Lula Belle Meets: Urban Coffee Company

Are you championing independent businesses?

My new feature Lula Belle Meets is all about championing independent businesses and finding out what drives someone to become self employed and in some cases even an employer.

Lula Belle Meets: Urban Coffee Company's Managing Director, Hannah.









As you'll know from my previous post Can independent coffee shops survive against the corporates? I became aware of Urban Coffee Company, an independent coffee shop in Birmingham, over two years ago now.

Where did the idea for Urban Coffee Company come from?

Simon and Amir are the co-founders of Urban Coffee Company and decided they wanted to give Birmingham a place to go for great coffee, like all the places they used to meet up in London.

How did you develop your idea?

Making sure coffee and community were always at the base of any business decision.

Was it easy to set up the business?

Nothing worth its salt is easy! It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication from all those involved!

What are the philosophies of Urban Coffee Company?

Great coffee and creating a great community - like a 'new age' town hall!

What is the USP of Urban Coffee Company?

Along with our extended filter coffee menu that has been fully researched by our 'Coffee Connoisseur', our staff, or 'Urbanistas' have to be our USP! They are a fantastic bunch and extremely dedicated to Urban Coffee.

Has it been difficult to compete against the established chains?

Not really as we offer something completely different and we have the flexibility that they don't have, so a change in a menu or a process is far easier to implement than it is for the chains.

What is your strategy for telling people about Urban Coffee Company?

Social media is a huge factor in our marketing plans, not only is it free, its a great way to get instant feedback, learn a bit more about our customers and communicate with them even when they're nowhere near an emporium.

What have been the highlights so far?

We have been shortlisted for several awards, such as Customer Kings, Smarta Awards and Startups which is a great achievement. But the highlight would have to be creating new permanent jobs in a city and time when jobs are so hard to come by.  

What does the future hold for Urban Coffee Company?

We would like to see eight more Emporiums open up by 2015. We would also like our online subscription become a big part of what we do so that we can reach even more people and places.

What would you say to someone who has a business idea and wants to become an independent retailer?

Go for it, make sure you have a business plan you believe in, and stick to the core ideas around that plan. Be ready to adapt a little, but keep your values the same and try not to copy anyone else!

Thank you Hannah for providing an insight into one of my favourite independent coffee emporiums.

If you've not yet visited Urban Coffee Company then why not look to take part in one of their organised events or just grab a coffee and relax.

I'm championing independents........I hope you do too!

Lula Belle x

Lula Belle Meets

Are you championing independent businesses?

You'll remember in The year that was 2011 - how was it for me? I mentioned that I was working on a new feature for my blog.  Well I can now reveal 'Lula Belle Meets'.  This is a feature that is dedicated to independent businesses where I interview those who have started their own business.

Over the last few years I have visited many independent retailers and met people who are self employed and what is evident is that they are all passionate about what they do.  I find with independent businesses you get a unique selection of products and you certainly get a better quality of service.

I'm not the only one who is championing independents.  The Retail Independents Day is a national campaign to support local retailers on the 4th July and beyond. Mary Portas is also championing the high street.  But for me it's more than just retailers on the high street, it's also about those individuals who set up their own business which is grown from a hobby or a passion.

Making the decision to become self employed isn't an easy one, by interviewing those who have made the leap, I hope Lula Belle Meets gives you a behind the scenes view to see how someone else has done it.



I'm championing independents........I hope you do too!


Lula Belle x

Hobsons Patisseries

Do you have a savoury or sweet tooth?

Yesterday seeing a blue sky I had the urge to get outdoors plus I'd just seen a tweet from a coffee shop in Stratford upon Avon that I had wanted to try, so what better than an afternoon of taking photos, drinking coffee and eating cake.  I wasn't exactly sure where the coffee shop was but had an inclination where it might be.  However on the way we got distracted by the sight below at Hobsons Pattisseries.  Well that was it, there was no question that we weren't going to go in and sample the delicious cakes and pastries.

Ballerina Pumps

Isn't it normal to get excited about a new pair of shoes?

Last weekend I actually got excited about two new pairs of ballerina pumps I've brought, believe me, I never thought this would happen.  I've always been a girl who prefers heels.  There's just something about heels.  I know that if I wanted to impress I only had to put my heels on and they made me feel complete.  I'm not a psychologist but I am sure there is a science behind how heels make you feel. It is rumoured that Marilyn Monroe had half an inch taken off one heel to give her that famous wiggle.

Urban Coffee Company Coffee Connoisseurs

Are you a coffee connoisseur?


I enjoy a good cup of coffee, or two, but what constitutes a good cup of coffee for me might be completely different for you.  However there is a way we can all become coffee connoisseurs with the help of Urban Coffee Company the independent coffee shop in Birmingham.  As you'll know from can independent coffee shops survive against the corporates? Urban Coffee Company are taking on the high street chains and one way they are standing out above the competition is with their coffee connoisseurs club. I was sent January's sample coffee to taste and see for myself what you get as part of a coffee tasting club.

Jessica GELeration

Are you looking for the perfect manicure?


I'm quite lucky in the fact that I have good strong nails, a steady hand and the time in which to do my own manicures.  I feel that having painted nails, whether that's a clear varnish, french manicure or coloured polish, completes my City Chic look. Over the years I have tried many different brands of nail polish, but by process of elimination, I have discovered one that works for me.  I have been using Jessica polish now for the last two years and have found that it can last for up to a week without chipping (depending what you put your hands through) and doesn't go thick in the bottle.

I have been buying my Jessica polish from my local beauty salon and whilst not as expensive as top brands, at around £10, it certainly performs well. On a regular visit to the beauty salon in September I discovered that they had started to offer Jessica GELeration.  As described by Jessica, this is the next generation of soak-off gel nail systems.  What this isn't is gel nail extensions.  If you want a manicure to last longer than a week, this is a great solution as it lasts up to 3 weeks without chipping. So with a hectic autumn 2011 planned I decided to take the plunge and try the gel nail polish.  I say take the plunge because having good nails to start with I didn't want them to get ruined in anyway, but the therapist assured me that they would be fine after they were soaked off, they might just need a bit more nourishing as they will have been covered for 2-3 weeks.  She was right, as my nails have not suffered from having this type of polish.

As with any manicure the therapist shaped my nails and then slightly buffed my nails to ensure the base coat sticks to my nails.  This is set under the UV lamp then two coats of nail polish are applied, each being set under the lamp.  Then finally this is sealed with a top coat, again set under the lamp. There you have it - a perfect set of shiny manicured nails.  I have had this type of manicure three times now and my favourite colour has been 'gorgeous garter belt' shown here.

I loved the colour so much that when I saw a tweet from @Channel4Beauty asking what your favourite nail polish was, I didn't hesitate in putting forward Jessica's gorgeous garter belt.  I'm pleased to say they liked it to and I am featured in their 10 Best Nail Polishes.  If you still want to perfect your own manicure then they have a How to do a Manicure video by Nail Rock Creative Director Zoe Pocock  on the Channel 4 beauty website.

Each time I've had the Jessica GELeration I have really loved not having to worry about whether my nail varnish is going to chip through the day even before I reach my evening event.  However it isn't something that I would have done on a regular basis, but definitely for holidays or occasions where there are lots of events within a 2/3 week period.

My local salon charges £15 for the GELeration manicure and £5 to soak off and reshape.  I do not know how this compares to other salons.

I've found my perfect manicure........with the help of gorgeous garter belt!


LB rating 10/10




Lula Belle x

Broadway in the Cotswolds

Can anything beat a day in the English countryside?

On such a gorgeous sunny day, as today was, I couldn't stay indoors and miss being under such lovely blue skies. If this was a summers day I'd be heading to the Cotswolds. So I seized the moment and headed out into the English countryside.

I love driving through the Cotswold villages.  My favourites are Illmington, Mickleton, Moreton-in-the Marsh, Chipping Campden, Broadway and Willersey.  Today the destination was Broadway.

Being a bank holiday the village was still busy with tourists, walkers and families all enjoying the winter sun.Walking through the main street I found some lovely independent stores.  It's so nice to discover something unique and original rather than having what everyone else has from the high street chains.  One discovery I made was Parkinson - a shop of two halves - one side sold an array of French country chic items for the home whilst the other half had a very nice selection of Mulberry handbags and designer clothes - I will definitely be visiting again when they have their S/S12 stock.

After a browse in the stores I stopped and had a warming lunch of homemade tomato soup and chunky artisan bread at Market Pantry.  This was a quaint little cafe which wouldn't be out of place in New England. I would definitely recommend a visit.

But the attraction to Broadway, for me, is the stunning village and scenery.  I love the Cotswold stone and the uniqueness of the buildings.

I certainly found some interesting features including this twisted tree trunk and bowed roof. Plus what could be even more English than two red telephone boxes.

If there was another county that could lure me away from Warwickshire it would be the Cotswolds.

The Visit Broadway website has lots of information about shopping, things to do and places to stay.


Looking for the chocolate box lifestyle.....it can be found in the Cotswolds!


Lula Belle x