London Coffee Festival 2019: What to see, do and taste

Can’t go without your morning cup of joe? The London Coffee Festival knows how you feel.

The java extravaganza returns to the capital this week, bringing together more than 250 coffee roasters and brands under one roof for a four-day exploration of coffee, cafe culture, food, art and technology, all accompanied by live music and DJ sets.

While the prospect of unlimited coffee tasting is sure to tempt most, the festival also offers competitions for beginners and pros, talks with industry experts and unique sensory experiences.

From coffee mixed with meditation to lessons in latte art, here’s what to expect from the London Coffee Festival 2019.

When and where is the London Coffee Festival 2019?

This year, the festival returns to Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in Shoreditch (E1 6QR). The festival runs between March 28 and 31, though Thursday and Friday are largely trade-only days. The public can swing by from the evening of March 29 to 31.

Tickets are can be bought here, starting at £18.50 for standard admission. There are tickets on the door, though these are substantially pricier.

Five highlights of the London Coffee Festival 2019

Coffee Masters

The ultimate barista battle returns to the London Coffee Festival this year, with 16 baristas from around the world looking to take the crown of Coffee Masters Champion 2019. Last year saw Agnieszka Rojewska of Poland become the first woman to take the title in London, and this year contenders from the likes of Indonesia, Latvia, Denmark and Nepal – as well as five UK hopefuls – will compete in front of an expert panel for a £5000 prize.

Latte Art Live

Entranced every time a barista pours a perfect tulip in your morning cup? Ozone Coffee Roasters will host a series of events celebrating the art of pouring perfectly pretty coffee. The schedule includes competitions for both experts and visitors, masterclasses, beginners guides and plant-based milk sessions, with many top London coffee brands getting involved.

The Tasting Room

If you want to try a little bit of everything, the Tasting Room is where it’s at. Across the weekend, it'll host a different tasting session every hour. There will be lots of opportunities to try myriad coffees, but visitors can also enjoy experiences that explore tea, wine, plant-based milk, hot chocolate and espresso martinis.

The Mindful Coffee Tasting Experience

Associate coffee with your chaotic morning commute? This tasting experience couldn’t be more different. New for 2019, the Mindful Coffee Experience takes participants away from the hubbub of the fair to a quiet, meditative tasting session. Lead by Just Breathe expert Michael James Wong, the 45-minute experience aims to impart a more holistic approach to coffee, promoting ethical production and sustainability.

La Cimbali Sensory Series

Historic Italian coffee brand La Cimbali are looking to immerse experts and beginners alike in the technology, history and future of espresso with three bespoke experiences. Industry visitors can check into the Sensory Bar to explore how cup designs can alter a coffee’s flavour, while consumers can join a mixology experience to create coffee cocktails.

For more information and the full London Coffee Festival 2019 schedule, head to londoncoffeefestival.com