Hearthwood Roasters

The Art & Science of Small-Batch Coffee Roasting

Discover the artistry behind every cup with Hearthwood Roasters' time-honored roasting techniques that unlock the unique character of each bean.

Artisan coffee roaster carefully tending to a drum full of roasting coffee beans
Our state-of-the-art Roastery in Tunbridge Wells – where passion meets precision.

At Hearthwood Roasters, we believe exceptional coffee begins long before the first sip. It starts with a philosophy rooted in passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our small-batch approach is a deliberate choice, allowing us unparalleled control over every roast cycle, ensuring each bean reaches its peak flavour potential, something commercial-scale roasting simply cannot achieve.

Meet our Master Roaster, Eleanor Vance, whose two decades of expertise and certified Q Grader credentials guide our every selection and roast. She knows coffee not just as a beverage, but as a living canvas of flavour waiting to be revealed.

Premium Bean Selection: Direct Trade Partnerships

The foundation of truly excellent coffee lies in the quality of its green beans. At Hearthwood Roasters, we foster direct relationships with coffee farmers and cooperatives around the globe. This direct trade model ensures ethical practices, fair wages, and sustainable farming methods, supporting communities and guaranteeing the highest quality beans.

  • Hand-selected beans from single-origin farms and ethical cooperatives.
  • Rigorous quality assessment based on aroma, moisture content, and defect analysis.
  • Diverse selection reflecting seasonal harvests from acclaimed growing regions.
  • Full traceability, knowing the journey of every bean from farm to your cup.
Illustration of a world map highlighting coffee growing regions with connecting lines to show direct trade routes
Connecting directly with our farming partners across the globe.

From Green to Gold: Our Roasting Journey

Our meticulously controlled, small-batch roasting process unfolds in precise stages, transforming raw green beans into the aromatic, flavourful coffee you adore.

Each batch of green beans is carefully weighed and inspected one final time for consistency. Our master roaster then loads them into our custom-built drum roaster, initiating the controlled heat application phase.
Heat is gently introduced to remove residual moisture. As temperatures rise, the Maillard reaction begins – a complex chemical process that browns the beans and develops hundreds of flavour compounds. This is meticulously monitored for optimal development.
The beans expand rapidly and emit an audible