Local resident Dan Pullen started his own mobile coffee business this year called Sussex Coffee Trucks. It was based around a bright yellow, vintage Citroen horse box. He had secured a permanent pitch with National Trust at the iconic Ditchling Beacon Car Park and things were going fantastically well for the business owner. Until lockdown came, and his business was shut down overnight. The next thing he knew was that he was unable to work, and at home looking after his 6 year old and 2 year old!

By Dan Pullen

It dawned on me that I was in the perfect position to help boost morale at my local hospital by using my vehicle. Everything's better after coffee isn’t it? So the idea was born but it took quite a bit of planning and investigative work to actually get the idea to the right people and have it signed off. 

I’ve known Kris from Lindfield Coffee Works for many years. He used to supply me with coffee at my last cafe in Brighton and he also sponsors my cycle race team (https://lindfieldcoffee.team/) so it was only natural that I continued that relationship in my new business. When he heard about my idea he jumped at the chance to help out with coffee beans and even offered to help run a few shifts. I put together an online fundraiser too and the response was phenomenal! I ordered up all the products I needed and we were ready to go.

 It was a huge success. I served over 1,000 drinks in the first week! Feedback was fantastic and everyone was so grateful. It felt amazing to be able to lift spirits for these hardworking heroes.

Last week I was approached by two local companies that had seen my posts on social media and wanted to donate cakes too which were gratefully received and went down a storm! Thank you to: The Garden Chef and Round Table Cookery

We’ve been doing 4 days per week throughout April and will continue until either the funds run out or that I’m aloud to return to doing what I love most: Providing amazing coffee and cake to all the lovely visitors to Ditching Beacon.