London’s East gears up for national coffee celebrations
(17/04/2012)

Several of London’s most popular East End destinations will be hosting an exciting range of public events as part of the upcoming UK Coffee Week™ 2012 festivities.

UK Coffee Week, being held between 23-29 April, is the nation’s largest celebration of coffee that raises money Project Waterfall’s clean water initiatives in African coffee-growing countries.

Jeffrey Young, Chairman of Allegra Foundation the charity organising UK Coffee Week™ said he is thrilled London’s East has embraced UK Coffee Week to help raise awareness and money for Project Waterfall.

“The East End is becoming the new heart of London’s buzzing coffee scene, so it’s great the week’s biggest fundraising celebrations are taking place there,” Mr Young said.

“UK Coffee Week kicks off with fantastic independent events such as a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony hosted by Ethiopian Coffee Company at St Mark’s Clerkenwell, coffee tasting sessions at Nude Espresso, and roastery tours and coffee sampling Ozone Coffee Roasters.

“Look Mum No Hands! is again holding its lively Rollapaluza challenge where two cyclists battle it out on a pair of mounted bikes at extremely high speeds, accompanied by music, an MC and cheering crowds.

“The week wraps up with The London Coffee Festival, our flagship event being held at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane from 27-29 April, with 50 per cent of ticket sale proceeds going to Project Waterfall.

“The festival celebrates the city’s emerging coffee culture and will showcase some of the best coffee and gourmet food, world-class barista demonstrations and great live music.

“Visitors will be able to learn the different ways to brew coffee at home, visit their favourite barista at The True Artisan Café, a pop-up coffee shop and graze their way through the street market,” Mr Young said.

The week also includes a nationwide programme of charitable collections; in-store activities; Coffee@Work which invites workplace employees to donate towards hot beverages made at work during the week; and The Big Challenge 10Km sponsored charity walk.