09/2007 The caffeine hit with a conscience
SOHO COFFEE CO believes in keeping things local. Wherever possible they serve local, organic products and are continually adding to their list of specialist local suppliers.
The SOHO brand evolved from two stores in Cheltenham to a bold presence in Bristol, Worcester, Birmingham and Cardiff. They also have several airport franchises under their belt and are opening a store in Dublin Airport later this year.
SOHO is headed up by Penny Manuel and Chris Copner, formerly of the Compass Group. They both feel passionately about the SOHO ethos of quality products, low food miles and supporting local trade. Chris comments “SOHO is an ethical business that always puts the desires of our customers and concern for the environment at the forefront of everything we do. Everyone involved in SOHO is proud of what we stand for.”
The values of the SOHO brand are communicated to all staff who passionately ensure that SOHO is not ‘just another coffee shop’. Patricia from SOHO Cheltenham comments, “We’ve got loads of regular customers and love having a natter with Tim ‘mocha man’ and Jessica ‘decaf with caramel’! SOHO really treats customers like people and not just ‘another order’.”
At the heart of every SOHO is its Fairtrade, locally roasted, 100% organic coffee. All the stores are supplied by the central kitchen in Gloucestershire where everything is freshly prepared. Baguettes are baked and filled daily and the bread for their sandwiches is made with organic flour from nearby Shipton Mill.
Despite the rapid growth phase of this year, SOHO are nevertheless determined to avoid the stereotypical image of the ‘one on every corner’ coffee shop, while still maintaining a funky, fresh and personal feel. Penny Manuel says, “We are an environmentally-aware company and believe in local sourcing, and we’re sure the bold fresh colours of SOHO are a welcome break from the ‘earthy and organic’ stereotypes out there, making us distinctive in the marketplace. Who says good quality, healthy food can’t be fun?”
