Wholebrew, a take-away spot for cold and hot brews in Thiruvananthapuram
Jostling for space in a 10x9 room near Sasthamangalam junction in Thiruvananthapuram is an espresso machine, grinder, freezer-cum-cooler, cylinder, stoves, utensils, packaging material…This is from where Athulya JR runs Wholebrew, a take-away spot for coffee and toast. The talking point of the place has been its round hatch window to serve orders and a service bell hung outside. 'The service window was an experiment and people liked it. The bell was kept to pique everyone's curiosity,' Athulya says.
Athulya says that the idea has been brewing in her mind for a while; even when she was working after completing her course in User Interface (UI) and User Experience Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur. 'Although I got a job soon after I passed out, I always wanted to start something on my own. I was also unhappy with the atmosphere at my workplace, especially navigating office politics. The situation was no different even after I moved to Dubai. It was difficult to work in a male-dominated environment. The pandemic saw many employees being laid off, most of whom were women. That was the last straw. I quit and came home,' she says.
While on a one-year break at her home at Mangattukadavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Athulya had decided that she would not work under anyone.
Realising that coffee culture was gaining ground in Thiruvananthapuram, she decided to cash in on that. Coffee is her 'cup of tea' , especially cold coffee. 'I enjoyed the basic cold coffee and was never into the premium, high-end varieties from big brands.'
Athulya, 28, adds that although she wanted to spend some time on the idea she could not because the space came up for grabs suddenly. 'I didn't want to let it go. I invested whatever money I had and opened it,' she says.
She opted for the take-away concept because that seemed the viable option with the space available. 'Also, there are many who love their coffee on the go. I wanted to put up a big espresso machine and other equipment. But, right now, this is enough and people have accepted us as well.'
Athulya manages the shop alone, except on certain days when one of her friends chips in. The menu has 10 varieties of cold coffee, including iced latte, Americano and cappuccino, fluffy Dalgona, caramel macchiato, Nutella coffee, vanilla frappe etc, priced from ₹80 onwards. Then there are hot coffees such as latte, Americano, cappuccino and mocha besides a healthy smoothie. While there is a fixed menu, specials are served occasionally.
The toast varieties such as honey toast, Nutella with banana, and chocolate, coffee and Nutella options with ice cream (₹60 onwards) have many fans. 'I wanted to have pancakes and waffles on the menu. But since I manage everything alone, I found toast to be the best option,' she says. Latest addition on the list is egg and cheese sandwich.
Wholebrew is open 3.30pm to 11 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 11pm on Saturdays. Contact: 7994996956
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