A former tea drinker has found that delivering coffee to homes and businesses in and around Grantham is now his cup of tea.

Newcastle-born Chris Slater spent ten years in the RAF, which included stints in electronic workshops servicing Harriers and Jaguars, finishing off at RAF Waddington.

He then travelled the world working in the offshore oil and gas industry for a few years, before moving into sales.

Chris has lived in Grantham for nearly 19-years and is father of ten-year-old daughter Poppy. He also has five cats and an Australian water dragon called Agnes.

He told Grantham Nub News: "Tea was my first beverage love, but a couple of years ago, I bought a home coffee machine and started my journey in coffee."

Chris had wanted to work for himself for some time and after looking at buying a cafe with his partner, settled on investing in a mobile coffee van, taking up a franchise with Coventry-based Really Awesome Coffee.

He was trained by a barista to make coffee, was mentored by the company, and there was a van fully-equipped and tried and tested by other franchisees.

But within four weeks of trading the lockdown arrived and though government rules says take-aways can still operate, Chris initially mothballed the van until boredom changed his mind.

Now, he is back to his round of businesses calls and with his coffee-making now up to speed is keen to expand, with home delivery and turning up at events, shows and festivals, when they eventually re-start.

His territory is Grantham, Melton Mowbray and the surrounding villages of both.

Earlier this week, Nub News spotted Chris parked near Wyndham Park, when he was between deliveries.

With high street cafes closed, he says coffee-lovers lack the places to go for their fix.

Chris explained: "So I thought I would try and spread a little cheer by providing one of the treats people are really missing.

"The response has been very positive from the people I have served, as I am still providing the full range of available milks, in fact the full range of hot and cold drinks a high street coffee shop would provide, just not my usual added sandwiches and hot food range.

"It's more been about making people's day than making any money."

Chris says customer safety is assured.

"As part of the National Catering Association (NCASS) we have received advice and guidance from day one and follow all relevant government and NCASS advice, which they give after liaison with various government agencies.

"We have strict distancing rules, constant sanitisation and disinfection of the van, appropriate safety and Covid 19 signage.

"We only use disposable cups and there is the availability of contactless payments. I might be a small business but safety is still paramount."

Chris says home delivery sales have started slowly across the franchise but they will build up, once word spreads.

He added: "I am making slightly more than becoming unemployed so the fact of getting out in the fresh air and putting a smile on peoples faces is priceless, so I am really pleased to be back doing what I love."

He also said on Facebook : "We also hope by doing this we are taking the pressure off supermarkets a little and saving you from coming into contact with lots of people at your local store."

To order, ring Chris on Grantham 07770 723342 or email [email protected]

• *MINIMUM ORDER OF £5.00
• * GRANTHAM, MELTON MOWBRAY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES