Father-and-son business Ca Phe Kong is bringing Vietnamese coffee, slow-dripping phin filters and a bold gorilla mascot to Common Ground at the Beacon Centre in North Shields. Behind the business are Elliot Shaw and his dad, Colin, whose idea began on a family holiday and grew from a tradition of sharing coffee together.

With Common Ground opening on Thursday 19 November 2026, the pair are preparing to take their next step: moving from pop-ups into a space where customers can stop, chat and discover something different.

Their ambition is simple: “good coffee, good company.”

Who are the people behind Ca Phe Kong?

Elliot runs Ca Phe Kong with his dad, Colin. He describes them as a bit of a yin and yang: Elliot is the happy, worry-free one, while Colin is the worrier who keeps their feet on the ground.

After finishing college in 2025 with a digital marketing degree, Elliot began looking for apprenticeships. Finding the right opportunity proved difficult, so he decided to build something of his own with his dad.

But he is quick to recognise the people helping them along the way.

Nicola, Janette and Elliot’s best friend, Oliver, have supported the business through pop-ups, preparations and stressful moments, bringing practical help, optimism and a laugh when it was needed.

“It really is a family and friends effort, and I love getting to work with my best friend,” says Elliot.

For him, that support reflects the values behind the business: strength, loyalty and standing together.

A coffee van in Vietnam sparked the idea

The inspiration came during a family holiday to Vietnam.

On the island of Phu Quoc, Elliot and Colin discovered an old Lambretta three-wheeler serving coffee. Music was playing, people were relaxing outside, and the atmosphere stayed with them.

They began wondering how they could bring some of that feeling home.

The idea also connected with a family ritual. When Colin was young, he would sit with his own father and drink coffee before the working day. It was a chance to talk, stay close and pass on advice about life.

Elliot and Colin still make time for coffee together at least once a week.

“Dad and I still do that at least once a week, and it’s the best time I spend,” Elliot says.

Ca Phe Kong grew from those two influences: the coffee culture they encountered in Vietnam and the conversations shared across generations.

What does Ca Phe Kong mean?

“Cà phê” is Vietnamese for coffee. Kong is the business’s big, bold gorilla mascot, representing strength and what Elliot describes as a little rebellion against boring coffee.

That personality carries through the branding, with a Vietnamese propaganda-poster-inspired look and plenty of humour.

The coffee blends have equally memorable names:

• Da Nang Yang Kipperbang
• Heroically Hanoi
• Get Ya Mekong

The range offers milder through to stronger options, using blends of robusta and arabica beans grown in Vietnam’s highlands.

What coffee will Ca Phe Kong serve?

Visitors can expect Vietnamese coffee brewed through a phin filter, which allows the coffee to drip slowly into the cup.

The planned drinks range includes traditional Vietnamese coffee, iced coffee with condensed milk, salt coffee and coconut coffee.

Customers who want to make their coffee at home will also be able to explore Ca Phe Kong’s ground coffee. Elliot says it can be used with other brewing methods, including coffee machines and a French press.

Food is part of their developing offer too. The team have been trying Vietnamese-inspired bakes at pop-ups and are looking to introduce bánh mì, the Vietnamese filled baguette. The food menu is still being developed.

Alongside the coffee, Ca Phe Kong offers branded caps, T-shirts, hoodies and other merchandise for customers who want to take a little Kong personality home.

Why choose Common Ground in North Shields?

For Elliot and Colin, Common Ground offers the opportunity to build on their pop-up experience and create a more permanent home for the business.

Their plans include a Vietnamese café-inspired appearance, a fuller menu and a place for the kind of coffee-and-conversation moments that inspired them.

Elliot is also looking forward to working alongside other independent businesses and creative people.

“So far we’ve done pop-ups, which we’ve loved, but having our own space means we can finally create the full Ca Phe Kong experience,” he says.

Both live locally and want to contribute to a North Shields where people can discover something interesting close to home.

For this family business, having a space at Common Ground is a significant next step.

The Comrades Club and what comes next

Their first goal is to become a welcoming local stop for Vietnamese coffee in North Shields.

They also want to grow their Comrades Club, which offers members discounts in store and online. Further ambitions include seasonal coffee blends, an expanding product range and appearances at more markets and events across the North East.

Their invitation to the community is straightforward:

“Come and say hello, bring a friend, and try something you haven’t had before.”

And their parting words?

“Power to the people, and coffee for the comrades.”

Visit Ca Phe Kong at Common Ground

Business: Ca Phe Kong
People behind the business: Elliot Shaw and his dad, Colin
What to expect: Vietnamese coffee, phin-filter brewing, ground coffee, branded merchandise and a developing food menu

Address:
Common Ground, former Wilko building
The Beacon Shopping Centre
Bedford Street
North Shields
NE29 6QF

Common Ground opening date: Thursday 19 November 2026
Common Ground core trading hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm
Business enquiries: caphekong@outlook.com

North Shields Metro and Transport Hub are nearby. Parking is available at the Beacon Centre, with the car park entrance accessed via Saville Street. Use NE29 6QN for sat-nav directions to the car park.

Interested in trading at Common Ground?

We’re welcoming enquiries from independent businesses, makers, artists, food producers and specialist retailers interested in joining Common Ground.

Tell us about your business, what you would like to bring and whether you’re interested in a regular unit, a future opportunity or a short-term pop-up.

Please include your contact details, photographs of your products or current setup, website or social media links, preferred start date and any practical requirements.

Email simmie@ilovenorthshields.com with the subject “Common Ground – Trader Enquiry”.

Applications are curated according to the business mix, suitability and available space.

Read the Common Ground trader information and FAQs.