Blake & Brew

Evening all. Hope you’re all doing well? Just a quick update - I have delicious coffee from @machinacoffee in the hopper at the moment and retail on the shelves. Currently serving a Natural Ugandan, Karambi. Think dark chocolate that kicks through milk, with sweet pecan notes and zesty orange. On batch filter I’ve got a washed Rwanda from the Mbare family washing station. Notes of blackcurrant, lychee and grapefruit. Two great coffees that truly hit the spot. On a different note. If you’ve visited the shop recently you’ll know I’m working on trying to fix a plumbing issue - which is still going on. Not immediately - this may create a need to close temporarily in the not too distant future whilst getting it sorted. I’ll keep you posted on that. However I’ve generally been feeling positive and had great vibes in the shop recently. Lots of new customers coming to say hello (apparently I’m tik tok famous?) - and just good chats all around. In the words of @brodies_coffee - We’ve got this… still 🙃 Catch you soon 🤟

I’m here pouring tasty coffee as usual. Tuesday to Saturday 8am - 3pm @numnumsbarry provide cakes from Tuesdays. @astridspetitecuisine_ on a Friday and Saturday. The last of @roundhillroastery in the hopper today before @colonnacoffee goes in on espresso. @fcpcoffee on the retail shelves and on filter. Catch you soon 🤟

I thought I’d remind myself and you guys one of the reasons I do this. I have my up days, and I have my down. Recently I’ve been struggling physically and mentally without really knowing what’s going on but I’m pushing through trying to repeat the processes I know should work to get things back on track. Exercise - diet - sleep. You name it. The one thing that keeps me consistent is routine, and staying in control of what I can. This is the same to be said about coffee. You repeat the same process, and the result SHOULD be as it was before with the best possible outcome. There are many things that can get in the way of this. Grinders don’t always perform as they should, settings on machines can be off. Water quality might have changed. Whatever gets thrown at me, I do my best to repeat the process, adjust and fix whatever might be going wrong to get the best outcome possible. I got triggered in a coffee shop at the weekend. They had a ‘better’ grinder. Same model but it measures the coffee for you. They were hitting 18g shots perfectly each time. Their coffee machine was the newest and latest version. The coffee itself was from a reputable roaster. I then watched what the barista did. They didn’t care. They hadn’t been trained. There was a missing link. They didn’t clean out the portafilter (where the coffee goes), they didn’t distribute the coffee, they tamped with so little force that they might as well hadn’t, they pulled 12-17 second shots and proceeded to slide the sad looking drink over without any positive customer interaction. They didn’t seem to care. Sometimes caring too much can cause problems, high anxiety without results - caring too little will give you negative results - and caring just enough will give you something repeatable you can improve on every time you try. That is all. It’s been a while since I’ve had one of those rambles 🙃 Catch you soon 🤟

Hey guys - long one. Tomorrow will be the first day back after the 2 week Easter break - I’ve popped down to the shop and despite a few surprise hiccups (nothing major) it’s all ready to go. I’m really looking forward to being back and seeing you all again. Business is great and I’m so pleased to have you all as lovely customers and friends; but… As a family we’ve all been unwell in various ways over the Easter break, and sadly haven’t been able to make the most of it. As some of you will know I felt this way after the last spontaneous half term break - and I’m taking this a sign that something definitely needs to change to make things a little easier. I’ll likely be taking the next half term in May to try again to get things back on track. This is the only logical time to try at getting some mental and physical refreshment I believe my body really needs. I’m sure you’ll all understand, and I can’t wait to see you all again soon 🤟

One week left of tasty coffee before I close up for a couple of weeks for Easter. I’ll be closing at the end of this week (after service on Saturday), and re-opening on the 14th April. This is for some well needed rest and family time. ALSO - This Wednesday I’ll be closed for about an hour from around 10am - 11am. If you’re after retail before I close, I’m hoping to be restocked by the end of the week. I played hunt the coffee parcel last week and discovered it won’t be making its way to me so I’m a little behind on stock. If you miss out before I close, any left overs will still be available when I’m back, rested and good to go. Catch you soon 🤟

It feels crazy to say this, but in the words of our daughter… “Do YOU know” that today marks 1 YEAR of Blake & Brew being at 142 Whitchurch Road. Over 5 years in the making, and already a year settled down into the current space. As I always say - it’s been lovely witnessing the community thrive, and meeting new faces everyday whilst getting to know the area more and more. Thank you for supporting us this last year, and again I’ll say hopefully - here’s to many more. Catch you soon 🤟

Good morning all. Firstly. One man band spiel. I’ve had to deal with a few phone calls recently in the shop - ones that are quite important to me so if you notice this when you pop down please don’t presume I’m being rude - I’m just trying to get a few things sorted and it can’t match my work schedule. Secondly. Delicious coffee as always from @northstarroast entered the hopper a few days ago. This is SMASHABLE in every way. It’s bright and sweet in all forms. Stone fruit and green apple espresso, with caramel undertones that blast through milk and make this a caramac coffee all whilst having enough oomph to present itself in any drink you choose. Or think vanilla cheesecake smothered in delicious caramel sauce with that crunchy biscuit base (specially in flat white form). These guys bring some of the most enjoyable espresso I’ve had over the years. Not ‘the best’ (although it is pretty great) - the most enjoyable. That’s what I try to serve you. Coffee to enjoy. Catch you soon 🤟

Check these bags out. @radicalroastersuk Colombia, Popoyán. Now also known as Granny’s House. I’ve sold kilos and kilos of this stuff, I’ve barely managed to get it in my own hopper. Each bag is individually screen printed, showing slightly changes in colour each time. A wonderful process and something to treasure. Tasting like milk chocolate and golden caramel. There isn’t much left. Probably won’t be in for much longer. Hopefully catch you soon 🤟

Afternoon all - sorry long post. I’ll be honest - half term week hasn’t exactly gone to plan. It started off on a minor low note that put me in a funk, then whenever I stop is when my body decides to hit me with everything and I end up ill in some shape or form. I have however had some great times catching up with friends. I went to see @deftones and @la_dispute both here in Cardiff; then ventured to Bristol yesterday to pick up extra coffee from @radicalroastersuk whilst going to see @btbamofficial . Three incredible bands to witness in one week and a lovely little visit to one of my fave roasters of the last few years. I’ve also managed to get out with my camera a bunch which has been on my list for a while. I’m looking forward to getting back to work and seeing you all. I’ll be open again as usual from tomorrow, but remember I’ll also be closing for Easter as the area is always super quiet and I still need some form of rest. Plus looking after the little’un again. It feels strange to close multiple weeks so close together but part of me also thinks it’s needed just to reset myself. I’m not planning to close again until late August after this unless the May half term is needed. I also just want to repeat that I’m always thankful to all who support Blake & Brew. Thank you. Catch you soon 🤟 Photo by @around_the_table_uk

Super busy day in the shop today. Thanks to all who came and waited whilst I tried to keep up with everything and sorry if you missed out. There are moments when I could really do with an extra set of hands and this morning was one of those, but these moments are rare. Not enough to warrant an official extra set yet. I would have mentioned in person about a plan for the future, but we’re still just waiting for things to fall into place in our lives. We’ll get there soon. These are also the moments I’m grateful to have a business on this street and with this community. You’re all awesome and thanks as always for supporting us all. I’m now closed looking after this one for Half Term. I’ll be back from the 24th Feb. Catch you soon 🤟

Fresh in the hopper today. @squaremilecoffee Peru, La Bermeja. A washed coffee, sweet and almondy with a forest fruit squash vibe. Currently this espresso is light and fresh. Easy to drink. A contrast after just having a honey process in the hopper. Remember I’m away next week for half term as it’s a busy one. I’ll be here until Saturday then back from the 24th Feb. Catch you soon 🤟

Morning all. I’m here as usual for the next couple of weeks until school half term. I wouldn’t usually but I’m going to close the week of 17th to 23rd Feb. It’s a super busy week for me outside of work, plus it’s half term week meaning this one needs looking after. This will be a bit of a thing moving forward as I’ll also be closed for Easter when we get to it. I’ve got new coffee in the hopper today from @colonnacoffee - it’s a delicious honey process Honduras from La Antartida - they’ve labelled it as soft and juicy, but in milk there’s big creamy white chocolate vibes with that classic honey process undertone. On batch we’ve got a tasty washed Kenyan from @roundhillroastery that’s ticking all of my boxes. Retail from @squaremilecoffee and @radicalroastersuk is out on the shelves for you to take home and enjoy. Catch you soon 🤟 Photo taken by the lovely @jannahclairephotography