Northern Ireland’s inaugural coffee festival is occurring on 26-27 September 2015 in T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast. One of its creators, Roger Gowdy took some time out of organising this wonderful event to answer some of my questions.
Event creators Roger Gowdy and Deepak Samson with local MLA Chris Lyttle and Miel et Moi barista Ryan Watson.
What inspired you to organise the first coffee festival in Northern Ireland?
Both myself and Deepak, the other organiser of the festival are coffee lovers. We made a trip to the Scottish Coffee Festival last year in Glasgow. We were just really inspired by it – the atmosphere, the coffees from all over the world, and the brewing tutorials. It was a really fun and educational experience and we thought we need to bring this to Northern Ireland. So, we came home and set about it!
When did you find a love for coffee and all things coffee related?
I have enjoyed coffee for a long time, but it has only been in recent years that I began to experiment with different brewing techniques and different types of roasts. I got hooked on it. Coffee is fascinating and so much more complex than you might think at first. I see it more in the same bracket as wine and craft beer – the more you learn about it, the more you realise how little you know!
What is your background – before organising NI Coffee Festival?
I’ve organised some smaller scale community events in the past but my ‘proper job’ is Finance Manager for a charity, so I’m not a professional festival organiser by any stretch of the imagination! I’ve loved the experience. It’s been exciting, scary, fascinating…and there’s always lots to do! Thankfully I’m not on my own – Deepak and I share the load, along with a helpful team of encouraging friends and family members!
What is your favourite coffee shop (globally/locally)?
I don’t know if I have a favourite. There are a growing number of amazing local coffee shops and I always enjoy visiting cafes when I’m out of the country.
When I’m in Belfast I do love a visit to Common Grounds or Oliver’s, and I’m excited that both of them will be down at the festival selling their tasty coffees!
Why are people in Northern Ireland so interested in coffee?
Coffee is a social drink. We meet over it, break up over it and complete business deals over it. We have an emotional connection to it. I think because we are a social bunch of people in Northern Ireland we maybe have a special connection.
Globally there seems to be a new wave of excitement around coffee, especially from independent coffee shops. They take their coffee seriously and ensure it is ethically sourced and tastes amazing. I think its popularity will majorly increase over the next decade.
What makes the coffee experience? Is it the coffee or the buns that we eat alongside it?
It’s all of the above – it’s a personal thing. I think the world seems better when you have a good cup of coffee in your hand!
Where do you see the festival in five years?
We’ll see how this year goes first, ha! We would love it to become an annual festival, growing and developing alongside the local coffee culture.
What is your favourite coffee?
I don’t think I have a favourite as such…it is like a surfer searching for that perfect wave. Who knows, maybe my next cup will be my favourite! I generally prefer lighter roasts as the flavours of the bean are better preserved and more transparent.
What do you define as real coffee?
I try not to be a coffee snob – as I said, it’s a personal thing. Each to their own an’ all! For me, the best coffee is where care and attention has gone into every step of the process: growing, harvesting, preparing, blending, roasting and brewing.
When did you last drink instant coffee?
I’ve been known to drink instant when fresh coffee isn’t available! I don’t really think of it as coffee. More of a caffeine kick to get me through the day!
Describe the perfect cup of coffee – the bean, method it’s created, the cup it’s drank in etc.
I like a lightly roasted single origin coffee, freshly ground and filtered through a ceramic V60 into my favourite handmade porcelain cup. That sounds a bit geeky…but you did ask!
Are the coffee beans you endorse Fairtrade?
I don’t personally endorse any beans, but I think Fairtrade is a really important thing. However, it is not the only way of protecting the farmers and workers. Many roasters and coffee shops are going down the direct trade route where they buy straight from the growers, cutting out the middleman buyers and sellers. This coffee may not get certified as fair trade but can still be mutually beneficial for all concerned.
Are flavoured coffees all they are made out to be or a marketing strategy?
Hey, if it tastes good, drink it! Big multinationals are always trying to think of new ways to rebrand coffee to make more money. For me coffee is good enough on its own, but experimenting with flavour can be fun! Brewbot, a local craft beer pub will be coming down to the festival and offering some interesting coffee flavoured beers and cocktails – I cannot wait to try them out!
Why charge for entry? What does my entry fee get me?
As this is an independent grass roots festival, unfortunately we cannot afford not to charge entry. We think that £6 per ticket with a free tea or coffee is a great price for what is on offer!
What parking facilities are there at the festival?
There are two car parks beside the venue and we are currently agreeing a great all day parking deal with the authorities. We will put up more parking and transport information on the website closer to the time.
What activities are there at NI Coffee Festival for all the family?
There will be lots of sports and arts activities for children and young people at the festival. We are even planning to provide something for babies too! More on that soon!
What activities are there at NI Coffee Festival for the unusual people that don’t like coffee?
Not everyone likes coffee. We get it. So, if you are a tea lover we will have Suki Tea and SD Bells at the festival providing teas from all over the world for you to try. If tea is not your thing, there will be some alcoholic offerings to be had. There should be something for all tastes! There will be lots of street and artisan foods like bread, chocolates, fudges too, so come hungry! There is also the photo exhibition, cinema, demonstrations, live music, Barista Championship…the list goes on! Needless to say, you won’t be bored!
NI Coffee Festival promises to be a great event. More information can be found here.
What are you looking forward to most at NI Coffee Festival? Have you ever been to a coffee festival?
This looks great- I hadn’t heard of it, but will be checking out!
Definitely do – it will be a fantastic weekend!