So you’re probably here wondering who are the best coffee roasters in the UK? I thought so.
I’m guessing you enjoy finding new independent roasters to taste and enjoy from home too?
Well, buying a bag of coffee beans here, and buying a bag of healthy coffee there, sounds very simple. So what’s the catch?
As of 2024, there’s an absolute tonne of coffee roasters online. In fact, there are now over 750 in the UK (are you serious?!).
Yes really – that’s 750 places to sift through before you even get to wrap your lips around your favourite coffee mug and sip delicious, freshly brewed coffee at home.
But why should I get the glory? What makes me the best person to create the ultimate guide to the UK’s best coffee?
Well, here’s a little bit about me:
I’m James – I’ve spent 10 years working within the heart of the specialty coffee industry. My previous role, was working for Sanremo, an Italian espresso machine company that create seriously beautiful coffee machines. It was this job that gave me the amazing opportunity to work very closely with hundreds of the best coffee roasters across the UK & Ireland.
Personally meeting with the owners, taste-testing their blends, and sampling their rare single-origin coffees.
Just before we get started, if you’d prefer to explore a coffee subscription service, then jump into our review of the best coffee subscriptions in the UK.
Now let us dive into more details and here’s a list of the best UK coffee roasters 2024, just for you.
Table of Contents
The Best Coffee Roasters London
1. Balance Coffee
So full disclosure here, I own Balance Coffee. Set up in the depths of lockdown, at Balance we really care about what ingredients you put into your body, so our mission is simple:
We pay more to bring you a healthy toxin-free coffee without the nasties like, Mould, Mycotoxins and Pesticides. You’ll enjoy a naturally clean cup with only the finest grade of coffee bringing you the healthiest, tastiest most nutritious coffee on the planet.
Want to try? Visit our speciality coffee range to enjoy 20% off your first order with code: ‘EIL20′
www.balancecoffee.co.uk
IG: @balancecoffee
2. Assembly Coffee
Assembly Coffee are up there as one of my all time favourites. Their commitment to quality is obvious and they don’t pretend that their coffee isn’t high end. You’ll pay a higher price than other roasters but, you know what you’re buying is some of the best coffee you can get your hands on.
Their focus and commitment to sourcing is definitely what sets them apart from the rest.
Buy a high quality bag of beans today.
www.assemblycoffee.co.uk
IG: @assemblycoffee
3. Volcano Coffee Works
Founded 10+ years ago, Volcano Coffee have cemented themselves as one of the top coffee roasters within the UK. Their founder Kurt Stewart, has an incredible story explaining how he launched the business whilst recovering from a near-fatal bike crash.
I have a soft spot for Volcano – not only are the team behind the business brilliant people, they genuinely care about what they do, and this translates into the quality of coffee they produce and the reputation they have built.
Grab a bag of coffee from Volcano, or try out their latest pods you can sit back and enjoy a tasty brew from home.
Get 15% OFF code: ‘EILCOF15’
www.volcanocoffeeworks.com
IG: @volcanocoffeeworks
4. Origin Coffee Roasters
Origin was founded by Tom Sobey in 2004. This coffee biz is an independently owned speciality coffee roaster that is bound by one main ethos; to source exceptional coffee through a sustainable approach. Since the beginning, Tom has firmly believed in giving back to the community.
Now, more than 10 years on, Origin has a state-of-the-art coffee roastery, a number of cafes in Cornwall as well as London, as well as sells through wholesale, retail, and coffee subscriptions. Their coffee is superb, so check it out.
www.origincoffee.co.uk
IG: @origincoffeeroasters
5. Union Coffee
Union coffee are a UK coffee roaster who certainly deserve some of the limelight. With over 20 years of experience in producing coffee, Union Founders Jeremy and Steven, went on mission to source coffee ethically and sustainably before it became fashionable. Pioneers within the UK coffee industry, their reputation precedes them as one of the best roasters in London.
Our expert Georgie left an honest review of Union’s awesome coffee, so go check it out.
www.unionroasted.com
IG: @unionroasted
6. Pact Coffee
Pact Coffee had to make our list of the best coffee roasters in the UK. Why? Because they were one of the first coffee companies who saw the opportunity to deliver first class speciality to home coffee drinkers and created a personalised subscription service around this.
Get started with their coffee subscription or first try a bag and see what you think. An impressive selection of countries and origins for you to try at home.
www.pactcoffee.com
IG: @pactcoffee
7. Redemption Coffee Roasters
If you’ve not heard of Redemption Coffee Roasters before, then you should have. Redemption claimed ‘the world’s first prison-based coffee roastery’ which is pretty cool if you ask me.
A modern coffee roaster on a mission to reduce reoffending rates through coffee. It’s another example of some of the great initiatives being created by companies to put people before profit.
Buy a bag of Redemption coffee and support a fabulous cause.
www.redemptionroasters.com
IG: @redemptionroasters
8. Chapter Coffee
Chapter Coffee are one of the lesser known coffee roasters in London, but they deserve a mention. They have a trendy coffee shop hangout located in West London, which by day serves up delicious coffee before transitioning into a bar during the early evening.
They have and online shop too where you can stock up on all things coffee, so give them a try.
9. Allpress Coffee Roasters
I couldn’t leave Allpress Espresso out could I? Arguably, one of the best coffee roasters in London.
Originating in New Zealand over three decades ago, Allpress has firmly established itself in the London coffee scene as one of the giants. If you haven’t come across their stylish coffee roastery situated in Dalston – East London, then you should definitely check it out. Just picture that perfect lazy Sunday over brunch with your favourite coffee.
Their online shop includes coffee beans, ground coffee, coffee capsules as well as merchandise – everything you need to kick starts your morning.
www.allpressespresso.com
IG: @allpressespresso
If you want to jump on the latest trend in 2023, then save money every time you purchase coffee with a coffee membership, which means you can sip and save.
10. Caravan Coffee Roasters
If you find yourself searching on google for ‘coffee roasters near me’ and you’re in central London, then Caravan coffee roasters will likely appear. Their locations have become landmarks inside the Square Mile, welcoming morning meetings over breakfast and after-work drinks late into the evening.
Caravan’s food has always been extremely impressive. The quality of ingredients they use is top-notch, and you can really taste the difference. In the coffee bar, you’ll find experienced baristas pumping out flat whites and americano all day long.
Our team recently reviewed their city restaurant and posted it on our Instagram – you’ve got to check out some of the amazing dishes on their menu.
www.caravancoffee.co.uk
IG: @caravanroastery
11. Ozone Coffee Roasters
Ozone coffee roasters are yet another New Zealand company to grace London town. A renowned coffee and brunch destination, it’s the perfect place for a meeting spot over coffee, food, or both. Just a 2 minute’s walk away from Old Street Roundabout, Ozone is one of the originals and has been in the heart of the city since the early speciality coffee scene emerged.
In typical New Zealand style, they make the perfect flat white and you can eat some seriously tasty food that is made in front of you in their open-style kitchen.
You can always judge a great coffee shop by how busy it is, and trust me – it’s always rammed!
Ozone have a wide range of coffees available on the menu, catering to all coffee drinkers.
www.ozonecoffee.co.uk
IG: @ozonecoffeeuk
12. Climpson and Sons
Climpson and Sons are located in London Fields, Hackney. A coffee roastery with a ‘hipster’ image and a very friendly team who care all about the coffee. Priding themselves on sourcing exclusive coffees from around the world, Climpson roasters had to make it into our best coffee roasters list of 2021.
In addition, the Climpsons team has been around since 2002 and predominately supplies the speciality cafes and restaurants of London with their popular coffee blends – (you should try the Broadway Blend).
Also, if you’re a home coffee enthusiast, you can buy a selection of their single-origin coffees from their ever-changing online shop.
IG: @climpsonandsons
www.climpsonandsons.com
13. Perky Blenders Coffee Roasters
Perky Blenders popped out of the woodwork a few years ago and the name must have something to do with it. Was it a clever marketing play on the popular Peaky Blinders? Or are the coffee blenders perky from the caffeine? I don’t know, but it’s clearly worked.
I’ve never ordered coffee from their online shop but their cafes make a lovely flat white. I recently popped into their cafe on High Street Kensington as well as it was served great coffee by some first-class baristas.
IG: @perkyblenders
www.perkyblenders.com
14. Square Mile Coffee
How can we not mention the Square Mile coffee gang? Founded by James Hoffman, this coffee roaster was one of the pioneers of the third wave coffee boom to start in the UK back in 2010.
Establishing themselves as a go-to for quality and training, they became a highly reputable roaster producing an exceptional range of speciality coffees from all over the world, and not letting price determine decisions around coffee sourcing.
Their coffee really shines so they are absolutely worth a try.
15. Terrone & Co
Terrone coffee was founded by Edy Piro back in 2010. A passionate Italian who went on a mission to remove the stigma associated with dark roast Italian coffee, because of the bad rep it had built up. Edy went on to set up a coffee roastery and is now based in Tottenham Hale.
Furthermore, they supply a wide range of cafes, shops, and people at home with their modern-day Italian Coffee.
Pick up a bag and see what you think.
IG: @terroneuk
www.terrone.co.uk
16. Gentlemen Baristas
The Gentleman Baristas sprang out of nowhere back in 2018 with the tagline ‘well-mannered coffee’. Like most coffee roasters the GB’s first established themselves with coffee shop outlets as well as now boast 9 sites across London town. Their coffee shops have a certain charm about them, with warm, cosy feels – perfect on a winter’s morning when you’re sheltering from the cold.
Their impressive online shop is packed full of different blends as well as flavours to choose from, so get stuck in!
IG: @thegentlemanbaristas
www.thegentlemenbaristas.com
17. Grind Coffee
I couldn’t leave out Grind from this mega list of coffee roasters. Grind have exploded in recent years, after starting their coffee journey on old Street roundabout with the famous ‘Shoreditch Grind’ cafe and cocktail bar. Possibly one of my favourite espresso martini joints in London town so if you haven’t been, then swing by after work for one, or two – you won’t regret it.
You can try their coffee pods from their online shop. If you like pink you’re in for a treat as they’ll even chuck in a free tin when you order.
18. Old Spike Coffee
Old Spike definitely make the best coffee roasters list, and for very good reason. The UK’s first social enterprise, speciality coffee roastery. With a whopping 65% of their profits going directly to people experiencing homelessness, you can’t get coffee that’s more ethical coffee than that? Grab a bag to support this amazing initiative.
You can read the full story here.
IG: @oldspikeroast
www.oldspikeroastery.com
19. Dark Arts Coffee
The Dark Arts coffee gang is not for the faint-hearted. Think motorbikes, leather jackets, beards, tattoos – yeah I think you’ve got the gist? Arguably the coolest and most outlandish coffee roaster to exist in the UK. Follow their Instagram for hilarious memes and tear-downs of other brands.
With a very loyal and engaged following, there’s a reason for it. In addition, their coffee is pretty delicious too so it’s worth grabbing a grab to get your morning fix.
www.darkartscoffee.co.uk
IG: @darkartscoffee
20. Workshop Coffee
Workshop Coffee has been a stable roaster in the London coffee scene since the early 2000’s. Their cafe and roastery in Farringdon was the landmark location that established their reputation in the early years, before expanding their presence throughout London.
Also, what I like about Workshop Coffee is that everything they do exudes quality. From the decor of their interiors to their equipment choices and most importantly, the quality of speciality coffee they use and serve.
One of my favourite espresso experiences was on a Thursday afternoon, sat inside whilst the rain pouring down outside. I sipped on an Ethiopian Rocko Mountain Reserve whilst enjoying the warm and cosy atmosphere of their beautiful cafe.
www.workshopcoffee.com
IG: @workshopcoffee
21. Notes Coffee
Notes Coffee Roasters has a special place in my heart. It was officially the first ‘speciality coffee shop’ which blew me away from a flavour perspective.
Arriving outside Notes coffee and wine bar on St Martin’s Lane, the original location near Leicester Square tube station. This was the cafe that first showcased the whirlwind of flavours that coffee had available.
Certainly, I vividly remember trying to figure out how they were able to make the coffee taste sweet. It was this experience that made me climb into the rabbit hole of the world of speciality coffee. Where I’d later spend the rest of my career exploring and tasting interesting coffees.
Notes have since become a big player, opening up multiple stores throughout London locations such as Kings Cross, Bond Street, and Canary Wharf among others. It might be regarded more as a small chain however, one thing they haven’t dropped is its standards for quality.
www.notescoffee.com
IG: @workshopcoffee
Thanks for reading our coffee-related article. If you’re interested in finding the best mushroom coffee brands, then head to our latest blog to discover more.
We’ll be updating this article with even more of the best coffee roasters very soon, so check back soon for updates! And if you’re into healthy coffee recipes that boost your day then give our blog a read.
Let us know your thoughts or favourites in the comments below.
Founder of Eating in London1 Comment
Very informative