Award Winning Coffee Comes To Llanelli!

by Paul @ Alfie's Coffee Co. in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom

Award Winning Coffee Comes To Llanelli!
We did it
On 31st July 2024 we successfully raised £700 with 14 supporters in 28 days

Help us move to Llanelli and create a welcoming, award-winning coffee shop that supports the community’s revival!

by Paul @ Alfie's Coffee Co. in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom

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We’re thrilled to announce that Alfie’s Coffee Company is moving to an exciting new location in the newly renovated YMCA building on Stepney Street, Llanelli.  Our new coffee shop is ideally located opposite the beautiful Spring Gardens, where you can enjoy your coffee in the sunshine.

Situated just a stone's throw away from the St Elli Shopping Centre and next door to a well-established pub, we expect plenty of foot traffic and visibility.  Plus, with disabled parking directly outside, a nearby multi-story car park, and easy pedestrian access, our shop is convenient for everyone.

The space itself measures 12ft by 22ft and is thoughtfully designed to be both functional and inviting.  Large windows flood the interior with natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere.  As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by our serving counter and an enticing display of delicious cakes, bakes, pastries and savoury options.  Our skilled baristas will be crafting your drinks in full view, adding a personal touch and added theatre to your experience.  We’ve also ensured the space is accessible to all, with disabled access toilets and baby changing facilities.

Our design philosophy blends Scandinavian minimalism with practicality.  Think natural wood and metal accents, smooth and rustic textures, complemented by potted plants that bring a touch of nature indoors.  Hand-made neon lights featuring Welsh phrases add a modern and playful twist to the decor, reflecting our relaxed yet contemporary vibe.

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Music will play a key role in setting the tone, with a mix of chilled tunes that are perfect for both relaxation and conversation.  We’ll also proudly display a funders board to honour those who support our journey, and a loyalty program to reward our regular customers.  For those who love the outdoors, we’ll have comfortable seating on the pavement outside, perfect for enjoying your coffee in the fresh air.

We are deeply committed to supporting the local community and we will employ local residents, host community events like music and comedy nights to give undiscovered local talent a platform and a chance to showcase their skills.  Our long-term goal is to become the premier coffee hot spot in Llanelli, contributing to the town’s resurgence and offering a beloved gathering place for the community.  With your support, we can continue to grow and offer an unparalleled coffee experience that benefits both our customers and the wider community.

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At Alfie’s Coffee Company, we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional coffee experience that stands out from the competition.  Our coffee is sourced from the Alto Mogiana Mineira region of Brazil, grown by the skilled farmer Laerce Franca Faleiros on the El Dorado estate.

We are committed to supporting local coffee farmers who pour their hearts into producing exceptional coffee.  All of our core range of coffees comes from small, family-run farms that have been passed down through generations.  By paying farmers what they are worth, we help them live comfortably and allow their businesses to thrive.  This dedication to fair trade and quality underscores our commitment to ethical sourcing and community support.

Our coffee is roasted in small batches by hand which develops our unique blend of flavours and aromas which will take you to coffee heaven with every sip.  We believe that every cup of coffee should be an experience and we are on a mission to deliver just that.  Why settle for the ordinary, when you can experience the extra-ordinary?

Our journey is marked by dedication, excellence, and a series of noteworthy achievements that set us apart in the coffee industry.  We are proud recipients of two prestigious Great Taste Awards.  In 2021, we earned our first award for our signature Caleb’s Roast, praised for its satisfying characteristic bitterness, low acidity and excellent balance with milk.  Last year, our Cold Brew was recognised for its superb technical quality and delightful notes reminiscent of an Old Fashioned cocktail, with hints of Guinness, caramel, and smoke.  These accolades underscore our commitment to delivering top-quality coffee.

Our reputation for quality and our distinctive brand values caught the attention of Queens Park Rangers FC.  Seeking a specialty coffee supplier, QPR chose us to provide their players and management staff with high-quality coffee at their training facility in Heston.  Additionally, we’ve created an exclusive coffee available for purchase at the QPR shop and online.  This partnership not only enhances our visibility but also validates our brand’s appeal and quality.

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With over 9K followers across our social media platforms, our presence is robust and engaging.  We connect with our audience through lighthearted content that reflects our sense of humour and the playful spirit of our brand.  Our posts include coffee showcases, barista training tips, and video content that resonates with our followers.

From our humble beginnings as a local coffee van, we’ve expanded our reach significantly.  We’ve showcased our coffee at major trade shows in Birmingham and London and have cultivated a customer base that extends across the country and even to the USA!

We are always striving to learn and innovate; whether it’s exploring new barista techniques, developing exciting recipes, or refining our roasting practices, we stay on top of current trends to keep our brand fresh and dynamic, and this dedication to continuous improvement ensures that we offer the best possible products to our customers.

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Transparency is key, and we want our backers to know exactly how their contributions will be used to bring our vision to life.

We aim to raise £4,000 through this crowdfunding campaign, with this amount being crucial in setting up our new coffee shop and ensuring it meets the high standards our customers expect.

Furnishings: £831

Comfortable and stylish seating to create a welcoming atmosphere as well as constructing a serving counter, essential for building a functional and attractive serving area.

Kitchen Items: £396

Necessary upgrades such as commercials sinks and taps to meet environmental health standards.

Electrical Equipment: £2,773

We will invest in a state-of-the-art coffee grinder to ensure the highest quality coffee for our customers.  Refrigeration equipment will also be needed to keep our ingredients fresh and safe and a dishwasher for efficient and hygienic cleaning operations.  Alongside these items we will purchase a microwave, panini press and toaster which will be essential to expand our food offerings and enhance the overall customer experience.  Finally, we will be purchasing statement lighting to create the perfect ambiance.

In addition to the funds raised here, we are also benefiting from the Carmarthenshire Council Business Growth Grant, which will cover up to 50% of the project costs.  This grant requires us to demonstrate available funds and to employ at least one full-time staff member, contributing to local employment.

Our long-term aim is to achieve healthy, sustainable growth year on year and as we become an integral part of the Llanelli community, we will continuously strive to enhance our offerings and customer experience.

We promise to keep our backers informed every step of the way.

Your support is not just a donation; it’s an investment in the future of a vibrant community space.

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We’re not just about serving exceptional coffee - we’re committed to making a meaningful impact in our community.

We believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth.  Initially, we’ll hire an additional barista to work alongside founder Paul in the shop.  They will receive extensive and continuous training in barista skills, as well as knowledge of various brewing methods and the unique flavour profiles of the coffees served.  As demand grows, we’ll look to expand our team, creating more jobs and opportunities for local residents.

We are proud to collaborate with local suppliers such as Tidy Tea in Lampeter for our biodegradable tea bags and Hafodwen Farm in Carmarthen for our milk.  These partnerships not only ensure the highest quality products for our customers but also contribute to the local economy.  Our food offerings come from a mix of local wholesale distributor Castell Howell and Cakesmiths, ensuring that our ingredients are fresh and our supply chain supports nearby businesses.

We’re excited to transform our coffee shop into a hub of community engagement by hosting monthly events like comedy nights, music gigs, book clubs, and games nights.  To ensure these events resonate with the community, we’ll conduct polls and questionnaires to understand what types of gatherings people are most interested in further fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

As Llanelli undergoes revitalisation, we will actively participate in and support local initiatives.  We’ll maintain close contact with the local council to stay informed about opportunities to contribute to the town’s development.  Our goal is to be a steadfast part of Llanelli’s resurgence, helping to bring back its vibrancy and appeal.

Inclusivity is at the heart of our values too.  We’ll ensure our staff can speak Welsh to accommodate customers who prefer using the language and our shop will be accessible to all, with disabled access toilets and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, creed, or persuasion.  Additionally, we will run a work experience program with local senior schools for students with additional educational needs, offering them a supportive environment to gain valuable skills and confidence.

Our vision extends beyond our coffee shop.  We aim to be a cornerstone of the Llanelli community, actively supporting the town’s revitalisation and contributing to its growth.  As we establish ourselves, we may explore opportunities to expand to new sites across Llanelli, further embedding ourselves in the local landscape.

Your support helps us create a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates local talent and fosters community spirit.  Together, we can make our shop a vital part of Llanelli’s future, bringing people together over great coffee and shared experiences.

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This is your chance to help us take a significant step forward and be part of something special.

We need to raise £4,000 to qualify for the Carmarthenshire Council Business Growth Grant.  This grant is crucial for securing our new lease and by acting now, you’ll help us open our doors just in time to capitalise on the bustling summer season, ensuring that we can serve our award-winning coffee and delicious cakes to both locals and visitors.

Time is of the essence!  Without your support, we may struggle to open the shop and bring our vision to life.  

We believe in transparency and will keep all backers informed of our progress through the CrowdFunder platform, our social media channels, and email updates.  You'll be able to see the impact of your contribution in real-time as we move closer to our goal.  Your support now will not only help us open the shop but also contribute to the economic and social rejuvenation of the area.

We’ll also be ramping up our promotional efforts across social media, email, and local press.  

Your help in spreading the word can make a huge difference so please share our campaign with your friends, family, and networks to help us reach our goal faster.

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By supporting us now, you’re not just donating to a coffee shop; you’re investing in a community hub that will bring people together, support local businesses, and offer a welcoming space for everyone. 

Join us at our new home and be a part of something special as we continue to bring exceptional coffee and a welcoming atmosphere to Llanelli. 

Your support helps us create a space where everyone feels valued and connected.

Together, we can make Llanelli thrive again.

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Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£50 or more

Limited Edition Coffee and Merch Bundle

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party, 2 x 250g bags of limited edition launch coffee, limited edition t-shirt and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

£5 or more

Invite to our Launch Party!

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

£10 or more

£15 Voucher

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party, a £15.00 voucher to spend at the coffee shop and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

£25 or more

Limited Edition Launch Coffee Bundle

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party, a £15 voucher to spend in the coffee shop, 2 x 250g bags of limited edition launch coffee and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

£100 or more

Coffee, Merch and Lifetime Discount

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party, 2 x 250g bags of limited edition launch coffee, a limited edition t-shirt, 10% off discount for life and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

£200 or more

Coffee, Merch and Brewing Accessories Bundle

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party, £15.00 voucher to spend in the coffee shop, 2 x 250g bags of limited edition launch coffee, a limited edition t-shirt, a limited edition hoodie, 10% discount for life, coffee accessories, selection of coffee brewing equipment and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

£500 or more

Coffee, Merch and Barista Masterclass

Our eternal thanks, an invite to our launch party, a £15.00 voucher to spend in the coffee shop, 2 x 250g bags of limited edition launch coffee, a limited edition t-shirt, a limited edition hoodie, 10% discount for life, coffee accessories, a selection of coffee brewing equipment, professional barista training with Paul for up to three people and your name on our wall of fame to represent your dedication to the Llanelli community.

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