About us
The Founders
Northern Cobbler, established in 2010 by two friends and work colleagues Feroza and Steffan, was initially conceived as a high-end, contemporary footwear label.
“We used to do a fair bit of travel together back when Feroza was a footwear buyer and I was designer, visiting manufacturers & cities all over the world, meeting some interesting individuals along the way!” - Steffan
During this period, they developed a keen interest in the vast and vibrant world of specialty coffee, which initially served as a hobby but soon became an obsession!
“We share a similar sense of humour which is certainly required at times! More importantly, we understand each other’s priorities and what truly matters." - Feroza
Inaugural store
In 2015, our inaugural store was established in the fashionable Clarendon Park area of Leicester, becoming a pivotal hub within the city’s landscape.
Over time, we became dissatisfied with the consistency of our coffee sourcing and made the decision to embark on a new journey: coffee roasting.
Positive sourcing
Beyond taste, origin sourcing plays a crucial role in our ethical and sustainable practices. Knowing where coffee comes from helps ensure fair wages for farmers, supports environmentally responsible farming, and promotes transparency in the supply chain.
This connection between producer and consumer not only improves quality but also fosters a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.
We work with trusted partners to ensure traceability and peace of mind.
The Roastery
In pursuit of the ideal rural location, we discovered a charming former stable block nestled in the heart of the rolling Leicestershire countryside.
Designed to immerse customers in our world, this now houses our roastery operation, eatery, and specialty coffee shop. We firmly believe that coffee should be savoured in the company of others, and our glass partition allows customers to witness the roasting process while enjoying their preferred cup of coffee.
Our standards
We are open about where our coffee comes from and roast coffees of quality, constantly tasting to spot any issues in each batch before it reaches you. To keep things consistent, we carefully profile our coffees, keep our equipment in top shape and never skimp on quality!
Our standards go beyond just taste; they are about being responsible and skilled. We take great care of our equipment, keep learning and always keep an eye out for new ways to roast and brew.
We value what our team and customers say and never settle for ‘good enough’.
Noteworthy coffee
Roasting specialty coffee is about balancing science and intuition. Each variety responds differently when roasted so we control variables like temperature curves, development time, and airflow to highlight the bean’s characteristics.
For lighter roasts, our goal is to preserve acidity and showcase floral or fruity notes, stopping shortly after first crack. Longer development enhances sweetness and body, bringing out caramel, nut, or cocoa tones without overwhelming the origin.
Processing methods also influence our roasting. Washed coffees benefit from gentle heat to avoid muting their clarity. Natural or anaerobic coffees are more forgiving and can handle aggressive profiles that accentuate their bold, wine-like or tropical flavours.
Ultimately, our commitment is to roast each coffee in a manner that accentuates its distinctive characteristics and flavours.
The future
The coffee landscape is constantly evolving, but we remain committed to learning, adapting, and enhancing the experiences of our store customers, e-commerce partners, and wholesale clients.
We will continue to enjoy connecting with our coffee community firsthand and eagerly anticipate the exciting experiences that lie ahead!