Six Eight Kafe's Coffee Blog

Introducing the new re-usable eco-friendly KeepCup

We are proud to introduce the newest product to be sold at Six Eight, all the way from Australia : KeepCup. The First Barista Standard reusable cup.

To make things even better with the purchase of a KeepCup, the first drink is free and for each drink thereafter there is a massive 20p discount!

KeepCups are ‘barista standard’ because a trained barista can make awesome to go coffee in them.  They come in the four standard takeaway sizes and fit under the group handles of most espresso coffee machines. When your coffee is made in a KeepCup the crema on the shot is not broken and the portioning of milk to coffee will be correct.  KeepCups have thermal properties similar to paper so they are not a thermos. Replicating the functionailty of disposable cups KeepCups are splashproof, not a sealed container.

Many small acts make a phenomenal difference.

We chose plastic to manufacture the KeepCups.  They are made from single component materials, they are lightweight, easy to carry and have low embodied energy in manufacture.

KeepCups are BPA free and non-toxic.

To ensure they are user friendly they are also dishwasher and microwave safe and fit  into most bicycle and car cup holders.

Free Music night at Six Eight on 06.06.2012 at 6:30pm

Its that time again. Our free monthly music night held in our basement on Wednesday 6th June, 2012. We haven’t just got one treat for you, but two musical feasts.

First at 6:30pm its Greg Smith with a solo acoustic set. Greg has been in various bands, including Black Heart Generator and his new band called Ghost of Dead Airplanes.

This will be followed by some jazz from the band Mouse at 7:00pm.

Mouse describe their sound as music fresh from the pages of an aberrant tunesmith for the perennially indecisive, and/or those in possession a short attention span. 

Sometimes jazz, sometimes rock, but never jazz-rock. Mouse are made up by 

Chris Maddock - Alto Saxophone

Charlotte Williamson - Vocals

Tymek Jozwiak - Drums

Alex Phillips - Bass

and our very own regular James Rhead - Keyboard

Greg has been in various bands, including Black Heart Generator and his new band called Ghost of Dead Airplanes.

A Year in the life of Six Eight Kafé

Last month we celebrated our 1^st Birthday (click here for video). The party was attended by friends, family and customers and was a great success.  Even though we were all working that night, we managed to take time out to enjoy the festivities.
 
The party capped off a year that shall we say … had its ups and downs.

The Tough Beginning

We opened up at a time when the country was in economic turmoil. There was an increase in VAT, utility prices and unemployment. Out of the five original team members, only one had worked in a coffee shop. Within a week of opening, we were told that the Coffee Republic branch opposite us was the best performing in the whole of its chain (yet to be confirmed by a reliable source). None of us had operated a business before. We didn’t have any marketing strategy or product development ideas.
 
The things we did we have in abundance were passion, energy and drive. We knew where we wanted to be. We had a passion to create great coffee. We had the energy and drive to open the coffee shop every morning, on time, despite the coldest winter in years. We ignored any detractors who said that our coffee shop was more suited to London than Birmingham.

 

The Scary Summer

Just as we were settling into our rhythm, the riots sparked off around us. Thankfully we remained unscathed, but our fledgling business was clearly affected.

Then in September, we opened the coffee shop to a huge leak. The basement was completely flooded and we all know that water and solid oak do not make good bed fellows. What was our response? The team rallied round and the shop was open for business with only 45 minutes downtime.

The Ups

For those of you who have been following us on Facebook or Twitter, you will know there have been far more ups than downs. Far too many to mention in this Newsletter, so we will leave you with our latest videos (click here  for promo video and click here for birthday party).

…. and Finally

A big “Thank You” to all the customers who walk in everyday to make Six Eight what it is today.
 
Upcoming events

Joe (our Barista) entering the UK Barista Championships , 20th March 2012

Home Brewing Masterclass By “Brewed By Hand”, 22nd March 2012 (click here )

First of our monthly Film Nights in the Basement, 30th March 2012