Discover Our Story: The Heart Behind Hearthwood

Our Story: From Coffee Passion to Community Institution

Hearthwood Roasters began not just as a business, but as a deep-seated passion for exceptional coffee shared between founders Emily and Thomas Reynolds. In 2010, they set out to bring authentic, small-batch roasted coffee to Tunbridge Wells, transforming a derelict storage unit on Old Coach Drive into a vibrant hub. What started with a single 5kg roaster and endless experimentation in search of the perfect bean, quickly grew into a beloved local institution.

Through years of dedication, overcoming early challenges like sourcing rare beans and mastering the intricate roasting profiles, Hearthwood Roasters evolved. We expanded from just selling beans to establishing a bustling café, a place where neighbours could gather, share stories, and connect over a beautifully crafted cup. Our milestones include introducing our popular coffee subscription service in 2015, launching barista training workshops in 2018 to empower local talent, and consistently being voted 'Best Local Coffee Shop' by the Tunbridge Wells community for the past five years. Our vision for the future remains steadfast: to continue fostering community, championing sustainable practices, and always delivering the highest quality coffee experience.

Our Coffee Philosophy: Quality, Community, Sustainability

At Hearthwood Roasters, every cup tells a story of dedication to three core principles: uncompromising quality, deep community roots, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. We employ an artisan approach, roasting in small batches to highlight the unique characteristics of each bean, ensuring optimal flavour development and freshness. Our sourcing criteria are stringent, partnering directly with farmers who share our ethical vision, ensuring fair trade practices and superior arabica varietals.

We believe a coffeehouse should be the heart of its community. Our Tunbridge Wells café is a welcoming space for everyone, and we actively support local initiatives. Environmentally, we are dedicated to reducing our footprint through compostable packaging, energy-efficient roasting, and responsible waste management. We strive for excellence not just in coffee, but in every interaction, ensuring a warm, inviting, and truly exceptional experience for our cherished customers.

More than just coffee, we're dedicated to strengthening the fabric of Tunbridge Wells.

Step into the heart of Hearthwood Roasters and experience where our renowned coffee journey truly begins. Our roastery, located directly behind our café at Unit 2, 28 Old Coach Drive, Tunbridge Wells, houses our state-of-the-art Loring Smart Roast machine. This innovative roaster allows us precise control over every bean, ensuring consistent quality and rich flavour development, all while consuming less energy.

Adjoining the roastery, our bustling café is designed as a warm, inviting sanctuary, reflecting the artisan craftsmanship of our coffee. With exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and comfortable seating, it’s the perfect place to unwind, work, or connect. We pride ourselves on the meticulous cleanliness of both our roasting facility and café, adhering to the highest hygiene standards. Pop in for a visit during opening hours to see the roaster in action (sometimes you might catch the wonderful aroma!), and always feel free to chat with our baristas about our process. We occasionally offer guided tours; please enquire via info@hearthwoodroasters.co.uk for availability.