Coffee supplier for new coffee shop

[Red_Stafford]

Hi all I am currently putting plans together to open my own coffee shop, I want this coffee shop to offer the highest quality coffee possible so I was wondering if any of you could point me into the direction of a high quality coffee supplier who would be able to meet the demands of a busy (hopefully) coffee shop

[Gouezeri]

HI,
Sorry, little PHP problem, all sorted now.
Try this list as a start.
It needs a bit of updating, which we hope to get around to soon, as we're in the process of completely revising the site at the moment. On which note, if anybody else has any references to add to the list either send them to me in a PM, or mention them here for our new chum RS.
Ta
D

[Red_Stafford]

HI,
Sorry, little PHP problem, all sorted now.
Try this list as a start.
It needs a bit of updating, which we hope to get around to soon, as we're in the process of completely revising the site at the moment. On which note, if anybody else has any references to add to the list either send them to me in a PM, or mention them here for our new chum RS.
Ta
D

Cheers, I will take a look.

As mentioned above please post if you know of any more quality suppliers.

[Slimboyfat]

Hi Red - good luck with your venture

Have you considered roasting your own? If you can make the time, there is nothing better than the smell of freshly roasted coffee. The price differential between constant deliveries of fresh roasted beans and large supplies of greens could easily fund a good roaster IMHO

Coffee Plant on Portobello Road could be added to that list (which already contains a few excellent choices) - They supply to the trade and have a good range of beans

http://www.coffee.uk.com/coflist.html

Regards
Slimboy...

[Red_Stafford]

Hi Red - good luck with your venture

Have you considered roasting your own? If you can make the time, there is nothing better than the smell of freshly roasted coffee. The price differential between constant deliveries of fresh roasted beans and large supplies of greens could easily fund a good roaster IMHO

Coffee Plant on Portobello Road could be added to that list (which already contains a few excellent choices) - They supply to the trade and have a good range of beans

http://www.coffee.uk.com/coflist.html

Regards
Slimboy...

I have actually considered roasting in house what are the pros & cons when doing this.

So you say roasting yourself is cheaper than buying in freshly roasted beans ?

[Gouezeri]

Coffee Plant on Portobello Road could be added to that list (which already contains a few excellent choices) - They supply to the trade and have a good range of beans

Oooh, put me down for a couple of kilos of their Strong French.... 75% robusta

Looks like another roaster who is anti-homeroast too

As for roasting your own, Staff, I'd avoid this to start off with, as it requires quite an investment in time, skill and money. Try and focus on simply producing a decent espresso, and I mean something that members around here would actually drink. If you can do that, you'll be ahead of the game for a start!

[Red_Stafford]

Coffee Plant on Portobello Road could be added to that list (which already contains a few excellent choices) - They supply to the trade and have a good range of beans

Oooh, put me down for a couple of kilos of their Strong French.... 75% robusta

Looks like another roaster who is anti-homeroast too

As for roasting your own, Staff, I'd avoid this to start off with, as it requires quite an investment in time, skill and money. Try and focus on simply producing a decent espresso, and I mean something that members around here would actually drink. If you can do that, you'll be ahead of the game for a start!

Yeah cheers I think that would be the best idea. Just wondering on the freshness of buying roasted beans would I need a delivery every morning or do they last longer ?

[Raf]

They do last longer than one day, yes. Most will hit the sweet spot about four days after roasting (if this is incorrect, I'll get booed of the stage, so I feel free to impart some 'wisdom' here ).

Seriously: if you consider roasting in house, I suggest you go and check out the RedRoaster in Brighton, which is still one of the most amazing coffee houses I've ever seen. He has a beautiful red Probat (I think, might be a Dietrich) in his shop, spends all day roasting while his staff prepare great espresso's, latte's, teas. He even has a small kitchen for panini's and muffins. It's the completest coffee shop experience.

[Red_Stafford]

They do last longer than one day, yes. Most will hit the sweet spot about four days after roasting (if this is incorrect, I'll get booed of the stage, so I feel free to impart some 'wisdom' here ).

Seriously: if you consider roasting in house, I suggest you go and check out the RedRoaster in Brighton, which is still one of the most amazing coffee houses I've ever seen. He has a beautiful red Probat (I think, might be a Dietrich) in his shop, spends all day roasting while his staff prepare great espresso's, latte's, teas. He even has a small kitchen for panini's and muffins. It's the completest coffee shop experience.

Sounds good but I dont think we will be roasting in house maybe in the future.

[RobC]

If you want to serve the best quality coffee, then there are a number of things you need to do:-

1) Choose your equipment wisely, training is very key to espresso machines, a good machine can be wasted if nobody tells you how to use it correctly (The fact that Jim Hoffman from this forum is twice UK Barista Champion and trains La Spazialle commercial customers should speak volumes)

2) Find a coffee roaster that is passionate about their coffee and who will work with you to develop the blend you offer, I suggest Steve from www.hasbean.co.uk because I know he cares deeply for his product and sources some of the finest coffee's available. Their are many suppliers available but if you can find someone who really cares it makes life so much more easier.

3) If you need to top up your training, specialist schools like London School of Coffee will provide competive packages and the extra knowledge will be paid back in sales.

The UK coffee market is now extremely competitive, and if you plan to open a coffee shop you need to do so much more then just bang out cappuccino and latte, consumers are becoming much more savvy and to get customers and keep them you need to be giving them something special with value.

I hope this helps!

[jon]

gouezeri - you could also add http://www.pumphreys-coffee.co.uk/ to the list. I'm not sure beans are always as fresh as they could be (this is buying from their retail outlets - mailorder could be better) but quality's reasonably good, nice range of beans, and excellent tea too.

[Gouezeri]

Woah, those beans look just about right for Tisri!

[jon]

Woah, those beans look just about right for Tisri!

what's a tisri when it's at home?

[CakeBoy]

A wee beastie that lives on charcoal and coffee. They are not seen very often but if you are patient and wait for the smoke to clear, you might spot one waving a smoking colendar triumphantly

[Gouezeri]

Also called Idris, comes from smoke hill and lives in a firebox