London’s coffee scene has evolved far beyond the standard flat white. We are now in the era of the “Super-Roaster,” where sourcing ethics, scientific precision, and killer branding are just as important as the caffeine hit.
If you’re looking to stock your cupboards with the best beans in the city, here are five London roasters that are currently leading the pack.
Dark Arts Coffee (Shoreditch)
Walking into Dark Arts feels more like entering a biker gang’s hangout or a gothic art studio than a coffee roastery. Based in a railway arch in East London, they’ve managed to combine a “joyful nihilism” aesthetic with some of the most technical roasting in the UK.
- The Packaging: They are famous for their bold, occult-inspired designs. Their new modular packaging even features collectible artwork cards for each roast—it’s basically Pokémon for coffee nerds.
- Link: Dark Arts Coffee
La Tostadora (Bethnal Green)
Founded by Dora—affectionately known as “The Roaster Girl”—La Tostadora is all about transparency. Having spent significant time on coffee farms in Colombia, Dora has built a roastery that functions as a direct bridge between farmers and Londoners.
- The Vibe: Authentic and community-driven. They focus on “revealing the hidden facts” of the coffee journey, ensuring every bean is ethically sourced and traceable.
- Link: La Tostadora Roastery
Hermanos (London Fields)
Hermanos (meaning “Brothers”) was started by Victor and Santiago Gamboa with a single mission: to bring the best single-origin Colombian coffee to the UK. They focus exclusively on Colombian beans, working directly with small-scale farmers to ensure fair pay and sustainable practices.
- The Vibe: Vibrant and educational. Every bag tells a specific story of Colombian craftsmanship and tradition.
- Link: Hermanos Colombian Coffee
Ozone (Shoreditch)
Originally hailing from New Zealand, Ozone is a heavyweight in the London specialty scene. Their Shoreditch flagship is a masterclass in “industrial-chic,” where you can watch the massive roasting drums spinning in the basement while you eat your brunch.
- The Vibe: Bustling, professional, and consistent. They are a B Corp certified business, meaning their commitment to the environment is baked into every bean.
- Link: Ozone Coffee Roasters
Volcano Coffee Roasters (Brixton)
Founded by Kiwi chef Kurt Stewart, Volcano started as a coffee cart in West Norwood and grew into a state-of-the-art roastery in Brixton. Their motto is “give everyone a fair shot,” and they live by it through a strictly ethical supply chain that supports the livelihoods of their growing communities.
- The Vibe: Soulful and innovative. They are constantly experimenting with new roast profiles to highlight rare flavor notes.
- Link: Volcano Coffee Works
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