A dog-friendly coffee shop that serves biscuits for dogs is set to open its second branch in Cardiff.
Coffi Lab, which opened its first Cardiff branch in Llandaff in November 2021, has announced that it will be opening a second shop in Whitchurch.
The dog-friendly coffee shop has locations in Abergavenny, Monmouth, and Marlborough, and was set up by Coffee #1 founder and Cardiff native James Shapland.
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Shortly after opening its store in Llandaff, an announcement appeared on Coffi Lab's social media pages to say that it would be opening a new branch at Penlline Road in Whitchurch in the new year, taking over the old Cancer Research Shop.
The new shop will open on February 26 .
"As with previous openings all proceeds on Opening Day will be donated to Guide Dogs," James told WalesOnline.
"We have so far raised over £13,000 and have sponsored 4 Guide Dog pups. We know what an incredible difference these wonderful creatures can make to people's lives, especially those with sight loss.
"Growing up, it's a cause my parents supported. I would always put some of my pocket money in the yellow collection dogs when we went shopping.
"Coffi Lab loves Cardiff. Llandaff has been a huge success and we have made lots of new friends. Whitchurch marks our second in the city. We also have two more sites under offer in more thriving Cardiff neighbourhoods."
The coffee shop sells a range of coffees, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches and even Coffi Lab branded dog biscuits. The first site, in Monmouth, opened in July last year.
Permission was granted for new shop signage, outside seating to the rear of the property for approximately 26, and indoor seating spanning across two floors in October last year.
The cafe has chosen to become corporate partners with Guide Dogs UK, and says on its website that it will do "all it can to support this wonderful cause," including 'puppy partnerships,' fundraising challenger days and supporting local volunteers.
Coffi Lab sponsors guide dogs in memory of family and friends through a partnership with Guide Dogs UK. Its first sponsored Guide Dog for their Monmouth store is Tony, a Labrador cross Golden Retriever pup born in September and named in memory of James’ father Tony Shapland.
James grew up in Cardiff and has said that he hopes to open the coffee shop in "several locations in Cardiff."
The business was inspired by James' two Fox-Red Labradors, Brynmor and Dylan and he runs the business alongside his partner Hannah Gillard who works as Managing Director.
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