Meet the Roaster: Tom from Stay High Coffee
Stay High Coffee Roasters was founded by Tom and Kat, whose shared love of coffee brought them together back in 2016. After initially dreaming of opening their own coffee shop, they eventually decided to take things a step further and roast their own beans. After years of building their experience in coffee roasting and café management, they launched Stay High Coffee Roasters in February 2023. With a focus on ethically sourced coffee and sustainability, they believe good coffee should be good for the soul as well as the taste buds. We spoke to Tom to find out more about how he got into coffee, what goes on behind the scenes at Stay High and some of the challenges facing the coffee industry in the UK.
Want to discover more independent London and South East coffee roasters? Read our guide to the best coffee roasters in London and the South East or try our London and South East coffee subscription, featuring a different independent roaster each month.
Who or what first pulled you into the world of coffee?
I actually fell into coffee by accident. I started out working in a wine bar, but I wasn't particularly drawn to the culture of people getting drunk every night. Coffee shops felt like a much better fit. There was still that sense of community and hospitality, but with a lot more curiosity and creativity. The deeper I got into coffee, the more I realised there was an entire world behind every cup. What started as a change of scenery soon turned into an obsession.
How did you get involved with Stay High?
After years of working in coffee, I reached a point where I wanted to build something of my own. My partner and I took out a bank loan and jumped straight in. There wasn't a grand master plan - just a clear idea of the kind of coffee company we wanted to create.
What's the meaning behind the name (if any!)?
People usually assume there’s a deep story behind the name, but it’s actually pretty simple. We want to get people high on great coffee, caffeine and good vibes.
What music are you playing in the roastery at the moment?
When I'm not listening for the first crack, it's podcasts or any of my 2,526 liked songs on Spotify.
What advice would you give someone thinking of entering the world of coffee roasting?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes - you'll make loads of them. Most of the job is figuring things out as you go. And don't expect much sleep, especially at the start.
What challenges do you face in the coffee industry, if any?
Honestly, it’s mostly money. Green coffee is getting more expensive, everything else is getting more expensive, and somehow you're still expected to keep prices the same.
What's your favourite piece of coffee-related kit or equipment?
Give me a V60 and I'm happy. If I can't be bothered to brew, drip bags save the day.
How do you unwind after a long day roasting coffee?
Dinner, Netflix, PlayStation, sleep. In that exact order.
What’s a coffee that you’re particularly proud of?
Colombia La Viña. It's a natural coffee we sourced through our friend Ramiro and our first-ever direct trade coffee. It has this incredible wine-like character and juicy berry sweetness, but what makes me most proud is the relationship behind it. It's a big milestone for Stay High Coffee.
What’s your current “desert island” coffee — the one you’d drink forever if you had to?
Right now, it's our washed Peru El Eucalipto. Clean, juicy and super drinkable.
What's a coffee-related dream you still hope to chase?
Having my own coffee shop. I'd be serving Stay High, sitting in a swing chair with a coffee in hand, and watching the world go by. That's the dream.
Find out more about Stay High → check out their official website.
Enjoyed meeting Tom and discovering more about Stay High Coffee Roasters? There are plenty more independent roasters to discover across the capital and surrounding areas.
Take a look at our guide to the best coffee roasters in London and the South East to discover more of the brilliant independent coffee businesses in the region, or try our London and South East coffee subscription, featuring a different independent roaster each month.
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