A Journey of Passion and Creativity in Dec 2020
At the end of the last lockdown, I found myself at a crossroads. After losing my job managing a café due to COVID-19, I was determined to build something of my own—something that would allow me to express my creativity while still brewing amazing coffee. With no budget for a traditional café and shops still closed, I decided to take a leap of faith and convert a van into my very own coffee shop on wheels.
The Inspiration Behind the Van
The idea of a coffee van became a beacon of hope during uncertain times. I spent countless hours online, researching various designs and layouts, ultimately choosing to build it myself. I envisioned a unique space that would reflect my personality and love for coffee.
Where It All Happened
The construction took place right in my driveway, much to the annoyance of my neighbours! I started the project in December, and let me tell you—the cold weather made it even more challenging.
The Build
A Hands-On Experience The structure of the van is crafted from sturdy hardwood, with an ash countertop featuring a natural edge in our first van. For the second van, I found a charming kitchen table on Facebook Marketplace, which we upcycled into a beautiful countertop. Building the van was a true adventure. My dad and I dove into the project with a rough sketch of the layout, working tirelessly to figure out how everything would fit. One of the biggest challenges was positioning the fridge and coffee machine; we had only two inches of space to work with. After some brainstorming, we decided on two different height countertops to make it all work.
Teamwork
My Dad and I built the first van in about three weeks, working in the evenings after work. For the second van, I tackled most of the work by myself in just two days. It was incredible how much easier it was the second time around, armed with the knowledge of what needed to be done!
Outfitting the Van
I equipped the van with everything you’d find in a small coffee shop: a little storeroom in the back, a double group espresso machine with a flow jet pump, a water filter, a grinder for fresh coffee, cake stands, and even a gazebo for those unexpected rainy days. It truly is a mobile café!
The Joy of Brewing
One of my favourite parts of the project was the thrill of building the van and deciding where everything should go. The soft-close drawers were a delightful touch, but nothing compared to the satisfaction of my first day out selling coffee. It was a rewarding experience that made all the hard work worth it
Overcoming Challenges Of course,
the journey wasn’t without its challenges. One of the most difficult tasks was fitting a second wooden bulkhead into the van. I learned that vans are not symmetrical, and wood doesn’t bend as easily as you’d hope! We jokingly uttered “last cut” about 400 times while trying to get it right. Electrical work was another hurdle. No household electrician wanted to touch it, claiming it was car electrical work, while campervan specialists hesitated because of the high power demands of the coffee machine. After weeks of searching, I finally found my coffee mechanic, who was able to install the electrics for me
Advice for Aspiring Van Builders
If you’re considering your own van conversion, remember: there’s a solution to every problem! You’d be surprised at how much you can fit into your van if you think creatively. Embrace the journey and enjoy every moment!