Ask the Roaster - Ivan from Long and Short

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

We wanted to try and make speciality coffee more accessible to the majority of coffee drinkers, by using the 80/20 rule to bring most of the quality markers (quality green, lightly roasted, freshness), at prices that are competitive with more common commercial coffees.  Additionally, we try to educate drinkers and move perceptions away from ‘bitterness’, to open minds up to new and interesting tasting notes, like fruits, tea, even candies — flavours not ‘normally’ associated with coffee.

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

Experimenting with coffee is fascinating and every day is different.  It’s a process of continual improvement and learning.  We spent 2 years in R&D, sampling around 100 coffees before launching the company, and the product constantly evolved. It’s the best feeling when after all the hard work, we receive positive feedback from customers about the end results in their cup — especially when they’ve experienced new flavours for the first time.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

As a relatively new roaster, getting shipments worldwide was a big accomplishment and the 1st phase of global domination!  Jokes aside, getting feedback from customers has been a nerve racking experience in order to validate what we do, so it being overwhelmingly positive so far has to be the best accomplishment to date; with a bit of luck, this might set us on course for awards in the future!

What three words best describe your Roastery?

Detail-orientated and Delicious.

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

Anywhere that serves a decent cup, but hopefully in our own shop in the not too distant future – watch this space! Big fans of Playground in Bristol, Colonna & Smalls in Bath, or Prufrock in London.  All take their coffee pretty seriously. Being purists at heart, black filter and espresso are our staples but the odd milk drink doesn’t go a miss either.  As a roaster you have to drink everything so it’s important to mix it up. 

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

Shiba Inu in a beanie hat…end of.