Ask the Roaster - Steve from Cloud Gate
How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?
The roastery was founded after John & Steve had crossed paths previously through other projects. John was operating a small roastery and Steve had been running a corporate business but yearning to get back to his roots of hospitality and in particular, mixology. Sensing a gap in the local market and a desire to pursue their passion for coffee, they built Cloud Gate Coffee and recently opened its retail space The French Press with the ethos of creating a coffee brand that had something for everyone and looked after both the planet and its people.
What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?
Our favourite part of working at the roastery is the variety. Even though we're always roasting, every day and every roast is different. Working in such small batches, attention to detail needs to be paid to every roast and it keeps us on our toes. We're really excited about working with some beans we haven't worked with before this year and seeing what our customers think.
What's your proudest accomplishment?
Our proudest accomplishment is honestly, getting through 2020. Our business was heavily weighted towards wholesale clients and almost completely vanished overnight. We worked quickly to turn things around and become more direct consumer focused and it opened us up to a whole new world. We love meeting and speaking to the people who drink our coffee at home and have built up the loveliest bunch of regular customers.
What three words best describe your Roastery?
Really - Flipping - Cold.What’s your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?
It sounds simple but we love the garden at our retail space in Thirsk. It's really quiet and tucked away and is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee with a team we love working with. John and Steve would have Tanzanian brewed on a V60, Justine would have Cuban in a flat white.
Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?
Whippet in a flat cap.
