Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Every single coffee we offer is certified organic by the Soil Association, the UK's leading organic certification body. This certification guarantees that our coffees are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilisers. We verify the organic status of every supply chain from farm to roastery, ensuring complete transparency and compliance with UK and EU organic standards.

We partner with organic coffee farmers across several renowned coffee-growing regions including Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Brazil. Each origin is carefully selected for its unique terroir and the dedication of farmers to organic and sustainable practices. We maintain direct relationships with these producers, visiting farms regularly to ensure quality standards and ethical working conditions are maintained year-round.

Direct trade means we buy coffee beans directly from farmers or their co-operatives, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This approach allows us to pay fair, sustainable prices that exceed Fair Trade minimums, whilst building long-term relationships with producers. Farmers receive better compensation for their crops, which enables them to invest in quality improvements, organic certification, and community development. It also gives us complete transparency over growing and processing methods.

Our Soil Association organic certification number is displayed on all product packaging and is available on request. You can verify our certification status directly through the Soil Association's online database. Additionally, each coffee batch comes with full traceability documentation showing the farm of origin, harvest date, and certification details. We maintain complete transparency in our supply chain and welcome enquiries about our organic credentials.

We roast in small batches throughout the week and dispatch orders within 24 hours of roasting. Most UK customers receive their coffee within 2-3 days of the roast date, ensuring exceptional freshness. Every bag is clearly labelled with the precise roast date so you always know exactly how fresh your coffee is. We never hold stock for extended periods; freshness is our absolute priority.

Small-batch roasting means we roast coffee in limited quantities, typically 10-15kg per batch, using precision equipment that allows exact temperature and timing control. This approach ensures every bean is roasted evenly and the unique characteristics of each origin are preserved. Larger commercial roasters often process hundreds of kilos at once, which can lead to inconsistency. Our small batches guarantee superior quality and allow us to adjust roast profiles to bring out the best in each coffee.

We offer light, medium, and dark roast profiles depending on the coffee origin and its inherent characteristics. Light roasts preserve bright acidity and delicate floral notes, perfect for single-origin coffees like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Medium roasts balance sweetness and body, ideal for all-day drinking. Dark roasts develop rich chocolate and caramel notes, excellent for espresso. Each product page clearly indicates the roast level and flavour profile to help you choose.

Store your coffee in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Keep it sealed in our resealable bag or transfer to an airtight container. Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer as condensation can damage flavour. Whole beans stay fresh for 3-4 weeks after roasting when stored properly; ground coffee is best used within 2 weeks of opening for optimal flavour.

Absolutely. We offer whole bean coffee as well as a variety of grind options tailored to different brewing methods: espresso (fine), filter/pour-over (medium), cafetière (coarse), and stovetop/moka pot (fine-medium). Simply select your preferred grind when adding to your basket. We recommend purchasing whole beans if you have a grinder at home, as this preserves freshness and flavour longer than pre-ground coffee.

Yes, we offer Swiss Water Process decaffeinated coffee, which removes 99.9% of caffeine without using chemical solvents. This gentle, natural method preserves the coffee's original flavour characteristics, delivering a rich, full-bodied cup without the caffeine. Our decaf coffee undergoes the same rigorous quality standards as our caffeinated offerings and is perfect for enjoying exceptional coffee any time of day or evening.

Single-origin coffees come from one specific region, farm, or co-operative rather than being blended from multiple sources. These coffees showcase the unique terroir, climate, and processing methods of their origin, offering distinctive flavour profiles. For example, Ethiopian coffees often feature floral and citrus notes, whilst Colombian coffees tend towards caramel sweetness and smooth body. Single origins are ideal for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy exploring diverse flavour characteristics.

Blends combine beans from multiple origins to create a balanced, consistent flavour profile that works well across different brewing methods and preferences. Our master roasters carefully select and proportion beans to achieve specific taste characteristics. Single-origin coffees highlight the unique qualities of one particular region. Blends offer consistency and approachability; single origins provide distinctive, sometimes adventurous flavour experiences. Both are certified organic and roasted to the same exacting standards.

Yes, we offer free standard delivery on all orders over £40 to UK addresses. For orders under £40, delivery is £3.95. We use carbon-neutral couriers committed to reducing environmental impact. Orders placed before midday are typically dispatched the same working day, with most deliveries arriving within 2-3 working days. You'll receive tracking information via email once your order is dispatched.

We deliver to all UK addresses including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Remote Scottish Highlands and islands may experience slightly longer delivery times but are fully covered by our service. International shipping is currently not available, but we're working to expand our delivery options in future. If you have specific delivery requirements or concerns about your location, please contact us before ordering.

Yes, all orders include full tracking. Once your coffee is dispatched, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and link to monitor your delivery progress in real-time. You can see when your parcel is out for delivery and receive notifications when it arrives. If you experience any issues with tracking or delivery, our customer service team is available to assist you promptly.

Our courier will attempt delivery and leave a card if you're not available. You can then arrange redelivery for a convenient time or collect from a local depot. Many couriers also offer safe place instructions or neighbour delivery options that you can specify during checkout. Coffee packages are designed to fit through standard letterboxes where possible to ensure successful delivery even when you're away.

Our subscription service delivers fresh coffee to your door at your chosen frequency: weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. You select your favourite coffee or opt for our roaster's choice to discover new origins each delivery. Subscriptions can be paused, skipped, or cancelled anytime with no commitment or cancellation fees. Subscribers save 10% on every order and receive priority access to limited-edition releases and seasonal specials.

Yes, your subscription is completely flexible. You can change delivery frequency, switch coffee varieties, adjust quantities, or modify grind preferences at any time through your online account. Changes made before your next scheduled dispatch date will be reflected in that delivery. There are no restrictions on how often you can make changes, and no fees apply for modifications.

Simply pause your subscription through your account dashboard for as long as needed. You can specify the exact dates you'll be away, and deliveries will automatically resume when you return. Alternatively, you can skip individual deliveries without affecting your regular schedule. There's no limit to how many times you can pause or skip, giving you complete control over your subscription.

No, there is no minimum subscription period or long-term commitment required. You can cancel your subscription at any time with immediate effect. If you cancel between delivery cycles, you won't be charged again. We believe in earning your loyalty through quality and service, not contractual obligations. Many customers stay with us for years simply because they love the coffee and convenience.

Each coffee's unique characteristics shine with different brewing methods. Pour-over and filter methods (such as V60 or Chemex) highlight floral and fruity notes beautifully, perfect for light to medium roasts. Espresso-based drinks showcase body and sweetness. French press brings out richness and oils, ideal for full-bodied coffees. We include specific brewing recommendations on every product page and in your delivery, along with suggested water temperature, brew time, and coffee-to-water ratios.

A good starting point is 60-65 grams of coffee per litre of water, or roughly 1:16 ratio. This translates to about 15g of coffee for a 250ml cup. However, personal preference varies significantly, so we encourage experimentation. Stronger coffee lovers may prefer 1:14, whilst those who enjoy a lighter brew might use 1:18. Using a digital scale ensures consistency and helps you dial in your perfect cup over time.

Absolutely. Water comprises over 98% of your brewed coffee, so quality matters enormously. Use fresh, filtered water free from chlorine and excessive minerals. Very hard water can create chalky flavours and scaling in equipment, whilst very soft water may produce flat-tasting coffee. If your tap water tastes good on its own, it will likely make good coffee. Avoid distilled water as it lacks minerals needed to extract flavour properly.

Start with fresh beans ground immediately before brewing. Use 18-20g of coffee for a double shot, aiming for 36-40g liquid output in 25-30 seconds. Water temperature should be 92-96°C. Ensure even tamping pressure and a level coffee bed. Espresso is highly sensitive to grind size; adjust finer if extraction is too fast, coarser if too slow. Our espresso blends are formulated to be forgiving whilst delivering excellent crema and balanced flavour when dialled in correctly.

Yes, our coffees work beautifully for cold brew. Use a coarse grind and a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio. Steep for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator, then strain through a fine filter. The result is smooth, low-acid concentrate that can be diluted with water, milk, or served over ice. Medium to dark roasts typically produce the best cold brew, offering chocolate and nutty notes. Our Brazilian Santos and Colombian Supremo are particularly popular choices for cold brewing.

We stand behind the quality of our coffee with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, contact us within 30 days for a full refund or replacement. You don't need to return the coffee; simply let us know what didn't meet your expectations so we can improve. Your satisfaction is genuinely our priority, and we want every customer to love their coffee experience.

Whilst we package all orders carefully, damage can occasionally occur during transit. If your coffee arrives damaged, opened, or in unsatisfactory condition, contact us immediately with photos of the packaging and product. We'll arrange a replacement to be dispatched the same day at no cost to you. In cases of courier negligence, we'll also file a claim on your behalf to ensure accountability.

Orders can be cancelled free of charge if you contact us before dispatch. Given that we roast to order and aim to dispatch quickly, please get in touch as soon as possible. Once an order has been dispatched, it cannot be cancelled in transit, but you can refuse delivery or return it under our 30-day guarantee once received. Contact our customer service team by email or phone for fastest response.

Absolutely. Every batch is cupped and evaluated by our quality control team before release. We guarantee that all coffee meets our strict standards for organic certification, freshness, and flavour. If any batch fails to meet these standards, it is not sold. We maintain complete traceability from farm to cup and can provide documentation for any coffee lot upon request. Quality is never compromised for profit or convenience.

Yes, sustainability is central to our operations. All our coffee bags are 100% recyclable and compostable, made from plant-based materials with biodegradable linings that protect freshness without harming the environment. Shipping boxes are made from recycled cardboard and can be recycled again. We use minimal packaging and avoid plastic wherever possible. Even our tape and labels are eco-friendly. We're constantly reviewing our packaging to ensure we meet the highest environmental standards.

We operate primarily online to keep costs down and pass savings to our customers, ensuring you receive exceptional coffee at fair prices. However, our roastery is located at 157 High Street, Hornchurch, England, RM11 3YD. Whilst we don't have a traditional retail space, local customers are welcome to contact us to arrange collection orders. This allows you to enjoy freshly roasted coffee whilst saving on delivery charges.

Yes, we offer beautifully packaged gift sets perfect for coffee lovers. Our Discovery Gift Set features five distinctive single-origin coffees in one elegant box. Gift subscriptions are also available, allowing recipients to enjoy fresh coffee deliveries over several months. All gifts can include a personalised message. Gift orders are packaged with extra care and can be sent directly to the recipient with your message enclosed.

Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. You can reach us by phone at +44 1708 765432, by email at [email protected], or through the contact form on our website. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours, though most queries are answered much faster. For urgent matters, phone is the quickest option. We're genuinely here to help and ensure you have the best possible coffee experience.