Fairtrade Fortnight 2018: Come on in to Fairtrade

Fairtrade Fortnight is one of the key dates in the calendar for those of us in the coffee industry, as it’s a way to celebrate the efforts of the global farming community that help us bring you some of the world’s finest coffee beans and ingredients.

It’s a chance for businesses, campaigners, schools, places of worship and more to help support and raise awareness of the work and difficulties faced by those in countries that produce vast portions of our favourite foods — including coffee, tea and much more. …continue reading Fairtrade Fortnight 2018: Come on in to Fairtrade

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Thursday the 1st March 2018

What is sous vide coffee?

As the world has already embraced coffee, there are a select few that want bragging rights for the most convoluted or crazy coffee-making methods possible.

Step forward the Chicago-based barista team at Michelin-starred Band of Bohemia, who have created what could possibly be the first instance of sous vide coffee.

…continue reading What is sous vide coffee?

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Friday the 16th February 2018

Coffee machines and hot chocolate

Not everyone drinks coffee, and luxury hot drinks don’t just stop at lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.

Hot chocolate is an essential menu item for almost every coffee shop or cafe.

But can you make quality hot chocolate with a coffee machine? You can, but let’s explain further. …continue reading Coffee machines and hot chocolate

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Wednesday the 24th January 2018

New Year, New Coffee: Skimmed Milk all the things!

As you’d come to expect post-Christmas, the New Year is rightly or wrongly seen as a fresh start for hundreds of thousands across the globe who feel that an arbitrary date change is the catalyst for a complete lifestyle overhaul.

But being less cynical, if your coffee shop isn’t on board with this change in public taste and health-consciousness, then you likely aren’t doing the right things.

Whilst we are advocates for proper Italian quality coffee classics, the time for whole milk is not January. It’s time for your business to embrace the skimmed milk and the ‘skinny’ coffee option.

…continue reading New Year, New Coffee: Skimmed Milk all the things!

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Tuesday the 2nd January 2018

20 facts about coffee you didn’t know!

We like to think we are wisened to the world of coffee, we think we know our beans.

For the most part, we know exactly what we are talking about, that’s what comes with over 15 years of experience.

Except we didn’t know everything, and we don’t expect you to either, we learn things about coffee every single day that blow our minds. …continue reading 20 facts about coffee you didn’t know!

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Wednesday the 6th December 2017

Coffee around the World: Yuanyang

yuanyang-coffee-tea

This Hong Kong coffee is a strange prospect when compared to the more ‘traditional’ coffees that we might be used to on these shores.

It’s no secret that we like coffee, but we also like tea. But what about the two mixed together? A t-offee if you will.

Yes, the Yuanyang is a coffee-tea hybrid merges the two hot drink disciplines into one mega concoction to satiate your need for theanine and caffeine. …continue reading Coffee around the World: Yuanyang

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Thursday the 30th November 2017

Sprudge editor reveals the 5 best coffee shops in the world in new book

The editor of the site dubbed ‘voice of the coffee enthusiast’, Sprudge‘s Liz Clayton, recently revealed to GQ Magazine her ‘5 best coffee shops in the world’.

As you’d expect there are some inclusions that will mean nothing to the uninitiated into the hardcore world of coffee, but it does provide a list that could prove popular to the world traveller seeking a perfect cup of coffee in a few key locations around the globe.

Unfortunately, not a single shop is based in the UK, so it looks like you’ll need your passport if you want to try these coffee shops classic drinks.

…continue reading Sprudge editor reveals the 5 best coffee shops in the world in new book

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Monday the 27th November 2017

Coffee Around the World: Café Bombón

Made popular in Valencia, Spain, the Café Bombón is not limited to one area of the globe.

Having slowly spread from the Costa del Azahar right across the entire Spanish nation this recipe has its own variations in Malaysia and Thailand.

Coming from the Spanish for ‘confection’ this should give some clues as to what to expect if you happened to order a Bombón at a Valencian cafe. …continue reading Coffee Around the World: Café Bombón

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Monday the 13th November 2017

Costa Coffee profits dip as independent coffee shops bite back

It seems the Great British public is starting to become blase about the popular coffee chain, as the company has seen pre-tax profits slump by almost 10% in the past 12 months.

As a nation of shopkeepers, we are seeing the constant barrage of the commonly seen red-branded coffee company as a sign of mediocre coffee and poor customer experience.

Conversely, the picture is a lot brighter for our independent coffee shops, as there has been a spike in the number of solely run shops on UK high streets.

…continue reading Costa Coffee profits dip as independent coffee shops bite back

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Thursday the 9th November 2017

Haunting Halloween hot drink recipes

Does Halloween really float your broom? Do pumpkins push your buttons?

We love a good scary movie, we also love a sweet treat, so Halloween is right up our street!

To celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, we’ve thought up some lovely little drink recipes so you don’t have to, simple and easy to replicate, don’t scare yourself silly trying to find ridiculous recipes. We have the spooky solution! …continue reading Haunting Halloween hot drink recipes

Last updated by Damien Wilde on Monday the 23rd October 2017