Nestled in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, Cup 109 has opened its doors to coffee lovers and connoisseurs alike, promising an exceptional coffee experience that combines quality, sustainability, and a welcoming atmosphere. At Presence & Co., we had the pleasure of supporting this exciting new venture with our electrical work. We sat down with Paul the owner of Cup 109 to delve into his vision and the unique offerings that set this coffee shop apart. Here’s our Q&A with the mastermind behind Tunbridge Wells’ newest coffee haven.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in the coffee industry?
I have a diverse background in luxury retail and hospitality. Over the years, I’ve been involved in developing luxury residential properties, shopping malls, hotels, beach resorts, restaurants, and cafes, including public and private hospitals. Coffee shops have always been a part of these larger projects, and I’ve long dreamed of creating my own collection. Cup 109 is the first of what I hope will be many.
What inspired you to open a coffee shop in Tunbridge Wells?
Tunbridge Wells has a great coffee culture and the right demographic and socioeconomic profile. We chose the top end of town to introduce a higher quality, better value coffee experience to an area predominantly served by major chains. We wanted to offer consumers more choice and elevate their coffee experience.
What sets your coffee shop apart from others?
Our focus is on high-quality products and great value for money. We want our customers to feel they are getting excellent value for their hard-earned money, especially in times when prices are rising and non-independents seem to be offering lower quality. While we can’t compete with the chains on price, we outshine them on quality and value. We also provide a super chilled, relaxing atmosphere with great service.
When is the opening date for the shop, and where in town will it be located?
We opened on the 23rd of July at 109 Mount Pleasant Road. The name Cup 109 is inspired not only by our address but also by the fact that a standard 12oz coffee contains an average of 109 milligrams of caffeine—a fun coincidence.
What kind of experience do you want your customers to have when they visit?
We want our customers to feel chilled, fulfilled, calm, happy, and warm. Whether they sit in or take out, our goal is for everyone to feel like they’ve had an injection of wellbeing into their lives. Our coffee is just that good.
Can you tell us about some of the unique features or offerings of your coffee shop?
Absolutely, here are a few highlights:
- Our coffee is supplied by a B Corp, ensuring outstanding quality and audited sustainability, social, ethical, and environmental performance standards.
- We get fresh bakery goods delivered every morning from a royally appointed bakery in central London.
- We don’t charge extra for healthy milk alternatives because we believe in supporting healthier choices.
- Babycinos are always free, sometimes with teeny marshmallows for particularly polite children!
- We make our own fresh Matcha, brew fresh Chai spices, use natural teas and sweeteners, and offer natural fruits as alternatives to syrups
- Our decaf coffee is so good that our customers often can’t tell it’s decaf.
Presence & Co. x Cup 109
How did you come to work with Presence & Co.?
Our neighbour works at Presence & Co. We’ve used Presence & Co. for gardening, landscaping, and maintenance and have always found the team to be very professional and of a high standard.
What specific works did Presence & Co. carry out for your coffee shop?
Presence & Co. handled the full electrical infrastructure and installed our fire alarm system.
How was your overall experience working with Presence & Co.?
The experience was excellent. The team was highly responsive to our needs, efficient, and professional.
Can you tell us more about the team from Presence & Co. who worked on your project? What stood out about their approach and made the experience so positive?
Alex, Monty, and Charlie were fantastic. They were very professional and knowledgeable, offering suggestions for improvements that significantly enhanced the project. Individually, they were polite, courteous, and personable. They were always on time, met their deadlines, and worked incredibly hard. We are delighted with their work and will definitely use Presence & Co. again and recommend them to others.
So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to pop by Cup 109 at 109 Mount Pleasant Road. Enjoy a cup of extraordinary coffee, experience the inviting atmosphere, and see firsthand the quality and care that went into creating this wonderful coffee shop—with a little help from the skilled team at Presence & Co. Cheers to great coffee!
