Stewart Falconer started roasting in the 1980s, after tasting coffee on his travels abroad that was better than anything he had known at home. He roasted by hand in small batches, long before “artisan” was a common word, and the Nottingham roastery that carries his name still roasts in small batches, buying from producers it works with closely. Its customers run from home brewers to hospitality businesses across the UK.

Partners named on its coffees include Omwani, which supports farms in East Africa, and Lozano Organics, which imported into the UK for the first time with Cabresto from Antioquia. Escape Espresso won a Great Taste Award in 2024, and the Ltd. Batch series opened with a Pink Bourbon from El Faro Coffee Hub in Huila. Stewarts also runs 30-minute workshops and barista courses.

Its coffee is served at the three Blend coffee shops in Nottingham, at Sneinton Market, Nottingham Contemporary and City Gate East, where the shelves carry its beans and online orders can be picked up.

Coffee on the shelf

Photograph: Stewarts Coffee Roasters