When flooding hits a hospitality business, the impact is immediate and severe. Equipment is lost. Service stops. Revenue disappears overnight.

 

That was the reality for Coffi Lab in Monmouth, the original store that helped launch the brand. 

 

Following severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia in November 2025, the Coffi Lab Monmouth was left devastated. Fixtures, fittings and vital foodservice equipment were destroyed. For a business built on community, character and consistency, the stakes could not have been higher.

 

What followed was a clear example of fast action, strong relationships and experienced engineering support making the difference.

 

At the centre of that response was WAM Engineering Services.

The Monmouth store is not just another Coffi Lab location. It is where the story began. The first “Lab”. The place that set the tone for everything that followed.

 

Known for its relaxed, dog-friendly environment and welcoming atmosphere, Coffi Lab has built a loyal customer base across every location, and the Monmouth store holds a special place in that journey.

 

When the floods hit, WAM’s Kyle James did not wait to be asked.

“The night the flooding happened, I reached out to Rob King at Coffi Lab straight away,” said Kyle. “We had worked together on many other projects, so it was about offering support and being ready if they needed us.”

 

That call led to immediate action. Within days, WAM began sourcing replacement equipment based on what had been lost.

One key challenge was the grab-and-go refrigeration unit. These are typically made to order and can take up to four weeks to deliver. In a situation where time was critical, that was not an option.

 

“We managed to have a unit manufactured and paid for within four days,” Kyle explained. “It was ready for delivery almost immediately. That kind of turnaround is not typical, but we knew how important it was to get them trading again.”

While initial plans focused on getting the coffee shop operational as quickly as possible, the scale of the damage led to a different decision. Following assessment by an insurance loss adjuster, a full refurbishment was approved.

 

This shifted the project from rapid replacement to a complete rebuild.

WAM worked closely with Coffi Lab and contractors throughout the process. One of the key stages was ensuring the building was fully dried out and ready for installation. Timing was critical. Equipment could not be installed too early, but delays would push reopening further back.

 

By maintaining clear communication with all parties, WAM ensured the project stayed on track and installation was scheduled and completed on 23 February 2026.

Rebuilding a coffee shop that means everything

The new Monmouth store was fitted with a full range of commercial catering and refrigeration equipment designed to support Coffi Lab’s day-to-day operations.

 

This included a grab-and-go refrigeration unit, upright fridges and freezers, beverage systems, a new dishwasher and a bespoke drop-in counter chiller.

 

Each element was selected to balance performance, reliability and efficiency. The aim was not just to replace what had been lost, but to create a space that could perform even better.

 

As with every Coffi Lab site, the layout supports both customer experience and operational flow. From quick service for takeaway customers to a comfortable environment for those staying longer, every detail plays a role.

Delivering the Monmouth refurbishment alongside the Pontcanna opening placed significant demands on all involved. Multiple projects. Tight timelines. High expectations.

 

Both were completed successfully.

 

“There were a lot of moving parts across both sites,” said Kyle. “The key was communication and planning. We worked closely with Coffi Lab and the contractors at every stage, making sure everything was ready when it needed to be.”

 

For Coffi Lab, reopening Monmouth was about more than restoring a coffee shop. It was about restoring a key part of their identity.

 

For WAM Engineering Services, it demonstrated the value of acting quickly, thinking practically and working as a true partner to hospitality businesses.

Flooding, equipment failure and unexpected disruption are realities many operators face. How quickly you recover often depends on the support around you.

 

This project shows what is possible with the right expertise in place.

From emergency response to full refurbishment, WAM Engineering Services continues to support Coffee Shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues across South & West Wales, Bristol, South West and beyond.

 

For more information on our design and installation services, contact: