The Coffee Factory: 17 Years of Craft, Curiosity, and Conscious Roasting

About The Coffee Factory

Specialty coffee should be approachable, not exclusive. The Coffee Factory’s story began 17 years ago, opening a café in Axminster and introducing Devon to the “Flat White” before it became a UK staple. Today, our family-run roastery is based at Seaton Junction on the Jurassic Coast. Our mission remains: to make world-class coffee accessible to everyone, from home enthusiasts to local cafés.

Our Journey: 17 Years of Coffee Craft

• Founded in 2009 with a café in Axminster, Devon
• Early adopters of the Flat White in the UK
• Now roasting at Seaton Junction, serving customers nationwide
• Family-owned and operated, focused on quality and community

Pioneering Coffee Subscriptions in the UK

Leading the Way Since 2010

We were among the first UK roasters to launch a coffee subscription service in 2010—well before subscriptions became mainstream. To ensure a seamless experience, we even built our own web app for maximum flexibility and convenience.

• Fresh coffee delivered via the existing postal network
• Carbon-efficient delivery—using the postman already visiting your door
• Flexible subscription options tailored to your preferences

Manual Roasting: The Art of Dorothy & Penny

While many roasteries have automated, we continue to roast every batch by hand using our original 1960s cast-iron Probat machines, Dorothy and Penny. Their heavy thermal mass enables us to precisely control the roast, developing rich, chocolatey, and fruit-forward notes that modern steel roasters often miss.

• Manual roasting for every batch
• Vintage 1960s cast-iron Probat roasters
• Focus on flavour development and craft

Our Approach to Sustainability

Recyclable Packaging Over Compostable

Our sustainability commitment is based on science, not slogans. After careful research, we transitioned from compostable to high-quality recyclable packaging that can be dropped off at over 4,000 UK supermarkets.

• Compostable bags often end up in landfill due to UK waste processing limitations (source: WRAP UK)
• Recyclable plastic provides a superior oxygen barrier, keeping coffee fresher for longer
• Packaging can be recycled at most major UK supermarkets

The Solar Horizon: Looking Ahead

We are committed to further reducing our environmental impact. Our next goal is to transition to solar-powered electric roasting and achieve a fully carbon-neutral supply chain by 2026. We believe it’s possible to honour traditional craft while leading in modern sustainability.

Why Choose The Coffee Factory?

• Over 17 years of specialty coffee expertise
• Manual, small-batch roasting for optimal flavour
• Flexible, carbon-efficient coffee subscriptions
• Science-driven sustainability initiatives
• Family-owned, with a focus on community and accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

How do The Coffee Factory’s subscriptions work?

Our coffee subscriptions are fully flexible. You choose your preferred coffee, grind, and delivery frequency. Freshly roasted beans are shipped directly to your door using the existing postal network for minimal carbon impact.

What makes manual roasting different from automated roasting?

Manual roasting allows our team to control every stage of the process, adjusting for each batch’s unique characteristics. Using our vintage Probat roasters, we can develop complex flavours and aromas that are often missed by automated systems.

Why did you switch from compostable to recyclable packaging?

Most UK food waste systems (like Anaerobic Digestion) treat compostable packaging as contaminants, often sending them to landfill. Our recyclable packaging can be dropped off at thousands of supermarkets and provides a better oxygen barrier, keeping your coffee fresher for longer.

Is The Coffee Factory working towards carbon neutrality?

Yes. We are actively investing in solar-powered roasting technology and aim for a fully carbon-neutral supply chain by 2026, combining traditional craft with modern sustainability practices.

Where can I recycle your coffee packaging?

Our packaging can be recycled at over 4,000 UK supermarket collection points. Visit your local supermarket’s recycling area or check Recycle Now for locations.

Join Us On Our Coffee Journey

Whether you’re a home brewer or a local café owner, welcome to The Coffee Factory. Let’s brew something better together.