Ask the Roaster - Ole from St Martins
How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?
The company was founded 10 years ago, and the original cafe was in a lovely part of Leicester called ’St Martin’s Square’, hence the name! The company was found on the same ethos that drives us now, we wanted to roast and supply amazing coffee to others who share the same passion.
In the interim years, we have evolved massively, from a small cafe, to a small cafe with a tiny roastery, to a large cafe with a small roastery, and over a decade later, we’re now what most would describe as a medium sized roastery, housed in our newly built barn just outside the city centre! Leicestershire is a region famed for it’s quality of produce, and I think that’s transferred well to the city and county’s adoption of specialty coffee. Like any business, it’s had its challenges, but I think our ability to grow over the years is a testament to our customer’s love of great quality coffee.
What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?
Getting to work everyday and having a fresh pot of coffee ready and waiting is a major perk of the job! Aside from that, working with great colleagues, roasting excellent coffee and interacting with our engaged and passionate customer base is what’s got us out of bed for the past ten years, and will continue to do so in future years (the pot of coffee helps too).
What's your proudest accomplishment?
I’m still breathing after a recession, pandemic, two children and a new puppy! In all seriousness, the relationships we’ve developed with our amazing customers over the years is by far our proudest achievement. Seeing a customer come to us with an idea, that then gets actualised is always something we love to see. Even better is when they’re still here 5 years later. That’s what makes us proud, and will continue to do so!
What three words best describe your Roastery?
Welcoming - Passionate - ApproachableWhat’s your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?
My favourite cafe is the Coffee Collective’s location in Norrebro, Copenhagen. This particular cafe occupies an entire corner on the edge of the park, with benches against the walls of the building. On my trips to the city, I’ve spent many pleasant hours drinking coffee, eating pastries and reading my book on one of the sun drenched benches, whilst the fashionable people of Copenhagen go about their business around me. I’d typically start with a couple of flat whites, then move onto a fruity batch filter or something iced. Cafe Taxa next door also make an amazing burger if you want a heartier lunch. This would be my ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon, and everyone should visit to hopefully experience my love for this particular spot too!
Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?
o So I’ve just got Dachshund, so it’ll have to be one of those. And as a cycling fan, I’d have him in a casquette, or a cycling cap to many. I think he’d look awesome on a bike, wearing his hat with his big ears flying in the wind.
