Okay, so you want to open a cafe? Excellent. Is it because you love making coffee, or love making food, or love serving customers? Is it because you want to be your own boss? Is it because you think it’s a great way to make loads of money and a great sexy lifestyle? Well here is a tip. You […]
DIY – Running a Coffee shop is not just about making coffee – An explanation Read More »
Are you considering opening your own cafe? Do you know anything about the ‘licences to trade’ in the UK and the restrictions these place on a business. Have you ever wondered about the difference between a cafe and a shop or a restaurant or a pub or a showroom? Basically it is this, or at
A1 or A3 licence – An Explanation Read More »
So, this is not a gripe, well perhaps it’s a little one, it’s more of a request, to the owners who employ, the managers who manage and all-importantly, the staff who work in any part (but mainly cafes) of the hospitality industry where tables need to be cleared. Personally for me, working in the hospitality industry
Clearing Tables – It’s a part of your job – An Explanation Read More »
Very exciting news this week. The London latte Art Smackdown heats kick off this Tuesday and we have had very generous support and encouragement from some of the top coffee people in London with offers of judging and prizes. Coffee Hit, Union Hand Roasted, Square Mile and Gorilla Tampers have all donated prizes for first,
London Latte Art Smackdown – #smackdown13 – Lead Up Read More »
Our lead barista James, who has just left to return to Australia, went to one of the best restaurants in the UK as a leaving gift to himself and his fiancée. Now, James is one of the best baristas and in fact one of the best hospitality people I have ever met. He has very, very high standards
Last week I wrote a short list of what it was like to open a coffee shop, but focussed on before opening. This time I will update a few more words on the before, but then focus on the after, especially the first six months. In other good news, it is the end of the
After Opening a Coffee Shop – An Explanation Read More »
I am asked on occasion, ‘what was it like when you opened?’ or ‘what was it like to open a coffee shop?’ So I have been thinking about those types of questions recently and how to answer them. This is my attempt, but I am going to go back in time to before opening, because
Before Opening a Coffee Shop – An Explanation Read More »
Three years ago I turned 40, perhaps for some people a cause for celebration and a huge party with all your friends, perhaps one last rave up before you retire? I didn’t, no, instead I finished at my full time, comfortable salaried position at the greatest cricket ground in the world and became self employed.
Three Years Ago – An Explanation Read More »
Oh how I wish I could eat out all the time. Mrs K treated me last week to three fabulous meals, in order to celebrate one’s birthday you see. We went to St John Hotel in the morning for breakfast where I had grilled kippers and a pot of Rare Tea Company Earl Grey, then off to Barrafina for
Aspirations and Inspirations in London Hospitality – An Explanation Read More »
The UK coffee market has certainly come along way in a few years. How much more can it grow? Can you remember when Starbucks and Costa and Nero first come onto the high street and introduced us all to a different coffee culture? Was the opening of Flat White in 2005 the real kick that
The Coffee Industry Growth – A Graph and an Explanation Read More »
