The biggest coffee party on Earth is back this year with the London Coffee Festival celebrating its 10th birthday at the Old Truman Brewery in Spitalfields.
Explore the world of coffee
Over 250 businesses and organisations will be present at the four-day event (23 – 26 September 2021) that celebrates the incredible coffee community across the UK. The gathering is also an opportune moment to mark all the hard work undertaken by those who have kept the country supplied with coffee since the onset of the pandemic. According to the organisers, over 30,000 coffee lovers and foodies, professional baristas, coffee shop owners and top decision-makers are expected to explore the world of coffee at the gathering.
The festival will begin with two Industry Days (Thursday and Friday), with the public being welcomed from 5pm – 8pm on Friday. This year the festival features over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, tastings and demonstrations from world-class baristas, interactive workshops, street food, coffee-based cocktails, live music, DJs, art exhibitions and so much more. The programme also includes interactive talks, workshops and demonstrations designed for baristas, café owners and hospitality executives. Key topics, including entrepreneurship, sustainability, inclusivity and innovation are designed to inspire and spark lively debate.
Inspiration and learning at The Lab
A “Lab” area will host a wide range of free seminars and workshops that will provide trade attendees with latest market insight, innovative ideas and ready-to-implement training and vocational skills. This year’s Lab sessions include a live demonstration with celebrity chef Jason Atherton, talks around the espresso machines of the future. Roundtables will address racial and gender equality, diversity and representation in the UK coffee and hospitality sector. Jeffrey Young, CEO, Allegra Group, will commence this year’s Lab programme, with a talk exploring changing consumer expectations and global megatrends. The sessions will also see industry experts investigate how careers in coffee have evolved during the pandemic, as well as a conversation B Corp (the global certification organisation recognising corporate citizenship) to discuss the future of sustainability in the coffee industry.
The first three-hour public session will begin at 4pm on Friday. The programme features an array of interactive demonstrations, inspirational workshops and delicious tasting sessions. Epicurean lovers of the coffee bean can also attend fascinating talks and lively debates on everything from starting a new career in coffee to how to brew coffee at home.
Sustainability is a big focus of this year’s Festival and a “Sustainable Coffee Flight” initiative is being launched. Attendees bringing a reusable cup to this year’s festival will not only reduce waste but get to sample exclusive sustainable coffees from some of the most exciting roasters. Those who bring along a reusable coffee cup also get fast-track entry into the Festival and receive a stamp for each coffee sample they try. Three stamps entitles an attendee to enter a prize draw to win an all-expenses paid trip to Italy. The holiday includes a visit LaMarzocco’s Accademia del Caffe Espresso and a cultural tour of Florence (T&Cs apply).
Latte Art
This year an interactive zone dedicated to the highly popular skill of “Latte art” will be hosted by Ozone Coffee Roasters. Some of the world’s best baristas will be demonstrating their creative skills across a packed programme. The Faema Brew Bar will serve up a slice of London’s vibrant café culture. Leading industry suppliers Coffee Masters will present delicious coffees from several European roasters with internationally renowned baristas on hand to serve attendees. Local micro roasters and international guests, such as His Majesty the Coffee and Lot Zero, will take over the space to run live brewing sessions and masterclasses. Experts from MUMAC Academy, the renowned coffee learning centre, will be present throughout the festival to answer any questions and offer tips.
If you feel hungry, Feelgood Kitchen, the brand-new frozen food subscription box service, are opening a pop-up restaurant. The menu is crafted by the restaurant’s Michelin star trained chefs in their dairy free and gluten free kitchen.
Staying Safe
In line with latest government guidance and the Association of Event Organisers (UK), the organisers have taken the decision to verify attendee Covid-19 status on arrival at the event which will include visitors, exhibitors, contractors, venue and organiser staff. The London Coffee Festival website explains the various safety measures that are being implemented at the venue.
Coffee TV
For those who are unable to attend the in-person event and meet the experts, explore different brewing methods and taste some great coffees, the organisers have a free 12-hour online video stream. Coffee TV features 60+ engaging, entertaining and educational events showcasing the best the London coffee scene has to offer.
So if you love coffee and want to meet London’s best coffee shops and roasters in one place, just head to the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane for the London Coffee Festival.
(All images courtesy of The London Coffee Festival)
