Meet the Roaster: Ludwika from Steampunk Coffee
Updated: Oct 13
Ludwika's journey at Steampunk Coffee began with a waitress job, but she had her sights set on becoming a roaster. Now Head of Coffee at this East Lothian coffee roastery, she’s done alright! Read on to hear about her favourite coffees, the music playing in the roastery and what she'd still love to achieve in the world of speciality coffee.
Steampunk takes its name from a literary genre inspired by Victorian machinery and retro-futuristic inventions, an idea that fits its resourceful approach to coffee. In its early days, the team served speciality coffee from a repurposed VW van called Mavis, embracing a "repair and reuse" ethos that continues today. Steampunk is one of the independent roasters featured in our guide to the best coffee roasters in Scotland, and you can also try its coffee through our Scotland coffee subscription, which features a different freshly roasted coffee from an independent Scottish roaster each month.
Who or what first pulled you into the world of coffee?
I was offered a cup of coffee during an interview at my first job after arriving in Scotland (glass picking over summer). It was my very first time trying a specialty coffee and it was so different that I decided to find out more about it. 10 years later I’m still on the same mission.
How did you get involved with Steampunk?
I knew I wanted to be a roaster one day but back then there were only two roasteries in Edinburgh, so it was extremely hard - it still is - just to get a job in the roastery. I applied when Steampunk was hiring for a waitress position and worked my way up.
What’s the meaning behind the name (if any!)?
I asked Cath (the owner) for this one! She explained that Steampunk itself is a literary genre - sci-fi but Victorian/steam powered. The way it relates to us is the reuse of old stuff but remaking it for modern use. Also - we very much embrace a punk approach...
What music are you playing in the roastery at the moment?
Depending on a task, I’ll have some electronic ambient music like Jonsi, Mary Lattimore or Daniel Schmidt on my headphones for cupping, and usually something more upbeat for roasting. Here it really depends on the day, last week it was Bad Bunny 24/7, haha, this week it's back to Little Wings, Susumu Yokota and Alice Faye and Haley Henderickx.
What’s your favourite piece of coffee-related kit or equipment?
Most recently the Orea V4 [brewer], you can play with it endlessly.
How do you unwind after a long day roasting coffee?
Most days it’s just a quick dinner and sleep, but sometimes I'll squeeze in a pint with my philosophy group or meditate at my local centre, or go for a little cycle and visit a chippy at the shore.
What’s a coffee that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m proud of all of them! One coming up in our releases that feels like a big win is a washed Colombian Bourbon Aji from Jose Herman Salazar. We first cupped this lot 3 years ago and it really was one of those 'wow' coffees. Sadly, it sold out very quickly. This year we managed to secure it while still at origin so it felt rewarding.
What’s your current “desert island” coffee — the one you’d drink forever if you had to?
One I brew at home a lot and don’t get enough of is washed Rwandan from Rwamatamu washing station, sourced through Omwani. We have had their coffee for four years in a row and it never disappoints.
What’s a coffee-related dream you still hope to chase?
So many... getting Q grader certification, more travel to different origins to learn how different coffee gets produced, one day staying for a bit longer than a few weeks.
Discover more from Steampunk Coffee → inspired by Ludwika's story? Visit Steampunk Coffee's website to explore their freshly roasted coffees and find out more about the team and their approach to coffee in East Lothian.
Discover more of Scotland's independent coffee scene in our Scotland coffee guide, or enjoy a new Scottish roaster delivered to your door each month with our Scotland coffee subscription.
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