We have partnered with ESS, a leading provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments across the UK, to open a new coffee shop within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Whitehall building.
The official launch of the shop took place on 4th February, attended by the Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE, alongside other Ministers and representatives from the private sector — marking an exciting milestone for us.
Nigel said:
“Partnering with ESS has allowed us to extend our reach and amplify our impact.
“Launching at the Ministry of Defence building is a significant step in raising awareness of the vital support available to veterans within the military defence sector.
“It’s amazing to see how far our organisation, which started in Ipswich, Suffolk, has come — now reaching the capital!”
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE said:
“It is fantastic to see the role that Defence is playing in supporting the crucial mission of Combat2Coffee.
“This initiative has a real impact on the lives of those who have served, and our partnership with them demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting our veterans, ex-uniformed personnel, and their families.”
Our patron, Terry Butcher, was also in attendance of the opening. Butcher, whose son Christopher tragically passed away after a battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his service in Afghanistan, has been a long-time advocate for mental health awareness among veterans and their families.
Terry said:
“It’s an honour to be involved in this project.
“Through Combat2Coffee, we’re not just serving great coffee—we’re giving people a chance to open up and connect. Every cup carries a message of support and a lifeline to organisations like OpCourage, Samaritans, and Mind, which are dedicated to helping those in need.”
The coffee shop offers a wide range of hot drinks, all served in an exclusively designed cup featuring contact information for mental health services OpCourage, Samaritans, and Mind.
Nathan Hunt, ESS Contact Manager said:
“ESS is thrilled to announce our partnership with Combat2Coffee at the MOD Main Building.
“This collaboration enables us to align our brand more closely with our client’s values, fostering a stronger connection and shared commitment to community support.”
We are excited about the future of this partnership and look forward to ongoing collaboration with ESS.
