Southwold Says No To Costa!

Traders in Suffolk hit the headlines this week when they announced they were campaigning to keep the town free of Costa – along with any other coffee chains.

Southwold is rightly proud of its independent traders and it’s admirable that they’re determined to keep the big boys out. 

However, it’s a common misconception that running a successful coffee shop is a walk in the park – a cosy little job that mainly involves chatting to customers (as portrayed in the TV sitcom The Café).

Of course it’s possible to operate a coffee shop as a ‘lifestyle’ business – but you’d have to be prepared to compromise on location, or be prepared to shore the business up with other income.

The fact is that current high street rents and rates make it nigh on impossible for an independent to survive and thrive in a prime location.  Think about it – how many independent retailers are there on Gentleman’s Walk in Norwich? 

So while Southwold may want to keep its high street free of coffee chains it will need to find other independent traders willing and able to fill those empty shops.

What’s your view – do national coffee shop chains have an unfair advantage – or do they lend a certain street cred to a city, along with other big name brands?  Necessary evil or high street blight?   

Vote with your feet folks!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/southwold_groups_unite_to_fight_costa_coffee_1_1378175

British Sandwich Week (12-19 May)

It’s countdown time to British Sandwich Week 2012 – and a celebration of 250 years of glorious sandwiches!

It all began in 1762 when the fourth Earl of Sandwich – a gambler – called for his manservant to bring him some cuts of beef between two slices of bread, so that he could continue to eat while playing cards.  Soon his friends were asking to have ‘the same as sandwich’…and the rest is history.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or the more adventurous type, these days you’re spoiled for choice - and in the average year it’s estimated that the British eat over 11.5 billion sandwiches!

One of our regulars described Expresso sandwiches as ‘the sort of sandwich you’d make at home’ and we take that as a great compliment! 

Our aim is to create something that looks scrumptious, tastes great and leaves you well and truly satisfied.  So when it comes to sandwiches we never stop thinking about new ways to tickle our customers’ tastebuds!  You’re probably familiar with our artisan locally-baked ciabattas, but have you tried our new flatbread yet?

And while trusty favourites such as prawn, chicken and tuna have their place in the nation’s top ten, we’re busy experimenting with some new summer variations.  So, if we don’t already make your favourite sandwich please get in touch – we’re always open to suggestions!

PS Don't forget we also offer a buffet delivery service - see our website for more details.

http://www.expresso-online.co.uk/

Event Planning Top Tips from Expresso

1.         Start in plenty of time – venues, marquee suppliers and caterers often get booked up many months in advance.  Here at Expresso we’re already taking bookings for 2013!

2.         Menu – consider the time of day, whether or not alcohol is being served, the availability of seating/tables, and how long you expect guests to stay. 

3.         Don’t be afraid to ask!  – make the most of your suppliers’ experience, they will probably be able to come up with options you’d never thought of.

4.         Special diets – don’t forget to ask your guests about any special dietary requirements (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free etc). 

5.         Children – consider their requirements (think high chairs, entertainment, play areas, activity packs, special meals etc).

6.         Budget – when it comes to food, focus on quality rather than quantity.  If you’re on a limited budget be upfront with your caterer so they can work with you to create a menu that will impress your guests, within your budget.

7.         The weather – have a wet weather contingency plan.  You can’t control the weather but you can ensure it doesn’t spoil your event.

8.         Be visible – make sure people can easily find the event and they know where they can park.

9.         Timings – agree the timings in advance with your suppliers.  As well as the running order for the event itself, remember your suppliers may need access ahead of time for set up/collection.  

10.        Make it personal – don’t be afraid to be creative and put your own personal stamp onto the event.  It’s your party so make it an event to remember!

Expresso is a highly recommended outside caterer - catering for events of all shapes and sizes from weddings and vintage afternoon tea parties through to corporate banquets and canape receptions.