Meet Laura Metcalfe, a coffee freelancer in London who’s been making waves in the specialty coffee scene for over a decade. Her passion for sharing coffee experiences with others is infectious and her competitive spirit has earned her multiple national championship titles. Let’s dive into her inspiring story.
Laura’s love affair with coffee began at home, brewing instant coffee as a 10-year-old. But it wasn’t until she tasted an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe six years ago that her passion for specialty coffee truly ignited. This delicate, tea-like cup opened her eyes to the world of complex flavors that coffee could offer, and since then, she’s been a devotee of floral Ethiopian coffees.
What drove Laura to pursue a career in the coffee industry? After working as a chef and café front-of-house staff, she found herself behind the espresso machine 11 years ago. The café used Gold Box Roastery, a supplier that she now represents in London. A chance encounter with Canadian barista champion Kyle Straw in Vancouver further fueled her passion for specialty coffee, leading to intensive training and a deepened appreciation for the craft.
As a freelancer, Laura splits her time between sales for Gold Box Roastery, training, and events. Her ultimate goal is to help people discover new dimensions of coffee and encourage them to explore this fascinating world with confidence, curiosity, and respect.
Laura during an origin trip to Ethiopia.
Laura during an origin trip to Ethiopia. Photos by @ nikolaevava
What makes Laura’s customers’ coffee experience unique? She aims to serve coffees that challenge their perceptions, much like her life-changing Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. By offering a taste of the delicate and tea-like, she hopes to spark the same love for specialty coffee in others that she discovered years ago.
When asked about her favorite part of the day at a café, Laura’s answer is heartwarming: “I love the cafe dogs!” A self-proclaimed dog lover, she carries treats with her to share with her regular canine companions. She also cherishes those moments when strangers strike up conversations over coffee, embodying the community spirit that she strives to foster in her work.
Staying motivated and inspired is crucial for Laura, and competitions play a significant role. The pressure of judging and the opportunity to learn from her peers keep her driven to improve her skills. Being part of the coffee community is another source of inspiration, as she constantly finds herself learning and growing through interactions with other passionate individuals in the industry.
Laura during UK Brewers Cup 2024… …and 2025.
Throughout her career, Laura has encountered common misconceptions about the industry. To address these, she emphasizes the importance of respecting not only the coffee but also all those who contributed to its journey—from farmer to roaster.
Current trends in London cafés include signature beverages, which Laura is excited to see. Zero to One café in Shoreditch is particularly notable for its innovative drinks.
Laura’s achievements in championships are impressive, with multiple finals and wins across various categories. Her success can be attributed to dedicated mentors like Kyle Straw and two-time UK roasting champion Diana Johnson, who have guided her throughout her competitive journey.
She’s also excited about WOC Panama next year, where she hopes to participate as a competitor or volunteer.
Looking ahead, Laura plans to compete in the English Aeropress and Coffee Masters competitions. She’s also excited about WOC Panama next year, where she hopes to participate as a competitor or volunteer.
When it comes to competing in coffee championships, Laura emphasizes the importance of taking it seriously, putting in the work, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. A good coach can make all the difference, which is why she chose Diana Johnson—a seasoned competitor and judge—as her mentor during her first competitions.
Volunteering at coffee events has been a vital part of Laura’s journey, thanks to advice from Kyle Straw. She values these opportunities for making new friends, learning from competitors, and immersing herself in the global coffee community.
If there were one piece of knowledge about coffee that Laura would like everyone to know, it’s this: “Good coffee should be respected like good wine!” Apart from coffee, Laura enjoys cooking—a passion that mirrors her approach to dialing in coffee blends. She finds inspiration for signature beverages everywhere in London, particularly local markets.
Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just starting out on your own journey, her advice remains the same: respect the coffee, surround yourself with supportive people, and be prepared for both triumph and heartbreak along the way.
In the end, Laura’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, and mentorship in pursuing one’s passions. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just starting out on your own journey, her advice remains the same: respect the coffee, surround yourself with supportive people, and be prepared for both triumph and heartbreak along the way.
So, what do you think? Have Laura’s experiences resonated with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Questions & Answers
Who is Laura Metcalfe in the context of the article?
Laura Metcalfe is a coffee freelancer based in London, as discussed in the Barista Stories article.
What does Laura Metcalfe do as a coffee freelancer?
As a coffee freelancer, Laura Metcalfe works independently at various coffee shops in London, contributing her barista skills.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
