The Relentless March of the Coffee Giants

So Costa Coffee has, following much controversy, finally opened its doors in Southwold.

Townsfolk were up in arms when the Whitbread-owned giant announced its plans for a High Street presence in the iconic seaside resort last year.  Indeed over 600 people formally objected to the plans, along with the town council.

But to no avail.  Costa is open and the mayor, along with others, is encouraging locals to boycott the outlet. 

The chairman of the chamber of trade has urged people to “value the fact that Southwold offers something a little different” rather than “settling for the bland cloned option served up throughout the country.”

With a staff of 11 full and part-time Costa is clearly expecting the shop to be busy (especially when there’s no food preparation done on site).  That’s a lot of coffee making.

Only time will tell whether the arrival of Costa will impact on Southwold’s independents.

But as an independent it’s worrying – we all live in the shadow of the corporate giants and ultimately our future lies in the hands of our customers.  There’s no point lamenting the lack of independent shops and pubs when you’re always too busy hurrying to Tesco to drop in.

And while there are at least two independent coffee shops in Norwich currently up for sale - Costa (the fastest growing coffee shop chain in the UK) boasts of opening a new outlet on average every day.

Vote with your feet folks.

www.expresso-online.co.uk

Don't be stingy on your wedding day!

100 seems to one of those magic numbers when it comes to wedding guest lists – after all who doesn’t want a good turn out for their big day? 

But if you’re on a budget then it’s worth contemplating quality rather than quantity – particularly when it comes to catering.  After all, when you consider the amount of trouble and expense you expect your guests to go to (hotels, taxis, new outfits, gifts etc) then surely you want to treat them accordingly?

The wedding industry does a fine job of bombarding couples with ‘must haves’ – and before you know it a budget that seemed entirely reasonable is suddenly being stretched to the limit.

And that often leaves venues and caterers being expected to double up as magicians!

If you really aren’t willing to compromise on a swanky venue then it’s worth considering pruning your guest list in order to be able to afford to provide the wedding feast of your dreams.

Then, bump up the numbers in the evening – when a light supper or snack will do the trick nicely.

Just because your wedding venue has the capacity to seat 120 doesn’t mean you have to invite 120 people to the ceremony! 

Alternatively, opt for a less expensive venue and put the cash you’ve saved into your food and drink budget.

Be remembered as a generous host – no-one wants to see your guests queuing up for a takeaway on the way home!

A highly recommended event caterer, Expresso Café & Catering caters for weddings and other prestigious events at venues across Norfolk and North Suffolk.

www.expresso-online.co.uk

Tesco Stirs Things Up

All is not what it seems in the wonderful world of independent coffee shops.

There is an impostor in our midst it seems.  Yes, Tesco has been outed as a major (up to 49%) shareholder in a chain of coffee shops that's had everyone duped. 

Who knew that behind the stylish, artisan façade of Harris + Hoole stands the corporate giant that is Tesco – apparently the recipient of £1 in every £8 spent on the High Street.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2258699/Harris--Hoole-Pop-latte-looks-like-quirky-family-business-But-seems.html

Not surprisingly, Tesco doesn’t advertise its association with the super cool cafes (London and the South East for now, the world tomorrow).  But all the hoo ha has nevertheless drawn Tesco boss Philip Clarke into defence mode. 

As one corporate reputation expert puts it ‘large global brands realise there is a generic dislike of superbrands, so they often like to appear smaller than they are to avoid negative publicity.’ 

Indeed – don’t forget the likes of Ben and Jerry’s, Innocent, Green and Blacks and Teapigs are all owned by large corporations.

For some it’s the lesser of two evils – they’d rather give their money to Tesco than Starbucks, while for others the big chains provide somewhere to go when they can’t get a seat in their real local independent.

In Whitstable, for example, there are huge fears that the arrival of chains such as Harris + Hoole will damage the character of the town, forcing genuine independents out by driving up rents.

And they have a point – take Norwich.  Walk down Gentlemen’s Walk and what do you find?  Starbucks, Nero and Pret – with Costa close by.  Thankfully Norwich still has its (tucked away) independents – and if that’s something you value then it's vital you support them.  As they say, every little helps.

After all, remember what’s happening to village pubs, phone boxes and schools….

And just in case you were wondering, Expresso is truly independent.  And pleased to be at your service.   

www.expresso-online.co.uk

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