London Coffee Podcast

In this episode of the London Coffee Podcast, we welcome Xiao Ye and Louis, the founders of Simmos Coffee in Hackney Wick — one of London’s most loved independent coffee shops.
We talk about following gut instinct, finding your place in London’s coffee scene, building a genuine community, creating a sustainable workplace, and why they’re more interested in making one great coffee shop than opening ten. We also dive into their approach to coffee, seasonal drinks, Asian influences, music, creativity, and what it really takes to build a small business from the ground up.
A conversation about coffee, creativity, people — and the dream of building something that can last.
Create a free profile on The London Coffee Guide website, subscribe to @thelondoncoffeeguide on Instagram and follow the latest coffee news, openings, and stories from London’s specialty scene.

Claire Wallace, Head of Coffee Quality at Assembly Coffee and the 2026 UK Barista and in Coffee Good Spirits Champion, joins the London Coffee Podcast to share her journey from studying law to becoming one of the UK's leading coffee professionals. We discuss coffee sourcing, quality control, the challenges of today's coffee market, what it takes to win national championships, and why London remains a global hub for specialty coffee.
Create a free profile on The London Coffee Guide website, subscribe to @thelondoncoffeeguide on Instagram and follow the latest coffee news, openings, and stories from London’s specialty scene.

Izzy Austen joins the London Coffee Podcast to discuss the realities of staffing in specialty coffee, why training the next generation of baristas matters, and how Baristas on Tap is creating flexibility, opportunity, and stronger coffee communities.
Credits music: Small Talk by London artist Hope Winter in association with The Coffee Music Project
Create a free profile on The London Coffee Guide website, subscribe to @thelondoncoffeeguide on Instagram and follow the latest coffee news, openings, and stories from London’s specialty scene.

In this episode of the London Coffee Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Whitworth-Smith, founder of The Cupping Directives and Waypoint. Andrew shares his journey from barista to coffee community builder, the story behind creating a central hub for coffee events, and his mission to make coffee education more accessible. We explore sensory experiences, co-fermentation, sustainability, and the future of specialty coffee.
 
Credits music: Small Talk by London artist Hope Winter in association with The Coffee Music Project
Create a free profile on The London Coffee Guide website, subscribe to @thelondoncoffeeguide on Instagram and follow the latest coffee news, openings, and stories from London’s specialty scene.

Jamie Strachan, Head Roaster at Caravan Coffee Roasters, joins the London Coffee Podcast to talk about his journey into coffee, the power of community, responsible sourcing, regenerative agriculture, and what it takes to create meaningful impact across the coffee chain.
 
Credits music: Alive by Greta Lovisa in association with The Coffee Music Project
Create a free profile on The London Coffee Guide website, subscribe to @thelondoncoffeeguide on Instagram and follow the latest coffee news, openings, and stories from London’s specialty scene.