Bristol Twenty Coffee Company turns 10! We are incredibly proud to have become a trusted name recognised for quality, sustainability, and delicious coffee. We interviewed our managing director, Rory Ireland to reflect on the past decade.

What inspired you to start Bristol Twenty Coffee Company?

When we started Bristol Twenty Coffee Company 10 years ago, our primary goal was simple: to share our passion for exceptional coffee with the community. Coffee, to us, has always been more than just a drink, it’s an experience that brings people together. We noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, ethically sourced coffee blends, and we wanted to create a company that not only delivers outstanding coffee but also prioritises sustainability and local relationships. That’s what inspired us, and it’s a mission we continue to uphold today.

Looking back, how has the company evolved over the past decade?

Over the last 10 years, Bristol Twenty has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We’ve expanded our offerings to include an extensive range of coffee blends, each carefully roasted to bring out its unique flavour profile. We have also extended this to a range of teas and hot chocolates, with the same quality focus. Beyond that, our focus on sustainability has deepened, we’ve moved towards eco-friendly packaging and continuously seek ways to minimise our environmental footprint. From a small, local operation to a respected name in the coffee industry, our evolution has been driven by innovation, feedback from our customers, and a commitment to quality. Here are a few images from when we first began in 2014!

What’s been your proudest achievement in the last 10 years?

Our proudest achievement has been building a loyal customer base who not only loves our coffee but shares our values. Winning awards and seeing our brand recognised is always an honour. Our work with the Bristol & Weston Hospital Charity is something we are incredibly proud of, it was the charity dad supported and continuing his commitment was a no brainer. To date we have raised over £10,000 that goes directly to improving the lives of the staff and patients in our city centre hospitals. 

Another highlight has been the strides we’ve made in sustainability. We’ve worked hard to create environmentally responsible products, and we’re proud that Bristol Twenty is known for offering coffee that’s as ethical as it is delicious.

 What do you think sets Bristol Twenty apart from other coffee companies?

What truly sets Bristol Twenty apart is our incredible team and commitment to both quality and sustainability. Every bean we roast is carefully selected, ensuring it meets our high standards, and we roast in small batches to maintain freshness. Additionally, our focus on building strong relationships with our suppliers and customers is central to who we are. We believe in transparency, fair trade, and always keeping the environment in mind, from the beans we source to the packaging we use. At Bristol Twenty, we’re not just selling coffee; we’re creating an experience with purpose.

If you could give advice to your 10-years-younger self when you were starting out, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to stay adaptable and never underestimate the power of community. Starting a business comes with challenges, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But being flexible and open to change is key. I’d also emphasise the importance of building relationships, with customers, suppliers, and partners. At the end of the day, it’s those relationships that help you grow, learn, and succeed. Lastly, I’d remind myself to always stick to our core values, no matter what. Staying true to our mission has been the backbone of everything we’ve achieved.

What do you envision for the future of Bristol Twenty Coffee?

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our product range, such as our new in room offering for hotels, Guesthouses and B&B’s . Sustainability will remain at the heart of everything we do, and we’re aiming to push even further towards becoming a carbon-neutral business. We also want to deepen our partnerships with local cafes and restaurants, offering more bespoke services tailored to their needs. The future for Bristol Twenty is all about growing responsibly while continuing to provide the highest quality coffee and maintaining the personal touch that our customers have come to expect.