Ask the Roaster - Joel from Jolly Bean

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

I think the initial seed for Jolly Bean was planted years ago whilst studying at University in Leeds. I often used to pop in to a great local café, The Bowery, for breakfast on Sundays and fell in love with the place. I remember sitting there thinking ‘oh one day it’d be nice to do this’. Fast forward 8 years and I was working long hours in the corporate world playing games of email ping pong and trying to plan a way out, I loved coffee and knew I should probably do something I enjoyed. I picked up a small 200g roaster and begin to experiment at home, and that’s where it all started from. Not long after this I noticed a shop for rent and made the move to open a coffee bar and the roasting followed.

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

Cupping new coffees, I love finding that new bean for our line up, hunting around for the next ‘juicy banger’ as they say.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

We’ve had the privilege of working with a local craft brewery, SALT, and have released a couple of coffee beers with them. Guji, an Ethiopian Natural IPA, and Hessian, a cacao, vanilla and coffee stout. Working with a brewery always seemed like something reserved for a ‘big’ roaster, so I had to pinch myself when they first got in touch, and you can now find Hessian on some supermarket shelves with our logo on the can.

What three words best describe your Roastery?

Small - Fair - Reasonable.

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

Laynes espresso in Leeds, a long black. 

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

A croissant.

What would you drink if there was no coffee?

Water, beer and whisky.

What is your favourite tasting notes to find in coffee?

Strawberry and Peach.

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

Salts Mill, a lovely converted Victorian Mill 1 minute from the roastery, full of David Hockney and the best bookshop with two atmospheric restaurants.

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

I’d probably stick one of those silly multi coloured propeller caps on an Afghan Hound, they’re a little too graceful and fancy for my liking so it’d be nice to see them looking a little more casual.