How cafes are capturing the art of comfort

Cafes are evolving far beyond their basic function as a place to enjoy a hot drink and maybe a bite or two; consumers are looking to them as a community hub, which means that their role is much more varied than it has been in previous years.

Cafes are one of the most popular working and co-working spaces – so try to make as much of your seating area close by a plug point as possible, so customers can charge their devices – as well as being a centre for social and creative interactions.

According to Tea Advisory Board,24% of consumers reach for tea when stressed, versus 18% choosing chocolate and 13% wine. The most popular coffee type in the UK is espresso (35% of sales), followed by filter coffee (25%) and cappuccino (20%), Worldmetrics data shows.

Could your cafe space transform into an after-hours supper club hosted by a local chef? Or perhaps you could hold arts and craft evenings… The opportunities are endless.

How to Sell

Coffee fans come in all shapes and sizes, so smart cafe operators cater to a range of audiences by stocking high quality classic teas and coffees alongside speciality variations and ways to personalise orders.

Know your coffee like you know your cheese – who grew the beans and how, tasting notes specific to that variety, and how to serve it to bring out its best attributes. Aficionados will applaud your dedication to the cause, and regulars will see you as an in-the-know destination.

Don’t forget the ‘others’ – kids may well be craving a lighter, sweeter hot chocolate or a babyccino, and dog owners will adore any efforts to keep their pooches satisfied. By catering for the whole family you’ll keep customers coming back for more.

Sweeten sales

A well-curated selection of syrups that customers can buy as an add-on to their hot or cold drink order is a must in this age of affordable luxury. Stick to the classics if space is at a premium, and branch out into more adventurous flavours – salted honey, pistachio or butterscotch, anyone? Plant-based milks can also offer a hint of flavour without overpowering or oversweetening.

Sip Syrup Hazelnut Natural Coffee Syrup: Made in Wales using just four simple ingredients, including natural hazelnut flavouring for a deep, roasted hazelnut taste.

Tate & Lyle Barista Collection Caramel Flavour: Certified Fairtrade and also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Perfect in a latte, milkshake or hot chocolate.

Pure Oaty Coconut Oat Drink Made with 15% British gluten free oats and real coconut cream, delivering a naturally smooth, creamy texture and subtle coconut taste.

Not forgetting indulgence

While iced drink sales boom in the warmer months, hot drinks offering a premium experience are strong sellers throughout the year. Whether you choose to stock up on, rich-tasting hot chocolates or seasonal favourites is up to you…

Spice Kitchen Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate: All the classic chai spice with smooth hot chocolate. Perfect for chai lovers looking for chocolate fix at the same time.

Cocoba 45% Dark Milk Drinking Chocolate Flakes: Indulge in the comfort of milk chocolate, with the depth of dark chocolate - a perfect balance of rich cocoa and creamy smoothness.

ausha Moringa Masala Chai Infusion: A unique Chai where the superfood Moringa is mixed with aromatic spices.

Clean comfort

Comfort doesn’t have to come in the form of a rich and creamy treat; a full-flavoured high quality beverage that does good is the modern form of self-care

NutraTea Liquorice & Cinnamon Packing a warm punch, this earthy herbal blend consists of Liquorice and Cinnamon for health-boosting benefits.