Ask the Roaster - Giancarlo from Penelope Coffee Roasters

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

At this stage we're slot roasting & very fortunate to be able to scale our business as it's growing. We're very excited for the day when we'll open the doors to our own roastery/cafe, we're constantly on the lookout! The inspiration was the birth of my little girl, Penelope. Roasting my own coffee felt like a natural progression through my experiences, specialty coffee has grown into a passion of mine after experiencing the coffee vibe in Melbourne, Australia... I was hooked.

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

My favourite part would be the days we get to open a new sack of coffee & then challenging myself to profile the best outcome from the bean.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

I've really enjoyed entering various competitions in the UK & NZ... but my proudest accomplishment so far would be taking the steps to open my business, to start building the life I've dreamt of in the industry!

What's three words best describe your roastery?

Rhythm - Satisfaction - Explorative

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

Hard to pick one place... Either on holiday in Puglia, Italy - cold sweet percolator coffee from my Mums fridge with lots of ice in the sun! or/ at home with my family for pancakes or fresh sourdough Sunday mornings - Penelope usually helps me pour the coffee, making 'latte art' blobs on a flatwhite.

What is your favourite tasting notes to find in coffee?

Blackberries.

What what you drink if there was no coffee?

Prana Chai latte

What snack do you like to eat with your coffee?

Almond croissant... but not one that tastes like almond syrup... I'm picky

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

We would recommend The White Bear Pub in Tunbridge Wells, we like the food and vibe here... for us we're always searching for child friendly places. Penelope loves the fish n chips & gets to color in, so it's a win win for us.

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

Blue Staffy in a top hat.