After getting help from the Government Enterprise Allowance Scheme, over 200 new businesses are exhibiting and networking at the Springfield Hotel, Pentre Halkyn  on Tuesday 30th September, 2014

I will be there, handing out cards and coffee. Hope you can come and say hello. 

Dyfed of Bwyty Lleu in Dinas Dinlle recently asked if I had a machine that could be mounted in a van. I had no idea, but we gave it a go. I am pleased to say that Dyfed did an incredible job converting the van and fitting out, followed by the installation of the machine, electrics and remote water supply.

It made it's first coffee in anger on Saturday just gone at the Ogwen Valley Agricultural Show, and with great weather, it ensured a strong turn out. Fortunately the machine was more than man enough for the challenge, and coupled with selling locally roasted Poblado Coffee, the mobile unit was a roaring success. 

The van is available to book for functions and fetes. Call Catrin or Dyfed on (01286) 831816 for more information or see their website here http://www.bwytylleu.co.uk/

Wow, it's taken me this long to get over the show in London last week. As per usual there were some great ideas, some unusual ideas and some that really pushed the envelope. 

Fancy an Espresso Martini? Shaken or stirred? Well, I thought I would need convincing, but it was delicious. Black Circle Coffee market a cold infuser for cocktail bars which looked effortlessly cool

San Remo used Olympia to launch it's latest professional machine, The Opera. A machine which fused cutting edge technology with jaw-droppingly good looks, but harked back to traditional lever espresso machines. Don't be fooled though, The Opera may have flashes of the classic, but the technology under the Italian suit is a quantum leap away from the old lever machines. San Remo machines are used by the World Barista Champions and it will be incredible to see what creations they will make using this machine

I must admit that I am always a bit cynical when it comes to what could best be described as a fad, but a number of coffee companies have taken two of the best things about Italy; Espresso and Gelato and combined them with fantastic results. First to go for the soft scoop was Illy with their new illycrema product. Dispensed from a Ugolini slush machine, this is no Slush Puppy though! A decadent cold coffee with the hint of an ice cream. Guarenteed to fly if we are blessed with a hot Summer

Lever machines are also making a comeback. Skilled baristas can get a real feel for the dispensed product, plus they also are easier to install into non-traditional establishments such as catering vans. Gaggia were showing their latest range.

Also plenty of Bean-to-Cup manufacturers were showing. Sielaff are the Mercedes of the vending world and are now moving into the HORECA with the Piacerre and 

Siamonie ranges.  Behind the stunning exterior with either touch screen or direct selection buttons, is a massive set of motors to grind coffee and a simple brewer that can dispense large and regular drinks, and depending on the options, a seperate hot water wand and external milk chiller is available.

Also making the jump from vending to HORECA is N&W. They have long made bean to cup machines for smaller outlets based on their full size vending machines, but their latest machine, Karisma, is the first machine that has been built from scratch for the HORECA sector. Great interface and a brewer that can make all sizes of drinks up to 16oz. Accessorized with matching chiller and cup warmer makes this machine a to consider for your establishment.

At the top end of the market, La Cimbali who have vast experience in both traditional and bean to cup machinery that can handle the most challenging throughput and are built with no compromise on quality. They make no bones about their pricing, but backed up with a massive service network.

Tea is also being boosted. Matthew Algie amongst others, have developed tea pockets to give all the convenience of a tea bag whilst allowing you to blend your own teas along with herbs. Also on the Matthew Algie stand was a Elektra machine that their engineers had stripped down and replaced the outer body with a clear polycarbonate case to show the inner workings.

Had a great day and caught up with lots of old colleagues and friends. Looking forward to the next show. Vendex Midlands in June

Heading to Olympia tomorrow to get the low down on the latest trends in the espresso market.

Caffe Culture is one of the biggest shows in the UK where equipment, coffee and accessories are all on show

Will be good to catch up with old friends from the industry, and hopefully get some great deals that I can pass on to you. Watch this space for an update on what I found.

Big couple of days ahead. Harlech Food Service have graciously allowed me to have some show space at their annual show, this year, bigger than ever at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, with more exhibitors than ever before.

Try out their Celtic Roast coffee blend on stand 76 at the show. While you are enjoying a great cup of coffee, say hello. 

See you there

This year Harlech Food Service are having their annual show at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Coffeefix will be in attendance showing how we can support and supply your business when it comes to coffee, espresso and vending equipment.

Also I hope to have with me Paul Morgan of Nayax, who can demonstrate the latest in vending telemetry, asset tracking and caashless payment systems.
Find out more about the show here:-  

See you there

I was fortunate enough to have had Amanda Daniels of Koogar, spend some time with us to help boost my knowledge of making the best use of Social Media. So expect a slew of status updates and a torrent of tweets!

Find out more here www.koogar.co.uk

Also, as a result of local networking and being keen to promote other local businesses to work with here in North Wales, Steff at Poblado Coffee has a great range of locally roasted coffee, which he roasts at his roastery( Not sure if this is a real word!!) in the workshop in his back garden. Despite this it is certainly not a cottage industry, his product and packaging are top notch and can cope with large batches for the commercial customer. If you are looking for a unique, bespoke roast for your coffee, look him up here

www.pobladocoffi.co.uk

This weekend I am moving into a new unit in the heart of Pwllheli.

I will be at Unit 1, Recreation Road, Pwllheli.

If the van is outside, I will be in. Come and see me, the coffee will always be on!!

Had a good visit to Vendex 2013 at Old Trafford this week. Took the opportunity to meet up with former colleagues and see the latest developments in the vending and coffee industries.

Urnex are a major manufacturer of cleaning products for the coffee industry and I am now pleased to announce that I am the new Urnex distributor for North Wales. They offer considerable savings, especially when buying in bulk. For more information, please call on 07880704425 or e-mail me on [email protected]

I am very excited about the new partnerships that Coffeefix is developing. Looking forward to putting equipment into Abersoch Golf Club and talks are ongoing with Plas Menai .

The long months of knocking on doors and placing cards is now starting to pay off, with enquiries and meetings starting to fill up the diary. 

To discuss bespoke options for espresso equipment, HORECA and vending equipment for your establishment along with flexible finance, rental or outright purchase, contact me today on 07880704425