An international music writer and producer has opened an eco-friendly coffee house on Killigrew Street Falmouth.

And he is already planning the next part of the business - opening the unit next door in the new year.

Brandon Hargrave aka Koala Karlous did a world tour in 2019, and had been working with Sony for 10 years.

With covid impacting the music industry and no worldwide touring Brandon decided to find another source of income.

The Koala Coffee van was created in January 2020, operating from Fistral Beach in Newquay.

Following the success of the coffee van over that summer, it opened up the funds to get his own coffee house, something which he says has been a long-term goal.

Brandon told Nub News:

"The reason why I started all of this was not only the pandemic but I wanted to do something different. After my brother passed away I swore that everything I dreamed I want to do, I'd make the most out of my life, and work until I've done it.

"What I'm trying to achieve here is giving people the best of what they can get their hands on. Premium goods always, I love the premium aesthetic. I think that shows in the shop fit, there are no corners cut.

"We have a zero plastic waste policy, everything is compostable and biodegradable, we just ensure there is no single-use plastic. I think that is a given now and everyone should be on the same page. It does cost more to do it that way but at the end of the day, it is definitely worth it if it'll stop damaging the environment."

On the move to Falmouth, Brandon continued:

"It has been a lot of hard work but I am really excited to open the coffee house here and promote what we do in Falmouth. Falmouth is a really nice town, and I have always been curious as to what it would be like to work in a busier area in Cornwall."

Koala Karlous is very heavily music-based, with the building designed around the music to match and promote Brandon's songs.

Very pleasing to the eye the colour blends of black, white, and green from the plants all work really well against the warm lights.

Showcasing coffee, music, and apparel Koala Karlous had their soft opening on Friday, before opening fully over the weekend with a live performance from Archie Ray, and evening yoga with Daisy.

What challenges does moving from a van into a coffee house present?

"The logistics and the admin becomes 100 times more stressful. Employing all the staff, and making sure the team works well together. You have your overheads and your rates, you've got to think more about the layout. It is a lot to consider, and it's a massive step but I feel like it is a step that I wanted to take when I started this.

"I would love to think over the next 5 years I can open a new store every year in the South West, and have a chain with Cornwall."

The products Koala Karlous stocks are things you can't get in your normal local supermarket and offers support to independent brands like themselves. The kombucha is from a group in Bristol, the lemonade is from a Swedish company. Orange juice is also freshly pressed in house, the toasties are all made on site each day. Pastries are sourced locally just down the road from Stones Bakery in Falmouth.

"After a lot of hard work to get here. It is great just to watch people come in and enjoy it," Brandon added.

Koala Karlous, on Killigrew Street, is open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm, and Sunday's 10am-4pm.

Click here to see more from Koala Karlous.

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