Velo, the new cycling café concept led by WJ King Brewery and Small Batch Coffee chairman Nigel Lambe, has secured its first site in Brighton ahead of a nationwide roll out.
The group will open its first site on Rose Walk on Brighton’s The Level before the end of September. It is thought to be in further talks on a unit near the city’s seafront.
The concept, which is also backed by Brad Jacobsen, founder of Small Batch Coffee; Oli Hyde, pub operator and founder of The Flour Pot Bakery; and James Cuthbertson, director at the Dark Star Brewing Co., plans to rollout to at least 10 sites over the next five years.
The group believes it has identified an opportunity in the market to open a chain of cycling-themed cafes that are accessible to all “who love great coffee and great food, not just those clad in Lycra”. Velo will offer “great coffee and an outstanding food offering”.
Lambe said: “The concept will form part of people’s leisure time - that might be a great coffee whilst going to the office, and bringing the kids back at the weekend for a drink and a bite to eat - either way, our venues will be assessable and fun for cyclists and non-cyclists, though we expect to convert a few along the way. Whilst the architects are working on the first Brighton site we are actively looking for sites across the South East to begin the roll out, with a view to securing at least 10 sites inside five years.”
