Ask the Roaster - Zach from Chipp Coffee

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

It was the logical next step really, after founding the business in 2016 for consultancy work and having some very small batch roast productions over the years, moving back to Leeds in 2018 it was about time to practice what I’d preached and set up for real.

What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?

The green coffee side is and always has been my favourite part, from building great relationships with our importing partners and producers down to analysing each lot of green coffee that comes through the door.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

I don’t think I have just one… but something that I am quite proud of is how much fundraising for different causes we’re able to do, during lockdown we collaborated with an amazing artist to raise nearly £1K for NHS teaching hospitals, we have a rotating monthly fundraising coffee for Mental Health charities in collaboration with Tell Me a Time, plus a few others too.

What three words best describe your Roastery?

Friendly - Accessible - and right now, Cold!

Where would you recommend for food and drink in your local area?

Coffee - 'Kapow!' Eats - 'Swine that dines'. Cocktails - 'Power, Corruption, Lies'

What would you drink if there was no coffee?

Most likely just water, or tea, big fan of Darjeeling.

What is your favourite snack or treat to have to accompany your coffee?

I think this is more out of old habits trying to snack between full days of cupping tables but just a simple plain oatcake! I know, very dull haha.

What is your favourite tasting notes to find in coffee?

Yellow fruits like papaya really excite me, and jasmine, especially in washed coffees.

What’s your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?

I recently managed to get a breakaway to the Isle of Islay, took my V60 and a bag of Colombia - El Crucero and sipping that first thing in the morning was bliss.

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

Dachshund in a Flat cap