When Brew coffee shop opened in Ramsgate High Street in June, filling the vacant unit left by the British Heart Foundation, they offered a new venue selling fresh coffee, pastries baked on site and a fresh sandwich bar.
And less than two months later bosses Lorraine Edney and Rhys Huelin are planning to expand the shop to create a community pop up kitchen and hub.
The pair are aiming to raise £15,000 through a crowdfunder to help them convert the rear of the shop into a space to be used by small producers, pop up chefs and isle artisans.
On their fundraising page the pair say: “We envision a space that transcends beyond being just a kitchen; it will be a melting pot of culinary creativity, a platform for local artisans and small food businesses to showcase their skills and flavours, and a haven where community groups can come together for events, workshops, and gatherings.
“One of the primary objectives of the pop up is to provide a launchpad for aspiring chefs and small-scale food producers. We understand the hurdles they face in starting their businesses, and our pop-up kitchen will offer them an affordable and accessible space to promote their menus. This support will not only benefit them financially but also give them exposure and valuable feedback from the community.”
The Brew bosses also want community organisations to use the hub for free for meetings, workshops, fundraisers, and events.
The fundraiser will help pay for professional-grade kitchen equipment, interior renovations and marketing.
Rewards are being offered to fundraising backers including exclusive access to the launch event, tasting sessions with local chefs, and more.
Rhys said: “Between us we have many years of experience in catering. Brew has been open roughly six weeks but we can already see a need for a community focused kitchen space to allow future chefs and restaurant owners to showcase their wares and gain valuable feedback. The space will also be used as a hub for community projects and groups to use for meetings and events.”
Lorraine and Rhys say backing the campaign will be “investing in the local economy, empowering small producers, and embracing an inclusive and thriving community space.”
Find the fundraising page at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/introducing-brew
So they want locals to invest so they can make money?
Nice gig if you can get it!
I dont understand businesses who beg for money to run their business. This is a new way of running a business now it seems.
Not something I agree with.
Because of kcc cut backs community projects have to find ways of funding themselves. However I tend to agree why should public fund business ventures the idea I thought was businesses get customers they make a profit they can expand or remain in business. Next wilko will be asking for crowd funding. I always say if ibwas to give to every shaken tin in the high street would need funding myself. It’s ok to decline. You aren’t evil if you do.
Go to Gerry’s for coffee… Without doubt the best coffee in Ramsgate..no Thanet…no Kent…no UK…no the world.
Why does it take a small local business to take the initiative, shame on government.
So,they want others to finance their business and,in return,the providers of said finance,will be invited to taster sessions!
Finance yourself, don’t expect others to take your risks.Crowdfunding..modern day parasites
Hi, as one of the owners of brew I can confirm we have put plenty of our own money in to open our already thriving establishment. There seems to be some confusion. The reason for the crowdfund to allow us to open a community space for the community and provided FREE OF CHARGE to said groups wishing to use the space, we have also been looking into providing FREE refreshments to said community groups at our expense. I feel it quite a shame that a business that has invested heavily in Ramsgate and is looking to help with much need community space has come under fire for asking for support from the community it’s looking to serve.
If they can provide decent traditional English dinners then they will get my custom! There is nowhere in Ramsgate that can provide a reasonably cheap Shepherds pie for instance, or a roast lamb/chicken/beef dinner!
What about Gammon?
Hi all I would just like to clear up what seems to be some confusion . As one of the owners of brew I can confirm we have put plenty of our own money in to open our already thriving establishment. There seems to be some confusion. The reason for the crowdfund to allow us to open a community space for the community that will be provided FREE OF CHARGE to said groups wishing to use the space, we have also been looking into providing FREE refreshments to said community groups at our expense. I feel it quite a shame that a business that has invested heavily in Ramsgate and is looking to help with much need community space has come under fire for asking for support from the community it’s looking to serve. I wouldn’t normally take to the comments to defend the project as we fully believe in its purpose but we do feel like this is quite a personal attack on us and our business. Thanks for your time we hope you can the good we’re trying to achieve.
Well I, for one, applaud what you are doing/have done for the community and wish you every success in your venture. 😊
Don’t be disheartened, this news site comments section always provokes the Grumpy Brigade. Keep true to your business vision and if it fulfills a local need you will build good support. Good luck
Large bunch of miserable, dull and boring scrubs on this site. Take no notice.
Doesn’t matter what it is, they’ll pick holes one way or another.