The director of the now well-established Black Cowboy Coffee in Elephant and Castle tells us his story.
We talk all things Black Cowboy Coffee, flavours and the Christmas season with Emeka Kuizhi Otagburuagu.
Why did you start Black Cowboy Coffee?
I come from a background in the arts, retail management, and trucking in Texas and the contiguous USA and Canada. After a sudden exit from Texas, I found myself back in the UK after 14 years.
I had not lost my entrepreneurial zeal, despite the unfortunate circumstance of my departure from Texas. I secured a government loan to start a business. I named that business Black Cowboy Coffee – the idea was conceived in 2013 and became a reality in 2015.
Black Cowboy Coffee is based on the hidden story of Black Cowboys in the USA. I wanted a business that would allow me to be authentic, a business with a real message of human resilience, a business that is based also on my life experience in America as an “asphalt cowboy” and from my experience traversing the entire USA as an independent truck driver.
Can you explain the flavour of the Black Cowboy Coffee roast?
I currently have seven different speciality coffee beans from around the world. I have five different types in the grinder in the café, to give my customers a choice of flavours for their lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and espressos. I particularly love the single-origin Brazilian and the organic Ethiopian beans.
What do you love about coffee culture – and how does Black Cowboy Coffee embody that?
Coffee has been a part of my life for far too long for me to remember. My interest expanded during my time as a trucker in the States. Coffee culture in the UK is still in its infancy. I feel that I have a great opportunity to be involved in the evolving creativity of the café concept.
Can you name your top three locations to visit in SE1?
Imperial War Museum, Black Cowboy Café, and the Elephant and Castle Pub.
As it’s the festive season, what do you think is the perfect coffee for a winter’s morning?
Hazelnut latte with oat milk, or dark hot chocolate with a shot of Baileys Irish Cream.
Elephant Arcade, 50 London Road, SE1 6FY
