TALIAN COFFEE BAR 'CAFFEINA' OPENS IN TOWER HILL Coffee at its best - and much more.......and if you like it, take it home.....

Creating a new coffee bar experience in London, Caffeina is an innovative project which aims to bring the authentic, fast-paced yet friendly environment of a real Italian caffe' to London, coupled with a choice of high-quality foods. Located at 7 Byward Hill, minutes form Tower Hill Station in EC3, Caffeina is buzzy and authentic from early morning till closing time.

Caffeina Company, which already runs two other successful businesses in Rome, was born from the partnership between its CEO Aulo Auletta, and the chef-sommelier-architect Andrea Dolciotti, who proposed the menu for the UK. Dolciotti works as a catering consultant with international experience gained from working in Switzerland, France, Russia and Mexico, and runs his restaurant Inopia in Rome. The two met at a dinner party and the Caffeina collaboration was born.

Bringing the concept to London is Auletta's  son Luca, who comments: 'London is certainly not short of coffee bars.  We looked at the medium and large coffee groups. And we felt that with Caffeina, there was room for more individual, authentic neighbourhood coffee shops like we have in the key capitals of Italy. In a cosmopolitan city like London, we aim to bring a friendly, cosy, personal touch and a product which is 100 percent Italian. We are promoting and recreating Italian food and drink in a fresh and exciting atmosphere'.

Some historians say that coffee reached Venice by 1570, but was used only by physicians and chemists for medicinal purposes. The first caffé opened in Venice around 1645 - when coffee was no longer viewed solely as a medicine, but rather was savoured as an enjoyable beverage.

The coffee served at Caffeina has this heritage as it comes from Housbrandt, a Venetian company which only supplies top hotels and prestigious addresses around the world. It employs advanced agronomic techniques, selecting and blending the most prized varieties of coffee and leading-edge systems to monitor roasting to achieve the perfect quality for each cup of coffee served at Caffeina.

The food from the 'Baguetteria'  is just as bespoke and whilst informally served, did you know that a simple ham baguette contains Capocollo, a ham made from ethically raised, organic pork. Paninis also include Stracciatella Cheese, Mortadella, Caprino and Courgette, and every day there is a selection of soups, salads, and fresh home-made pasta. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and those on a gluten free diet, complemented by fresh juices and soft Italian drinks. The average spend is £7 per head for a main course, and drinks.

                                                                                                                       

SUSTAINABILITY

To some, sustainability is a buzzword. For many Italians, it's a way of life. Caffeina cares deeply about the quality and provenance of the food and coffee they sell. It's important that ingredients are organic, eco-sustainable and Fair Trade certified. As a result, Caffeina  works with small farmers and suppliers who can demonstrate high-quality standards and a commitment to traditional methods of Italian cooking.

Caffeina also believes in respecting the environment in the way they serve your food and drink. That's why, wherever possible, the company uses recycled or reusable materials instead of the disposable ones. Free, filtered water available in-store can be consumed in reusable cups. And if you're prepared to help Caffeina save waste on plastic bottles, they are happy to give you a 10p discount on every coffee you purchase.

IF YOU LIKE IT, TAKE IT HOME...

As well as many foods to enjoy in the caffe', Caffeina offers several products to purchase and enjoy at home - an ideal treat when leaving the office. The soft, artisanal chocolate flavoured cantuccini are nothing short of divine, as is the Housbrandt packaged coffee to take home, plus the small batch, highly prized extra virgin olive oils. Among the excellent selection of delicatessen foods from Italy you will also find  Panettone Corsini, Tuna from Colimena, Modica's chocolate and the exquisite Ronnefedt tea.

FACTS AND FIGURES

In May 2014, the opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm, however days and times are likely to be extended in the summer.  Please check the website. Caffeina sits 20 people inside and will soon be accommodating additional guests on the outdoor tables. Caffeina operates a take-away facility for the fast-paced, high footfall area of Tower Hill, in addition to its eat-in facilities.

Caffeina is at 7 Byward Street, Tower Hill, London EC3R5AS  www.caffeinacompany.com