Mentmore Coffee

For our November coffee concept of the month, we are spotlighting a fantastic small business - Mentmore Coffee. This is a pop-up speciality coffee and cheese toastie business, which if you get the chance to visit, you won’t be disappointed. You can find Mentmore Coffee at various events and festivals in London and the Southeast.

We spoke with Francesca, the owner of Mentmore Coffee, and asked her a few questions about her business. Read on if you’d like to find out more.

You can find them on Instagram @mentmore.coffee

Tell us a bit about your business, and the motivation for starting the brand?

Mentmore Coffee is a pop-up speciality coffee and cheese toastie business operating out of a vintage Perguet J7 van at events and festivals in London and the Southeast. The inspiration came from a late-night conversation with a friend back in 2018. Since then, the concept has evolved through various personal and professional experiences. After seeing many hospitality businesses supporting social causes, I realised I could run a business that champions ethical suppliers, doing what I love.

Why do you like using Redemption Roasters’ coffee?

Simple, because it’s a great coffee with a great cause! It’s a well established brand, making it a talking point for customers as well which always helps. I often get ‘ohhh, you’re using Redemption! They’re great!’

Where do you see your business going in five years?

Multiple vans operating around the south east, serving up even more delicious coffee and cheese toasties. I would also like to create an internal programme to offer a route to employment for vulnerable people coming from lived experience.

What’s next for your business?

Festival season 2024! I’m keen to get as much exposure as possible at various festivals around the UK.

What is your favourite thing about your business?

The little quirks of owning and driving a 48 year old van, everyday is a school day!

What have been some of your biggest learning experiences in running your business?

Things get easier with time, don’t give up because the more you do something, the better you get at it.

Finally, what’s your favourite coffee to make and Redemption Roasters product?

The Block - Flat White. Chocolatey goodness.