TBM VISIT LOST BARN COFFEE

Here at TBM we are known for enjoying a good cup of coffee. As we often frequent The Old Fire Station Café based in Malpas, we have developed quite the taste for their coffee and were very interested to find out that it is from Lost Barn Coffee, based in Tilston just down the road from HQ. We were lucky enough to go and visit the lovely Blair and Jo at the roastery last week to learn all about their fantastic coffee and how they make it.

Situated in the rather picturesque countryside, the Lost Barn Coffee roastery is tucked away behind the trees on a dairy farm just outside of Tilston. Coming from a hospitality background, Blair ran a number of successful cafes and restaurants over in Melbourne, Australia – a city known for its love of fine, artisan coffee. Here his passion and knowledge of the coffee industry really developed which he now applies to every roast he does at Lost Barn Coffee. Living in Melbourne for ten years, Jo also developed a love for fine coffee that she now applies in a more creative position surrounded by the wonderful countryside she grew up in, back in Tilston. Melbourne’s love for artisan coffee is certainly something I could get behind – they were telling us all about how over there, most coffee houses have their own independent suppliers, not like over here where the coffee industry is dominated by the likes of Costa and Starbucks. Starbucks endeavoured to move into Australia, but failed for that very reason.

From the moment we entered the roastery, their passion and understanding of coffee was evident. We learned that, the lighter the roast of the coffee bean, the more caffeine it contains (so when you want a strong, dark, black coffee to wake you up, you’re actually having a coffee with far less caffeine in it. Who knew?). We also learned that different blends of coffee can satisfy different taste buds – for example, an Ethiopian blend is far more fruity and fresh and therefore tea drinkers might find it more to their taste than other blends. It is this knowledge and understanding that really sets Lost Barn Coffee aside from any other coffee makers; to put it short, Lost Barn Coffee know their stuff.

Now, we couldn’t spend the whole time chatting, could we? Blair and Jo were kind enough to let us sample some of their fantastic coffee. I opted for a latte (the milk had come direct from their dairy farm – it was bliss!) and Victoria went for a black coffee, made to perfection with the crème on top providing a sweetness to the first sip. Blair and Jo explained how they like to opt for an Americano when they have their coffee, as they like to enjoy the taste of the coffee through the long drink.  Whatever type of coffee you opt for, as long as the coffee has been roasted by Lost Barn Coffee you are sure to enjoy every mouthful.

Two hours later, after learning everything we had hoped we’d learn (and more!) we headed back over to HQ with some of their Bloomsbury Blend coffee in tow ready for out cafetiere back in the office. Blair and Jo were friendly, welcoming and informative.

So, I bet you’re wondering where you too can try some of their fantastic coffee? They are currently stocking a few local venues such as The Old Fire Station in Malpas and The Horse and Jockey in Whitchurch to name just a few, and they will soon be moving into a number of other venues – watch this space to find out more. You can even buy a blend for your cafetiere in the Tilston shop or in Nisa in Malpas. We are big believers in supporting local, independent businesses, especially when they’re as great as Lost Barn Coffee – so why not check them out and treat yourself to a bag? (Just make sure you invite us round when you’re drinking it!).