Thursday 24 April 2014

All about Couva Coffee Couture



I’ve been posting for the last number of months all about coffee – coffee facts & figures, funny sayings, coffee in the news, and even information about where Couva has been out and about in the community. But one thing I’ve not done much of is actually talk about Couva! I thought I’d spend a little bit of time telling you all about why Couva Coffee Couture is so super (because Couva is super!)!

So, what is Couva Coffee Couture?
Couva is a range of functional and fashionable accessories for the discerning coffee connoisseur. The range includes cafetiere covers in a number of different sizes and covers for cups that fit takeaway cups and mugs.

The range of products have slowly grown and evolved from an idea I had for a birthday present for my dad a number of years ago. After many years of wrapping our cafetiere with a tea towel and an elastic band, I thought ‘surely I can come up with something better!’ And I think I have!

I know there are other cafetiere covers on the market, but our covers are really SO much better! And here is why: 

First of all, they look good! Have you seen our new Moustache range?! Just gorgeous!



None of that horrible rubbery neoprene wet-suit material that you normally see, and certainly no silly naff designs! We go to a lot of effort to make sure the fabrics in the range are beautiful, eye-catching, and will work well in your kitchen or dining room. We think about the current trends in home fashions and on the high street, and we try to translate that to our products.

Second, there is a special heat-reflective inner liner that keeps coffee up to 60% warmer*. This means that you can take time to enjoy your brew because you can be assured that your coffee will stay warmer for longer. You can linger over your cup, enjoying more time with loved ones without worrying about cold coffee – because nobody likes that!

Third, they are machine washable. This is kind of important because Couvas also catches the dribbles from the spout so they don’t get onto your counter or tablecloth. When Couva gets a bit grubby, just throw it in the washing machine and air dry! Simple!

Fourth, we like to think outside of the box. We use elastic closures because we want to make sure that our covers fit most sizes of cafetieres and cups. On our cafetiere Couvas, we’ve started using magnet closures because they are really easy to use (which is important for those who may have some trouble with their hands, like your Granny!) and they hold the Couva securely to keep all of the warmth in. For our Cup Couvas, we use a button closure so that you can use it on a mug AND on your take-away cup. For a little added extra, we’ve added a little pocket that is perfect for your loyalty card or your coffee money! Genius!



Finally, they are made in the UK and the quality is second to none. It’s really important that our products are made in an ethical way, that supports the talent that we have here in the UK. We’ve worked hard with a wonderful family-owned manufacturer in the heart of England to make sure that our products meet our standards and yours. 



We love our Couvas, and we know you will to!  Come and visit us at www.couva.co.uk


Couva Coffee Couture... Keeps coffee hotter for longer! 

 (*than not using a cover and about 30% warmer than other covers available on the market)

Saturday 19 April 2014

Review of London Coffee Fest 2014




One word to describe London Coffee Fest 2014 - AMAZING!

Now, I've never been to the London Coffee Festival before, so I didn't really know what to expect or have anything to compare it to. But I've been to a number of trade shows and consumer fairs in my time, so I had a pretty good idea of what it was going to be like... Boy was I wrong! 
Unlike many of the other shows I've been to, this event had a really great feel to it. The event was held at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane in London, and thanks to the numerous different rooms at the venue, the overall feel was warm and intimate. Each space seemed to have a different theme and atmosphere. You had the tea, hot chocolate and chocolate in a light and airy main area that also housed the chill-out area and music stage. 

You then had the pop-up Street Food Market, with some wonderful culinary delights. Among my favourites were the dumplings from Dorshi and the veggie burgers from The Breakfast Club, while my son favoured Herman ze German bratwurst sausages with the great slogan "Our wurst is the best"!! 
Other areas included the Make Decent Coffee Lounge, the Kalhua Coffee Lounge (can you say 'espresso martinis'!!), and a wonderful array of artesenal coffee roasters showcasing the wonderful array of blends that they offer. One area that was particular popular throughout the weekend was the Competition Stage where the UK Barista Competition took place... spectacular! At one point, there were even belly dancers entertaining the crowds! 


The first 2 days of the even were strictly for trade, with the Saturday and Sunday open to the public. Over 20,000 people came through the doors over the 4 days, and the energy was just incredible (maybe it was the caffeine!!). This video will give you a bit of a flavour of what it was like to be at the festival - the buzz, the energy, the heat! (20,000++ people makes it a bit toasty inside a building!!)



Over the course of the festival, Couva Coffee Couture had the pleasure of meeting some terrific people (Hello to Progressive Supplies, Brew Tea Co, and many other friends that we met), we made some wonderful contacts, and put some smiles on people's faces (particularly when they saw our new Moustache range)! 


But you don't have to take my word for it... Check out some of the other reviews of the weekend at Brian's Coffee Spot, Freshly Brewed Cup, and a review of the wonderful event in pictures at Cups of London Coffee .

What did you think of the event? What were your favourites? We'd love to hear what you thought of the event! 

We can't wait for next year! 


Couva Coffee Couture... Keeping your Coffee Hotter for Longer! 
www.couva.co.uk

**HUGE thanks to Tassie and my family for coming and helping out over the 4 days - couldn't have done it without you!