Simply Coffee Shops Blog

Simply Coffee Shops on Caffee Culture

flanagan1 — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:01:30 +0000

This week marks the annual event for the Caffe Culture Show at London Olympia on the 16th and 17th May. The event aims to promote suppliers in coffee and machines as well as related matters around the coffee industry throughout the UK and at global level.

Whilst we won’t be exhibiting there this year, we just wanted to let you know that we’re still on hand to help our existing and new coffee shop owners with any cafe, deli or patisserie refurbishment projects that you may be thinking of over these coming months.
If you would like to find out more about how we help owners to realise their dreams and create appealing environments for ‘coffee customers’, then please get in touch.

Thanks for joining us at The National Convenience Show 2012 – Birmingham NEC

flanagan1 — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:02:42 +0000

Well thanks to everyone who visited our stand G108 at the National Convenience Show Birmingham. We had an extremely successful show and were please to meet so many business owners who were happy to share their ideas for how they would like to develop their business in the future.

Don’t forget that we’re always here to share ideas in terms of renovation or modernisation, so if you’re looking to develop a coffee shop in the near future and have some firm ideas in place or would like us to share with you, our own portfolio of previous work, then please get in touch!

We look forward to meeting with you again at the National Convenience Show 2013.

Simply Coffee Shops & Entire Solutions Show Case at the National Convenience Show, Birmingham

flanagan1 — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:05:35 +0000

This week you will find as at the National Convenience Show NEC Birmingham,
Sun 25^th – Tues 27^th March.

We are holding a stand for both our partnering companies Entire Solutions and Simply Coffee Shops where we are show casing our latest projects for coffee shops and shop fit outs in terms of interior design and manufacture, as well as displaying the latest available in worktop and shop counter finishes.

Our friendly approachable staff are on hand to discuss your ideas in terms of interior design and shop-fitting and give you information for any of our products which may be of interest to you.

So find us at the National Convenience Show on Sun 25^th, Mon 26^th and Tues 27^th March
at stand number: G1089

To find out more about the National Convenience Show, please go to: http://www.nationalconvenienceshow.co.uk/

Our refurbishment for Mason’s Olive & Bean, Worcester

flanagan1 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:04:34 +0000

Mason's Olive & Bean Front of Deli in Worcester

We are proud to announce our new refurbishment for Mason’s Olive & Bean which to the latter end of 2011, entailed a full coffee shop renovation to the new Worcester Deli, including bespoke oak counter and display units, bespoke walnut block board tables, ‘hi macs’ tops to counters and incorporating a large kitchen for food preparation.

As you’ll see from the photo’s it really does make a statement with its gorgeous interior.

New Counter Top & Refrigeration Display

This family run operation has brought renewed life to Pump Street in Worcester receiving rave reviews for the their service and our design for the coffee shop.

: Mason’s, Olive & Bean, New Interior – Worcester

Find out what positive comments, the Worcester News has to say about the New Mason’s, Olive & Bean Deli

Read customer reveiws at Trip Advisor on Mason’s, Olive & Bean – Worcester

Check out the Mason’s, Olive & Bean Website for latest menu’s and offers

2012 New Year’s Resolutions for Coffee Shop Owners

flanagan1 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:05:23 +0000

…. then why not consider a coffee shop renovation

Would you like to fulfil your New Year’s Resolutions?

If your 2012 New Year’s Resolution is to improve sales & increase profit by attracting customers to a uniquely styled, comfortable contemporary environment and you would like your coffee shop to primarily…

Stand out against other competitors!
… then look know further to find out more about how we can help you to improve your premises and join us at one of our Meet the Coffee Shop Experts Workshops
please click here to find out more >>

How to avoid Enforcement Notices with regards to Planning Applications for shop owners

flanagan1 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:44:46 +0000

In 2011 an article on a branch owner of a Costa Coffee based in Bristol who could be served with an enforcement notice from Bristol City Council after opening up his coffee shop without planning permission was featured on the bbc.co.uk website.

The franchise recently opened up in place of a former newsagent premises but under these circumstances it was required to submit a change of use planning application to change the premises from retail to a cafe. The city council is now planning to serve an order so that the building would have to be turned back to its original state; however the branch owner can try to appeal against the enforcement order or by submitting a planning application. All in all though, this must have turned out to be an extremely stressful situation for both the owner and the council and could have easily been avoided.

To find out more read this article on the www.bbc.co.uk, Costa Coffee branch ‘lacks planning permission’ submitted on 1/11/2011.

How can Coffee Shop owners avoid council enforcement notices when planning applications haven’t been submitted?

Check that the use of the building is current and set as ‘A3 use’; A3 is the use which determines restaurant and cafes. The only time an A1 use maybe used is if the owner is running a shop with a small number of seats, but it is best to double check with the local authority as each town, city or borough maybe different in their terms.
If the owner needs to change the use then apply direct to the local authority through a planning application.
There may be a charge involved to cover the cost of change of use and any necessary paperwork which would need to be submitted by local authority staff. Costs may vary depending on the local authority so check before the planning application is submitted.
Finally, sound out the planning permission with the Local Authority before and during the process of the application. This will give the owner a clear understanding that the project is feasible prior to incurring too many costs. By keeping the lines of communication open it should ensure a swift process

Are you considering or planning a refurbishment of your commercial premises for 2012?

flanagan1 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:38:33 +0000

….well come and Meet the Coffee Shop Experts

In 2012 Simply Coffee Shops will be holding workshops throughout the year called ‘Meet the Coffee Shop Experts’.

These workshops aim to assist you as a proprietor in whatever stage of your business journey
you maybe at. You may own your own premises, be looking to buy or simply leasing and looking
to renovate your cafe, patisserie or retail outlet.

Either way, we have a range of services and guest speakers throughout the workshops that can
help you to build your future in terms of renovating your premises and really make it happen.

If you’d like to register your interest for this event, please click here >>

Our Coffee Shop Renovation Services are expanding in London Boroughs

flanagan1 — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:50:07 +0000

During September of this year we saw the development of the Zumo Juice Bar at the prestigious Stratford Olympic Park in East London, which was a fantastic experience for our business. Not only did we produce a striking juice bar with fixtures and fittings but we were also honoured as a business to have played a part in the development of the London 2012 Olympic project.

This month you’ll find Simply Coffee Shops working extremely hard in London on renovation projects in Leicester Square and Primrose Hill.

At Leicester Square we’re running one of our regular favourites for Patisserie Valerie; this is now our 5th renovation for the company, on this project we’ll be installing a new back bar display for Patisserie Valerie manufactured in our joinery workshop in Wolverhampton.

Whilst down at Primrose Hill we have had the privilege to work with a local Cup Cake Shop and Bakery called Sweet Things. Sweet Things are expanding the ground level of their shop to allow customers to visit, buy and eat cakes with hot and cold drinks. They’ll be offering a small amount of seating and the opportunity to relax or socialise in their warm and friendly environment.

Simply Coffee Shops will have the project completed and launched for the end of this month, we’ll keep you posted with some photo’s soon!

Illy Coffee Shop at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre – West Midlands

flanagan1 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:05:02 +0000

In preparation for the anticipated 2011 Christmas shoppers, this month Simply Coffee Shops and illy launched their new refurbishment for an existing coffee lounge right in the heart of the Merryhill shopping centre located on the ground floor near Marks & Spencers and H&M retail stores. The new improved contemporary look designed by Abacus was drawn up to alleviate the existing inconspicuous signage and create better use of the open plan interior space.
Our joiners manufactured and installed new counter top cladding in ‘Hi Max’ solid surface worktops and created new feature seating made from Ash timber. The colour theme throughout the interior features red, white and black to reflect the well known illy branding and utilises stand up signs and banners to grab the attention of passing shoppers and encourage a well earned Christmas shopping coffee break.

Did you know that illy commission artwork all over the world?

In support of young artists illy run various art installations and commission projects all over the world to encourage artists to create contemporary design and realise their talents. Illy also offers support through study grants, illy collection projects, cash prizes, publications and exhibitions. Click here to find out how illy invest in global artists.

Patisserie Valerie opens in Hove

flanagan1 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:58:52 +0000

Simply Coffee Shops were recently given the opportunity to carry out a full coffee shop fit out at the Patisserie Valerie based in Central Hove on the famous Western Road.

Patisserie Valerie has a unique theme which is carried throughout all their premises. We enjoy working with Patisserie Valerie because of their super stylish interiors, which incorporates our hardwood counters using ‘Hi Max’ solid surface worktops for which we are an approved contractor, complimented by our manufactured faux leather bench seating in warm colours of red and brown.

We have also been working closely with Patisserie Valerie to offer joinery services at their premises in Richmond and Leicester Square – Central London, whilst also completing full refurbishments in Salisbury and Peterborough.