The London Coffee Festival is returning to iconic venue The Old Truman Brewery from 7-10 April, 2016.
Hailed as a resounding success, the 2015 edition of The London Coffee Festival saw nearly 25,000 coffee aficionados and avid foodies gather to celebrate superb hand-crafted coffee, delicious food, and coffee-based cocktails.
With an increased capacity, a host of new multi-sensory experiences and a wealth of interactive workshops, The 2016 London Coffee Festival is set to deliver a highly-curated, immersive environment that embraces all the different sub-cultures that surround coffee. From live artisan roasting and global coffee competitions, to design, music, fashion and artistry, the festival has all the ingredients needed for an educational and entertaining weekend.
The festival will feature over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls including Artisan Coffee School, Brewed By Hand, Caravan Coffee Roasters, Fudge Kitchen, London School of Coffee, Origin Coffee Roasters, Ozone Coffee Roasters, Rebel Kitchen and Union Hand-Roasted Coffee to name just a few.
What’s On 2016:
NEW Espresso Martini Party headlined by DJ Yoda:
This year’s London Coffee Festival will kick-off in style with an Espresso Martini Launch Party, headlined by London’s very own DJ Yoda. Respected globally for his turntablism, Yoda has performed at the likes of Banksy’s Dismaland and was even guest mixer on Dr Dre’s inaugural Beats 1 show. Also taking to the stage will be Bloom Twins, Sonia Stein and Gypsy Hill. Head to the bar, where you’ll find Yoda IPA and London Coffee Festival lager, as well as two caffeinated cocktails: the classic Espresso Martini and The Bailey’s Flat White Martini.
NEW Coffee Food Pairing Experience:
Hosted for the first time in our VIP Suite – The House of Coffee and Co. – this three-course coffee and food pairing experience is designed by the team behind award-winning restaurant, The Scandinavian Embassy. Head Chef Rikard Andersson has created a top-secret menu that will both challenge and delight your taste-buds. Have you ever wondered how oysters would taste with chilled espresso? Prepare yourself for a coffee experience like no other…
NEW Milk Bar and Latte Art Throwdown:
Ever fancied learning to create beautiful latte art? Now’s your chance as Rachel’s Organic will be running live Latte Art Masterclasses throughout the event. Pull up a stool at Rachel’s dedicated Milk Bar where baristas will teach you how to perfectly texturise and pour milk like a pro. Why not test your new skills and take on the world’s best baristas in a head-to-head Latte Art Throwdown? If something a little more sedate appeals; sit back, relax and sip on delicious organic milk-based cocktails served up by expert mixologists.
NEW School of Chocolate:
Learn how best to taste, pair and discern the distinctive flavours of fine cocoa from around the world at Hotel Chocolat’s School of Chocolate. This mouth-watering and educational experience will teach you the noble art of chocolate making, all the way from bean to bar. And why not head to the Hyde Park area of the festival where Hotel Chocolat will be launching its very first ice cream – The Ice Of The Gods?
Borough Destinations:
With so much to get your senses stuck into, it’s always good to have a safe place to start. The London Coffee Festival has created uniquely designed London borough ‘zones’, enabling you to match your personal taste and style to the festival and get the best experience for you.
Soho Area:
La Marzocco is blending music from live DJs, spirits and coffee together to create the ultimate party venue – complete with delicious cocktails. Joining La Marzocco is The Union Roastery, which will play up to your senses by presenting live roasting demonstrations, with founders Jeremy and Steven firing up their San Franciscan roaster.
Shoreditch Area:
This area is home to some of the finest antipodean roasters including The Roasting Party and Ozone Coffee Roasters, as well as The Artisan School of Coffee – why not stop by for an espresso master class? Expect a party vibe with Sandows infamous Cold Brew Gin and Tonic and some of the best doughnuts around from Cross Town.
Hyde Park Area:
The London Coffee Festival has transported the city’s most iconic park to East London. Kick back, relax on a deck chair and sip on a cocktail from the Espresso Martini Bar as you soak up the sounds of the music stage.
The Founder’s Guide On What Not To Miss:
Coffee Masters Competition:
After months of deliberation and having digested hours of footage, the stellar line up has been announced for this year’s Coffee Masters Competition. Designed to test the world’s best baristas’ expertise, craftsmanship and dedication, this multi-disciplinary event sees 16 contenders go head-to-head in an attempt to be crowned Coffee Masters Champion. Judged by a panel of industry figureheads, the contenders must prove their worth across six disciplines ranging from latte art to espresso blending. This year’s contenders bring their coffee craftmanship to London from as far afield as Australia, Japan and the USA.
House of Coffee & Co:
Take in the sights, sounds and heavenly aromas given off by the Loring machine in the live roasting area, then peruse the cupping tables where you’re invited to engage with artisan roasters such as Assembly and Workshop Coffee. Next, make your way to Scandinavian Embassy’s pop-up restaurant, enjoy a Mount Cascara Negroni at Volcano Coffee Works cocktail bar, and then finally visit Hotel Chocolat’s Cocoa Bar where you can learn all about the politics, history, agriculture, nutrition and economics of cocoa in one-on-one tasting sessions.
The True Artisan Café:
Presented by the good people from La Marzocco, it’s the place to be if you like to party as baristas from Europe’s best coffee shops come together to deliver hand-crafted coffee creations. Think espresso infused Old Fashioned with a dash of absinth, washed down with the sound of some of London’s most progressive DJs. And, it’s all for a good cause as donations are gifted to Project Waterfall, the festival’s chosen charity.
Milk & Sugar:
Milk & Sugar is the fashion and design district of The London Coffee festival, where you can sip on Italian-inspired cocktails at the Illyquore bar whilst enjoying a showcase of emerging fashion labels, cutting-edge designers and contemporary artists.
White Label Kitchen:
Featuring craft beer galore and bespoke menus created by chefs from some of London’s top restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Tickets are available from £14.50 for adults and £4.50 for children, with strictly limited availability. To purchase or for more information, visit www.londoncoffeefestival.com
