Coffee shop chain brews up new franchise in Canada Water

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A national coffee and dessert brand, Bru Coffee and Gelato, has opened its first South East London franchise in Canada Water this month, after securing six-figure funding from NatWest.

Experienced entrepreneur Barry McCaughley has used the £250,000 facility, alongside his own investment, to transform the previously empty unit on 24 Quebec Way into a unique coffee shop.

Barry has spent two months converting the 1628 sq ft space to include indoor and outdoor seating for 85 customers and a state-of-the-art kitchen which will allow for food service.

Customers will have the option to sit in or takeaway and can choose from Bru’s own blend of ethically sourced coffee and handmade gelato as well as selection of desserts, treats, small bites and drinks.

Barry will run Bru Canada Water alongside a team of up to 10 full and part-time staff and once the café is established in the neighbourhood, he plans to open more franchises in the future.

Bru Coffee and Gelato was founded in 2014 to offer customers longer opening hours, exceptional service, and innovative menus. Bru opened its flagship store in Leicester and has since expanded with additional sites in Cardiff, Harrow and Walthamstow. Canada Water is Bru’s fifth store and plans are underway to open more stores in 2020 and early 2021 across the UK.

Barry said: “Bru Coffee and Gelato is a strong brand offering something different to the standard coffee shop. We are open from early morning until 8pm, with plans to extend this until 11pm, and serve an innovative and ever-changing menu of drinks and food, including our speciality gelato and waffles. Our franchise is ideally positioned at the heart of Canada Water, close to both homes and offices, and we look forward to welcoming customers into our new café.

“The complete shop fit-out and recruitment process has been made possible by NatWest and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive from start to finish. The process of getting financed was easy and stress-free and my Relationship Manager Nigel Stickings was great throughout.”

Nigel Stickings, NatWest Relationship Manager, said: “NatWest supports the Bru Coffee and Gelato business nationally and our understanding of the brand meant we were well positioned to fund and advise Barry on the opening of his first Bru franchise. Despite the challenging climate, we are confident that Bru Canada Water will be a successful addition to the local South East London community.”