Thinking About Starting a Coffee and Sandwich Shop in the Uk?

Ahhhhh what a great question, I'd love my own coffee shop!! please tell me where you're intending to do this? / do you actually have the monies in place or are you just day dreaming?

Personally I think a light airy space is a must with lots of discrete (or possibly funky lights - see the coffee@flickr photo..) preferably with huge windows, so you can watch the world go by,. I agree with comfy seats, but would err on the side of caution and say, not necessary sofas (because you'll end up with too many kids all sitting around like its their common-room!) but definitely 'comfy' (padded!) seats… I quite like a mish-mash of crappy old furniture,. rickety mis-match tables and chairs, with cushions too,.

…also if you do have a lovely window, putting in a space for those lovely 'high' bar stools is a good and have seen this done quite effectively in some coffee shops…(its a great use of space)

I also like photography on the walls, and would be happy to supply you with some!!!

For more inspiration walk around Soho!!! / check out couple of links…

=)
References :
http://flickr.com/photos/ryuukamal/1426487707/ the coffee@'chain'

http://www.cowboycoffee.ca/ - I know this is Canadian but take a look…

hoodedfigure231 says:

June 1, 2009 at 5:09 am

I would have to say that the sandwich/coffee shop should have lots of different types of sandwiches, soups, and coffee. They should also have different kinds of pastries and things like that. I like coffee places that are really homie. They should have t.v's and comfy chairs. They should also have wireless internet because it is always nice being a student that you can do your essay or something. But you can also hang out and have coffee and snacks. Hope this helps.
References :

melrose4616 says:

June 1, 2009 at 5:11 am

Free wifi, properly trained baristas, funky music, magazines/papers, healthy and naughty snacks, friendly staff, clean toilets.

Good luck - I've been there and it is hard work!
References :

Melissa says:

June 1, 2009 at 5:13 am

I love coffee/sandwich shops with a small cafe atmosphere. Outside seating is always good. Big mugs. A variety of interesting soups and sandwiches. My favorite sandwich place is all natural and fresh. Everyone there is really friendly. The sandwiches are different and creative. The outside patio area has stone tables and benches and is full of trees, plants, and flowers. It's like eating in a secluded garden. They sometimes have special events too like wine tasting.

Books and big comfy couches are nice, but there's a lot of places like that. Do something a little more unique to seperate yourself from the "big guys".
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Wends75 says:

June 1, 2009 at 5:15 am

Do a survey in your local area, look round the other coffee shops and see what's missing and who your clientele are. Do they want a smoothie/panini bar or a cosy cafe where they can get a good shepherds pie for instance.

We've thought about the same thing in our area….Blackpool which as you may or may not know is full of cafes but most of the greasy spoon type. There seems to be a big gap here though as too many people think they can use cheap ingredients, cook sub standard meals and make little to no effort with the hygiene of the cafe then wonder why their business is failing. Good home cooking, a clean restaurant and friendly staff will win every time.

Also have you thought of a delivery service to local businesses.
References :

Thinking About Starting a Coffee and Sandwich Shop in the Uk?

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