Project aim

Opening a coffee roastery in Cumbria, UK. Finally secured premises. Sold my van, but not my soul! Need a roaster... need your help!

About the project

You are funding a true start-up. Everything I've done up to this point has been on a shoestring budget, with the support of some amazing friends.  Your donations are integral to helping me kickstart my new business and, knowing you're as excited as I am, is a great feeling.

After several years working with my trusty little mobile coffee van, bringing to the Lake District the best in barista skills and spreading the word about speciality coffee, I am about to set up my own artisan roastery! How excited am I to be roasting my own beans?

I've just sold my coffee van to help partially fund this new venture. I am asking for a very modest total of £6,000, which is less than 1/3 of the cost of the Giesen roaster I am hoping to buy. In return, you get some incredible gifts from me - from bespoke barista equipment to experiential packages - check them out in the "Rewards" column on the right-hand side of this page. (If you help me exceed this target, then do feel free to continue donating as it will simply contribute more towards the full cost of the roaster).

If you are able to donate anything from £10 upwards or even just pass this Crowdfunder page on to someone who can help, the Karma god of caffeine will smile upon you.

Not your average passenger, but Billy is always keen to navigate. My great little speciality coffee van, now sold to meet some of the cost of the Giesen roaster.

What's so great about speciality coffee?

For me, it’s all about provenance, seasonality and quality. I’m reassured knowing that I can trace the beans’ origin, right down to the farm/estate and even the grower’s name. Stocks of “green” coffee beans change every few months as they ripen, so I'll be offering roasted coffee from many different countries. As an artisan producer, I'll use a lighter roast than the high-street brands, which highlights the complex flavours of speciality coffee. It really is a skill and a labour of love.

The first time I had a cup of speciality coffee it blew me away. I didn’t know coffee could be so flavoursome. I thought citrus or blackberry notes were only for the noses of wine connoisseurs.

Once you taste speciality coffee, you’ll never go back to the high street for a bucket of mochachocalattemassivo.

I grew a tulip this spring with my own fair hands - this speciality coffee tasted as good it looks

Rewards

Below are just a few of the gifts I am offering as part of the rewards package - check out the breakdown of each pledge in the right-hand column of this page

V60 Dripper

Branded tee shirts - 100% cotton - (please state black or white option and size)

 Aeropress package - a lovely way to make coffee; easy to clean and great when travelling

This is what a Chemex looks like - great and simple brew method for getting the best subtle flavours from single-origin coffees

Sowden "James" 2-cup softbrew coffeepot.

Comprising porcelain pot, melamine lid and stainless steel diffuser with thousands of microscopic holes. Swank!

Sowden "Jakob" softbrew teapot - Italian Stylin'

                                                 Hario Mini Mill Hand Grinder - get cranking!

 Locally handmade barista apron in 100% grey denim, with specially designed features for the ultimate barista

 Locally handmade tamper - stainless steel base (58mm) and walnut turned handle.

 Hario Buono Kettle - stainless steel, with goose-neck spout, perfect for pouring in precise circular motion

Hario Syphon "Technica" 5-Cup - don your lab coat, get all scientific and start experimenting with single-origin coffee chemistry

 4-cup cafetiere: olivewood lid and handle - one of the best ways to make a brew. Have you ever seen a French press so sexy? Zuts Alors!

ECM Classika Espresso Machine - a serious good bit of kit. I'll even give you a barista session on it.

http://www.ecm.de/1/espresso-machines/ecm-home-line/single-boiler-espresso-machines/classika-ii/

 ECM Professional Casa Grinder - doses a shot in 7 secs. A stunning accompaniment to the espresso machine

http://www.ecm.de/1/grinders/casa/

What are the challenges and risks for you:

The biggest challenge was establishing premises for the roastery, but now that's finalised. I'm 100% confident I can deliver on all these reward items, as I have accounts with the suppliers mentioned and all my bespoke manufactured products are in production.

I have to meet the target of £6,000 to receive any of your pledges, so your support is absolutely key. However, there is no risk to you as you don't get charged until we reach the projected total. Please give generously; your backing means we all get to share in the project. Please spread the word and thanks for taking the time to be involved.

How you donate:

You can donate if you're outside the UK via Paypal and/or in the UK via "GoCardless".

Warmest wishes

Rin