The Guardian says: #guardiancoffee, part of BOXPARK, aims to bring the Guardian's groundbreaking open journalism approach to life through direct, real-time engagement with the people who are shaping the future of technology in London.
#guardiancoffee is open to all, providing both a front of house for the Guardian's technology editorial team and a space where readers can explore our latest coverage, share ideas and opinions - or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee.
The Guardian's Head of Technology, Jemima Kiss, will be kicking off coverage with a new video series shot on site at #guardiancoffee, interviewing some of the smartest minds in the sector. #guardiancoffee immerses visitors in the Guardian's unique approach to storytelling, bringing the brand to life through innovative interior design, digital interaction, and live data updating coffee-drinkers with real-time stats on what's being consumed.
#guardiancoffee is powered by 4GEE superfast connectivity, allowing everyone to share their thoughts, articles, updates and tweets at top speed with mobile WiFi free to all, from the UK's first 4G network. Visitors can also browse the Guardian & Observer iPad edition through hardware provided and connected by EE.
Nude Espresso, London's leading micro-roastery, is the coffee partner for the venture, while interior fittings have been created by local furniture makers Unto this Last. The #guardiancoffee concept was designed and executed by Mohawk.
Jemima Kiss, Head of Technology, the Guardian, said: "#guardiancoffee is all about making our journalism and our journalists more accessible, more open and more deeply embedded in one of the key communities we write about. There's a real appetite at the Guardian to rethink how we work as journalists and publishers, so combined with the fascinating tradition of news and coffee houses, that makes for quite a rich blend."
David Pemsel, Chief Commercial Officer, Guardian News & Media said: "The Guardian has had a long association with the evolving digital economy and it made sense to put the brand at the centre of Tech City to allow us and our readers to collaborate on the stories that matter to them. It is also a great opportunity to work with our commercial partners in new and exciting ways and I'm delighted we have partnered with EE to bring the concept to life"
Spencer McHugh, Director of Brand at EE, said: "Connecting people is key to the #guardiancoffee initiative, and is at the heart of our brand ambition at EE. Much like the
GuardianWitness launch, powering this innovative new project with superfast 4G mobile can make a real difference to the way that people contribute digitally to technology innovation and reporting."
Joanna Shields, CEO Tech City and UK Business Ambassador for Digital Industries, said: "East London's heritage of creativity and innovation is one of its key qualities and has long made it an attractive destination for digital media and tech companies and leading entrepreneurs. Right across Tech City and the diverse ecosystem that it comprises, we have many successful businesses using innovative digital technologies to disrupt business models and improve the industries in which they operate. Their involvement in this initiative could provide some hugely valuable insight into the promising potential of technology for the media and publishing industries."
#guardiancoffee is at Unit 1-3, BOXPARK, 2-10, Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY.
