I am sometimes asked to mentor my clients, and to also assist with the design of their coffee houses. One such client was Tom Assheton, of TomTom Coffee House in Belgravia, London.

Tom sought my guidance after attending my coffee house course to bring his vision to life. He wanted to design a coffee house that served delicious coffee, complimenting his cigar store which was also nearby.

I recommended an architect for the overall vision, and focussed specifically on the layout of the service counter.

To ensure the optimal layout and functionality of the service counter, I conducted in-depth spatial planning exercises. These involved analyzing the available space, considering the workflow of the staff, and optimizing the placement of equipment. By carefully considering these factors, I was able to develop multiple layout options that catered to the shop’s specific needs and preferences.

To complement the coffee shop’s unique ambiance, I developed a draft menu that offered a selection of high-quality espresso coffee, freshly prepared sandwiches, and fresh salads. This menu was delivered to the staff through a 2 week training programme, which I conducted prior to opening.

To streamline operations and ensure consistency, I provided Tom with essential operational tools, which were delivered in the ‘TomTom Kitchen Handbook’. Here you could find menu specification sheets, f & b costings, food production standards, barista duties, opening & closing cleaning lists, and a staff rota template amongst other material. These resources helped management to recruit and to organise their staff, place orders and to control stock.

TomTom Coffee House opened in August 2008, and for the next 2 years I would return for an agreed period of 1 week to conduct site audits of the coffee standards, the kitchen, and general operational procedures.

TomTom Coffee House is now an established and valued feature in Belgravia, located on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Ebury Street. The raised outdoor seating space allows you to comfortably watch the world go by, whilst enjoying expertly made coffee.