Interview with Percolate

Personally for me, I am not a big fan of coffee although I won't reject one. Give me a mocha and I will fall in love with the good mix of espresso and chocolate. Interesting in the recent years, there is an increasing number of coffee joints sprouting up in our local scene.. not just mediocre ones but really good ones! Looks like we are really spoilt for choices...and to be honest, as working couples, we still have yet to find the time to go cafe-hopping and try them all! 

Having stayed in Bedok district for a good number of my growing up years, I have not come across any cosy coffee place. On one afternoon, I happened to chance upon one and this is one place worthy to be blogged! Percolate is nestled in the heartland of Bedok - yay that's great news for all the Easties (including me!!) It is a humble cosy cafe that is which offers coffee from Papa Palheta with cakes from the Cakestand. Having been here a couple of times, I do quite like the atmosphere and industrial interior design. 

I tried their iced mocha and love the slight nutty flavor. Wish it was a bigger cup and I could savor more... and I heard that the barista used to be working at Loysel's Toy too. Tried 2 different cakes - red velvet and salted caramel cakes. As a baker myself, I must say the texture and blend of flavors is pretty good. Worth trying! 

Now.. let's hear from the team behind Percolate what they have to share :) 

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1. How did you get started with Percolate?
We started Percolate out of our love and passion for coffee. Also, we find that there is a lack of presence of speciality coffee in the East of Singapore, thus the location in Bedok. We want to create a place which we bring together a selection of products and food which we ourselves love and is complementary to our coffee. On top of that, a space which is comfortable and relaxing. We believe what Percolate sells is more than just coffee but rather, an 'experience'.

2. What do you love about your job? 
There are lots of things we love about running Percolate. Other than enjoying crafting and serving our favourite beverage and food, we love interacting with customers, sharing knowledge and our love for coffee with simply anyone who walks through our doors.

3. What are the challenges you face and how did you overcome them? 

Starting a specialty coffee place is no easy task . What made it more challenging is that we decided to have it in the heartlands. Many had doubts if the idea is actually feasible and if there is a potential customer base in the heartlands for such concepts. True enough, we have many who walked through our doors not knowing or understanding what we do here. Fortunately, we are also getting customers who are familiar with these coffees and they are very glad that now, they can find what comforts them a lot nearer to home now. As for the customers who are relatively new to such concepts, we see this as an opportunity to educate and to introduce them to something different but equally enjoyable as compared to the coffees they are used to. We believe that being genuine and patient helps. 

4. How do you create a work-life balance for yourself? 

Work-life balance is very important. The last thing we want is for our passion to turn into a chore. We give ourselves a day off (Tuesday) to recharge, keep up with fitness and also an opportunity to hop around cafés. It helps to relax and also for us to get inspirations to improve ourselves. Of course, work will be off the table on day off.

5. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who is dreaming of starting out today?  

Do not be afraid to take the risk to realize your dreams, though let it be a calculated one. Have a well thought out plan, consult the professionals and people around you for advice and ideas. Lastly, stay true to what made you start this. 

Operating hours are as follows:
Mon, Wed - Fri 1030-2130

Sat & Sun 0900-2130

Their cafe is closed on Tuesday.

For more information and new updates, do check out their Facebook.