A bright and cheerful new coffee cart has set up shop next to the Swiss Cottage in Swansea's Singleton Park. Popular independent business Gower Coffee Co. replaces Flynn's Coffee shop whose contract at the site ended last month.
Gower Coffee Co. is run by Anna Luporini, aged 20, whose family have been in the coffee business for more than half a century. She said: "Starting a coffee cart business has always been a dream of mine. In lockdown I used my extra time and started up a jewellery business, the money I saved up was used to invest in my coffee cart.
"We refurbished an old rice horsebox which was rotting in a field and converted it into a unique work of art! Gower Coffee Cart offers top-quality, ethically sourced, affordable coffee, along with the best service and experience for consumers. My family have been in the coffee business for over 50 years, owning the most famous restaurant in Swansea – The Kardomah. I worked in the Kardomah from a very young age - working in the coffee industry is in our blood as Italian restaurateurs!" You can get more Swansea news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Anna has worked in a range of jobs in the hospitality industry over the last few years and developed her management skills when she was put in charge of a coffee cart while working for a local company last year. She said she enjoyed running the cart so much that she felt inspired to set up her very own business.
"My dad started the Gower Coffee Company by combining two of his greatest passions - coffee and surfing! Gower Coffee Cart serves a range of blends which match the different surf breaks on the Gower, ranging in strength from easy beach breaks to gnarly reefs," she said.
"My dad will work as my mentor, using his experience and guidance to ensure the coffee cart is a great success. We offer a range of coffees, for example – latte, cappuccino, americano, cortardo, macchiato, espresso, mocha and we supply a range of alternative milks to cater to all needs.
"For those who don’t drink coffee, we offer other drinks such as tea and hot chocolate. If the customer is looking for a healthier option, we offer smoothies and juices - health and wellbeing is very important to us. We will also provide milkshakes and soft drinks for kids. This will ensure that we have something to meet everyone’s requirements. "
"We serve locally, freshly baked Pixie Cakes to accompany the drinks, as well as Portuguese tarts from No. 69 Brazilian Food [also known as Natas by Max]," Anna added. "We take pride in supporting local businesses whenever we can. All of our coffee is sourced locally from Gower Coffee. Our relationship with Gower Coffee means we have access to the highest quality, speciality coffee. I am very excited for the next chapter of my new venture and am very grateful for the opportunity!"
Anna's first day of trading next to the iconic Swiss Cottage attraction in Singleton Park was on April 1 - and she said she was immediately met with a positive reaction and support from locals. For more on Swansea's most beautiful buildings and well known attractions, go here.
Sharing photos of Anna and a colleague at the coffee cart on social media on April 2, Friends of Singleton Park community group wrote on Facebook: "Yesterday I noted that there was a new pale blue coffee van parked near Swiss Cottage. I am pleased that after Flynn's finished the contract on Thursday, that the people of Swansea have not been left thirsty. It was Anna's first day in Singleton. They are serving Gower Coffee and in time wish to develop snack availability. We wish them every success."
Gower Coffee Co applied for its spot at Singleton Park several months ago, but the lengthy application process meant it only received confirmation recently. Flynn's Coffee, the previous occupier of the site, told WalesOnline it was exploring new sites for its business.
Gower Coffee Co. can be found next to the Swiss Cottage in Singleton Park. It officially launches next Thursday, April 14, and will be op en from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4.30/5pm.
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