Mr. Beans Coffee is a hot and cold beverage company that specialises in Fair trade barista coffee, covering the home counties. They are based in Pitsea in Essex and cater for all events from corporate functions to birthday parties.

What do you need to know from an organiser in order to provide a comprehensive quote?

For us to provide a comprehensive quote to a customer, ideally we need the event date, a brief explanation of the type of event they are hosting, the estimated number of guests, potential venue, whether it's an indoor or outdoor event, whether power and water are available to use and at what cost. From this, we can use our experience to put together the right package for them and plan what trailer or van it requires, what drinks, cakes, snacks, and staff, so as to get it right for them on the day.

What advice would you give to a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Firstly, check the coffee bar provider is offering the right thing for you. Check that the vehicle is the right size to fit were you want it, and that they are offering the range of beverages you require, Lastly, price. Check what they will be charging your visitors, when you don't cover the cost fully.

Please tell us a little bit about how and why you started the business.

As a young man, I ran an events and wedding company where I first learnt about coffee and baristaring.
Now at the other end of my career in hospitality, I wanted to go back and do events but instead of food and alcohol, I wanted to specialise in coffee. After a career in restaurants and bars, coffee has always been a passion of mine. Now I want to do two things I love, coffee and events.

Please tell us about a booking you've had through Add to Event, how did it go? Would you recommend us to others?

We worked on a dog event in April. It went really well, with everyone happy with the service and us being able to acquire a lot of new contacts. Someone even made a booking on that night with us! The ease with which the whole booking process worked was great, and the whole thing is easy. Add to Event is a thing I recommend for anyone to try. It is a great platform in which to build and advertise your business.