Bristol’s Extract Coffee Roasters celebrate 15th anniversary and a win at the first-ever UK Coffee Awards

It’s been a solid year for Bristol’s food and drink businesses showcasing that they are the best in the country, and Extract Coffee’s recent award just adds to the winning streak.

The coffee roasters, based in St Werburghs, have recently been voted Best All-Round Speciality Coffee Roaster at the UK Coffee Awards 2022. In a country getting more and more into its coffee culture, this is no mean feat.

The company have long been renowned in Bristol for its incredible coffee talent, with favourite coffee spots Boston Tea Party, Bakers + Co, Hart’s Bakery and other Bristol favourites serving and stocking the speciality coffee.

But, where did it all start, and how did the journey go to becoming the number one all-round roaster in the UK? Having been established in 2007, Extract Coffee Roasters has been serving coffee to the people of Bristol and beyond for 15 years, celebrating the big anniversary this year - and in what a way!

The UK Coffee Awards were announced at The London Coffee Festival in April, and even more excitingly for Extract Coffee Roasters and the people of Bristol, it’s the very first year of the awards.

Seven brand awards and six product awards were revealed and Extract Coffee Roasters became the first-ever winner of the Best All-Round Specialty Coffee Roaster award.

Beating off tough competition from Girls Who Grind Coffee and AllPress Espresso, it’s not surprising that they won the big prize.

They pride themselves on making coffee better. This includes ethically sourcing, through long-term, sustainable relationships with coffee growers and ensuring sustainable measures are also taken place in the UK by recycling and restoring. They ensure its coffee is roasted to perfection and train baristas to make the perfect cup.

So, what does it mean to the longstanding company? “We’re thrilled to be awarded with the Best All-Round Speciality Coffee Roaster award, especially being up against some great brands and in our 15th anniversary year,” says Duncan Kendall, the managing director.

“It’s an incredible achievement that recognises the dedication, the expertise and the passion that each and every member of the Extract Coffee Roasters team displays every single day - they’re a truly, truly wonderful bunch.”

And the best thing about it? “There were some really great roasters and brands in the running for the UK Coffee Awards and we’re so proud to work as part of this industry, but to win an award, especially in our 15th anniversary year is such a highlight,” continues Mr Kendall.

“Particularly that there was a public vote inclusion, it’s a real nod to the hard work our team put in but also the incredible relationship we have with our partners and customers.”

He goes on to say that it’s not just about the staff, though, and he stresses how grateful he is for the support across the city. “A huge thank you to our customers, our community partners and the long-term friends of Extract for being part of our epic journey. The best is yet to come!”

Speaking of which, what are the plans for Extract Coffee Roasters this year? “There are so many exciting things on the horizon for Extract,” beams Mr Kendall.

“After working in London for 10 years using shared spaces, we just opened our first London training and events space and can’t wait to invite people in. We also have a sustainable packaging project on the go, some incredible charity and community projects and some truly exceptional coffees on the way.”

Despite the huge success and expansion into other larger cities such as London, Mr Kendall credits Bristol as the heart and soul of the company. “Bristol will always be our home, and we love the passion this city has for coffee, especially within the independent cafe scene,” he smiles.

“We love that a city of this size can showcase such a diverse and high-quality range of cafes, restaurants and bars and that people continue to demand delicious, ethically sourced coffee. It’s what Extract is all about.”