Specialty coffee and Italian to-go make a debut on Broad Street

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

AN ITALIAN-to-go outlet has launched in Reading, bringing specialty coffee and fresh food to the town centre

Coco di Mama in Broad Street is its first branch outside of London.

The brand aims to combine high-quality ingredients, sustainability, and ease of access to provide a one-stop shop for coffee, snacks, and fresh meals.

On Friday, last week, the branch opened its doors to customers, and is gave shoppers the chance to try out some of their products for free at a celebratory event.

Coco di Mama collaborates with Allpress to serve their specialty coffee, which is made from high-quality beans sourced directly from point of origin.

It also continues to focus on open and ethical sourcing of its coffee and the support of its farmers through fair pay, and eco-friendly production practises.

Allpress provides CoCo di Mama with one of its signature blends which combines beans sourced from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra,

WCDA to host knit and natter

WHITLEY residents are invited to join a weekly needles and natter group.

FRESH BREW:

Coco di Mama offers pasta pots, baguettes, and salads as well as desserts, breakfast options, and snacks.

Pictures: Jake Clothier

Sessions take place on Wednesdays at the Whitley Community Cafe, Northumberland Avenue, with members looking to develop their sewing and knitting skills. Individuals of all skill levels and ages are welcome to attend. Beginners will be assisted by the more experienced members of the group.

The meet-ups also serve as an ideal opportunity to catch up with friends or meet new people over a cup of tea. Sessions run from 10am. n For more information, search: Whitley CDA on www.facebook. com

Fork lift truck fire

It is donating unsold products to Readifood and working with them to help distribute them to those who need support in the town.

It will also hold summer fundraisers in aid of LGBTQ+ charities, including its most recent, Not a Phase.

The branch features art by Reading artist Ray McGrother on the walls and has been built according to Gold Start Sustainable Fit Out criteria as part of its aim to be completely Net Zero in its carbon footprint by 2040. n More information about the brand, and sign-up for its free pasta pots or loyalty programmes, is available via: cocodimama. co.uk/reading-club-coco

More than 50% of its recipes are also low or very low carbon, and more than 50% are plantbased or vegetarian.

Coco di Mama celebrates its Free Pasta day event on Saturday, February 25.

A BUSINESS in Whitley had cause to call the fire brigade earlier this month, after a forklift truck started burning. Crews from Whitley Wood, Wokingham and Theale fire stations were sent to the Imperial Way business at 12.38am on Monday, February 6. The truck was an electric vehicle, and was in the firm’s commercial property warehouse.

It took three hours and 42 minutes for the fire to be extinguished and fire crews wore breathing apparatus.