Crafting a Destination Coffee Brand at Admiral, Cardiff
Client: Cleverchefs (award‑winning Cardiff-based catering firm)
Location: Admiral, Cardiff
Sector: Foodservice, Workplace Hospitality
Project Scope: Coffee Shop Setup, Equipment Supply, Custom Coffee Blend, Training & Support
The Project
Cleverchefs is a multi‑award-winning, chef‑led caterer based in Cardiff, widely recognised for delivering fresh, creative, and ethically sourced food across the education, workplace, and leisure sectors.
Cleverchefs partnered with Bridge Coffee Roasters to design and launch a high-performing coffee shop at Admiral, in central Cardiff. With coffee central to the daily rhythm of the workplace, Cleverchefs wanted a setup that was robust, reliable, and capable of scaling alongside their business ambitions.
The Solution
We began with a cupping session and tasting experience at our roastery to explore coffee origins, roast levels and flavour profiles. Cleverchefs were clear that they wanted a custom-branded coffee, a high-quality, ethically sourced blend that could be developed into something truly their own.
Together, we created Clever Coffee, a signature blend roasted exclusively for Cleverchefs, designed to feel like a premium high-street product while delivering great value and traceability. We also supported their partnership with The Children’s Society, donating a portion of profits from each cup to add social value to every purchase.
Before launch, we helped run a pop-up coffee bar at Admiral to test demand and workflow. From there, we:
- Installed a full commercial-grade coffee setup to match expected volumes
- Delivered on-site calibration and training, ensuring the team were confident from the start
- Provided ongoing support, with regular site visits and proactive engineering assistance
The Outcome?
Since launch, Cleverchefs have built a thriving coffee space at Admiral, powered by their own brand, Clever Coffee. The coffee offer now:
- Reflects the high-end, ethical image Cleverchefs is known for
- Creates a recognisable brand identity customers can connect with
- Delivers a consistent, great-tasting product that staff return for daily
- Aligns with their charity values, helping every cup contribute to something bigger
Here's What They Said
"They have gone above and beyond… their setup is industrial enough to help us grow. We were quite taken aback by the level of service and quality of bean they offered.”
— Nick Collins, Managing Director, Cleverchefs