16 REGULARS: Café case study
‘Espressing’ our love for the high street
Natasha Loader visits Espressini, the Cornish independent coffee shop, to discover how it has captivated Falmouth
It seems to me that the public are no longer impressed by overpriced, tepid coffee, splashed in a branded mug with a dollop of cream. Neither are they forgiving of the dreaded chains, who have driven many of the smaller independents out of business with their questionable excuse for an artisan experience. Coffee connoisseurs may be among the minority in this country, but our newfound love for a holistic high street approach has fi nally put quality coffee back on the map. It’s a high-risk gamble to take, attempting
to break into a market that is already overrun by global corporations with cafés on every
OOH JULY 2012 “I think
the days of Starbucks and Costa Coffee are kind of over”
corner. Then there is breaking into the Cornish market, which unless you have the words ‘pasties’ or ‘cream’ in your title leaves you with little apparent chance of success. Well, for the jaded out there, here’s an underdog story that should inspire anyone to take on the challenge. “Since opening in December,
we’re performing 50% better than I’d imagined,” says Rupert Ellis, owner of Espressini. “Setting up the coffee shop was always on the cards. I’ve never worked so hard in my entire life, but it’s a different kind of work, it’s rewarding. The cost was terrifying, but it’s been an exciting challenge.”
Pics: Catherine Durham Rupert has an infectious stick-it-to-the-
man attitude that is driven by a desire to help create a harmonious local and global economy with minimal ecological impact. His passion for coffee is evident in all areas of his business and it is undoubtedly the reason that Espressini has become one of the most successful independent coffee shops in the South West. The interior has been lovingly crafted,
with a bar made from reclaimed wood, old, mismatched furniture – which Rupert ‘rescued’ himself – and rustic crockery and artwork provided by local students. A 6ft blackboard dominates the business end of
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