!

Celebrating National Biscuit Day 2022

Unless you've been living underground, you'll be aware that a hugely important and patriotic event to honour one of the finest, most respected and internationally beloved British institutions ever is taking place in just a few days' time.

We're talking, of course, about National Biscuit Day.

That's right, May 29th is National Biscuit Day. A time to reflect. To bow down in awe at the altar of these delectable delights. To buy - or bake - as many guilt-free biscuits as you like.

We're also aware that another important occasion is taking place over the next week or so, as Her Majesty the Queen celebrates 70 years on the throne with the Platinum Jubilee. In honour of both events, and because we know that she definitely has a sweet-tooth, we've taken it upon ourselves to rank what we imagine would be the Queen's favourite biscuits to enjoy with a coffee.

The best biscuits to have with a coffee (if you're the Queen)

5. Custard Creams

Due to the importance of upholding her image, there are certain things the Queen can't be seen to enjoy and, due to the mess it would make if she spilled it, one of those things is custard.

Patient, reliable, uplifting and good for any occasion, Custard Creams and Her Majesty have a lot in common. We're convinced she'd find room for them on her biscuit menu more often than not.

4. Chocolate Hobnobs

One of the UK's most popular biscuits, Hobnobs are knobbly, dense and oaty, which means they're an excellent choice for people who like to dunk their biscuits in their coffee. What could be better? Covering them in chocolate, of course!

Yes, while classic Hobnobs may be a little unrefined for the Queen's royal palate, Chocolate Hobnobs are a whole different story. It's easy to imagine Her Majesty settling down to enjoy a hot brew accompanied by a whole plate of them and savouring every indulgent bite in preparation for a busy evening entertaining foreign dignitaries.

3. Jaffa Cakes

Their spongy consistency may make them impossible to repeatedly dunk into a hot drink, but the orange to chocolate to biscuit/cake ratio is absolutely perfect and the chocolate is exactly dark enough to bring out the best in a top quality cup of coffee. After a long morning spent waving at strangers, a light but filling Jaffa Cake is the perfect snack to assuage Her Majesty's hunger without spoiling her lunch.

And yes, we know they're not technically biscuits and blah blah blah. The fact is they're the best of both worlds: cake-like but biscuit-shaped. On this occasion, we're claiming them for Queen, country and Team Biscuit.

2. Chocolate Fingers

As a notorious chocoholic, eating Chocolate Fingers is probably always high on Queen Elizabeth II's 'to-do' list.

Their beauty is how easy they are to eat, both literally and figuratively - they're small enough that HRH could eat several in one sitting without feeling overfull and so moreish that even if she was full, she'd probably still find room for a few more. The fact that they're sleek and easy to munch on the go means they'd also be the perfect treat for Her Majesty to pop in her handbag so she has a quick snack available at all times.

1. Milk Chocolate Digestives

Over the years, HRH has become extremely adept at hiding her boredom. A parade here, a speech there, it's all in a day's work for Her Majesty, which is why you never see her yawning or losing her concentration while on official business. Behind closed doors, however, it's impossible to imagine her standing for a boring biscuit with her afternoon coffee.

Enter the Milk Chocolate Digestive.

Where plain Digestives are boring, Milk Chocolate Digestives are fit for a fit Queen. Are they tasty? Chocolatey? Dunkable? Moreish? Light but filling? Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.

Quite simply, Milk Chocolate Digestives are the royal standard of biscuits and, as such, you can guarantee they're never out of stock in the royal biscuit jar.

Why not enjoy a Cafe2U coffee this National Biscuit Day?

If, like the Queen, you'll be eating a biscuit or two this Sunday, we have the coffee to pair them with. Find your nearest Cafe2U van here and let us deliver it direct to your door, then let us know if you agree or disagree with our royal biscuit selections - or have any other suggestions - on our social media channels.