Our Story
From a passion project in a garden shed to a thriving East London roastery, discover how we built Roast & Beans.
It Started with a Question
In 2017, our founder Marcus spent three months travelling through coffee-growing regions in Central America. What began as a holiday turned into an obsession when he visited a small family farm in Guatemala.
The farmer, Elena, asked him a simple question: "Do you know what happens to my coffee after it leaves here?" Marcus did not. That question sparked everything.
Back in London, working from a converted shed behind his flat in Hackney, Marcus began roasting small batches of beans sourced directly from Elena and farmers like her. Friends tried his coffee. Then friends of friends. Within a year, the shed was too small.
Growing Together
Today, we operate from a proper roastery on Roasting Lane, though we have kept the same principles that guided those first batches. Every bean we source comes through direct relationships with farmers.
Our team has grown to eight people, including two Q-graders and a former World Latte Art Championship competitor. But we still roast in small batches, still cup every new lot before buying, and still answer every customer email personally.
Elena still supplies us with her exceptional Huehuetenango beans. Her daughter Maria has now joined the family business, and we are proud to have been part of their journey as much as they have been part of ours.
What Drives Us
Our values shape every decision, from the farmers we partner with to the way we package our beans.
Direct Relationships
We visit our partner farms annually, building relationships that go beyond transactions. This means better prices for farmers and better quality for you.
Transparent Sourcing
Every bag of our coffee includes full traceability information. Know exactly where your beans came from, who grew them, and how they were processed.
Environmental Care
We use recyclable packaging, offset our shipping emissions, and actively support reforestation projects in coffee-growing regions.
Taste the Difference
Experience what thoughtfully sourced and carefully roasted coffee can be. Browse our services or visit our roastery.
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