Bristol independent Ape About Coffee is setting out to convert Broadmead’s regular drinkers of ‘chain’ coffee to speciality coffee over a (hopefully) hot and steamy week this August!
Ape opened in the city centre’s Merchant Street in April 2015 as a collaboration with PAPER Arts and Co-LAB who exist to help talented, local individuals make a living through creativity.
Visitors to the espresso bar, owned and managed by Nick Ashton, can enjoy a lovingly crafted coffee while viewing the latest art exhibition in the on-site gallery – or simply grab a takeaway on the go.
This month Nick and his team are challenging anyone who regularly buys takeaway hot drinks from one of the major high street coffee chains to become a #coffeeconvert and trade-in a used takeaway cup for one of their quality coffees at half the usual price.
The challenge will start this Saturday 8th August and run through until the close of play on Saturday 15th August.
Owner Nick explains: “We recognise there are talented baristas working at some of the high street coffee chains here in Bristol, but they often have limited control of the product and the ingredients used to create it. Too often we feel customers are missing out on a really special coffee experience and often paying more for what is an inferior drink.
“Maybe people are just stuck in a rut and becoming ‘chain drinkers’ out of habit rather than out of informed choice, but this month it is our mission to convert some of those misguided tastebuds.
“We have faith that the people of Bristol would like to taste something special and support a local, independent business for a change – plus enjoy a superior coffee experience that might see them converted forever…or for a week at least,” adds Nick.
All the cups traded in will be collected and recycled by Nick’s two baristas Imogen Coulter and Dan Bowler, both arts graduates, into a coffee convert tribute which will be exhibited within the Paper Arts exhibition space.
Ape uses coffee roasted by Peter James at James Gourmet Coffee in Ross-on-Wye, including single estate coffee and seasonal espresso blends. They also serve homemade sweet and savoury snacks, plus food and drink from fellow independents Herberts Bakery, Lye Cross Farm, Henny & Joe’s and Lovely Drinks among others.
Customers can choose from a selection of whole bean or freshly ground coffee to take home, plus a range of Keep Cups and Aeropress items are available to buy.
Blanca Munoz of PAPER Arts says: “Since they joined us in April, it has been really refreshing to see the care and attention put into every espresso drink by Nick and his team. They have already won over lots of people in the city, but I suspect they will not cease in their mission until everyone in Bristol is converted to speciality coffee.”
Ape About Coffee is open at PAPER Arts seven days a week between 10am and 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11.00am and 5.00pm on Sundays.