Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Reviews

Based on checking the website, Coaltowncoffee.co.uk appears to be a highly reputable and ethically-driven coffee roaster based in the UK.

They focus on sourcing high-quality, ethically traded coffee beans, emphasizing transparency and sustainability throughout their supply chain.

The site highlights their B-Corp certification and status as a Living Wage Employer, which speaks volumes about their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

If you’re in the market for specialty coffee with a conscience, Coaltown Coffee certainly presents itself as a compelling option worth exploring.

What makes Coaltown Coffee stand out isn’t just the promise of a great cup, but the story behind it.

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Reviews Latest Discussions & Reviews:

They’re rooted in Ammanford, a former mining community, and their mission is to revitalize the local economy by transforming “black gold” coal into a new form of “black gold” coffee. This heritage-driven approach, combined with their strong ethical framework, makes them more than just a coffee supplier. they’re a business with a genuine purpose.

For consumers who value not only the taste and quality of their coffee but also the impact of their purchase on people and the planet, Coaltown Coffee offers a clear and attractive value proposition.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Review & First Look

When you first land on Coaltowncoffee.co.uk, the immediate impression is one of quality, transparency, and a strong brand narrative.

The design is clean, professional, and visually appealing, making it easy to navigate and discover their offerings.

• Initial User Experience: The website provides a seamless browsing experience. The main navigation is clear, directing users to Coffee, Subscribe, Accessories, Workshops, About Us, Journal, and Wholesale. This intuitive layout ensures that whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning customer, you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
• Aesthetics and Branding: Coaltown Coffee leverages strong, evocative imagery that speaks to their heritage and the quality of their product. The “Black Gold” theme, linking back to their mining community roots, is consistently woven through their branding, adding a unique and memorable touch.
• Key Information Accessibility: Important details like “Free tracked UK delivery on orders over £25” and “25% off first 3 recurring subscriptions orders” are prominently displayed, immediately highlighting value propositions for potential customers. This upfront communication is excellent for user conversion.

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Features

Coaltown Coffee offers a range of features designed to cater to various coffee preferences and purchasing habits, from single-origin enthusiasts to those seeking a regular subscription.

• Diverse Coffee Selection:
  • House Coffee Range: They offer a selection of house blends like Black Gold No3, Candle Light No1, Anthracite No2, Jenkin Jones, The Union No4, and Drifft. These seem to be their core offerings, catering to different taste profiles.
  • Single Origin Coffees: The website also highlights “latest single origin arrivals,” indicating a commitment to exploring unique and often seasonal beans from specific regions. This caters to coffee aficionados who appreciate the nuances of different origins.
  • Decaf Option: They even offer a Black Gold Decaf, ensuring that those who prefer to avoid caffeine can still enjoy their blends.
• Subscription Service:
  • Convenience and Savings: Their subscription model is a major draw, offering “Save 25% on your first three recurring subscription orders.” This provides a consistent supply of fresh coffee delivered to your door, perfect for busy individuals.
  • Flexibility: While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, a subscription service typically offers flexibility in terms of grind size, frequency, and quantity, which are standard expectations for such offerings.
• Coffee Equipment & Accessories: Beyond just beans, Coaltown Coffee provides a curated selection of accessories, including items like the Miir x Coaltown Everywhere Straw Tumbler and Miir x Coaltown All Day Straw Cup, suggesting they cater to the full coffee brewing experience at home or on the go. They also offer branded merchandise like the Coaltown Sticker Pack.
• Workshops: The inclusion of “Workshops” in their navigation indicates an interactive element, likely offering insights into coffee brewing, tasting, or roasting. This is a fantastic feature for engaging their community and educating consumers, though specific details aren’t on the homepage.
• Journal/Blog: Their “Journal” section, featuring articles like “Coaltown Coffee Now Available with InPost” and “A Coffee Born of Heritage and Heart—Crafted Entirely by Women,” demonstrates their commitment to content marketing, sharing their story, and keeping customers informed about new developments and ethical sourcing practices.
• Wholesale Program: A dedicated “Wholesale” option indicates they also supply businesses, which speaks to their operational scale and capability.

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Pros & Cons

Based on the information presented on their website, Coaltowncoffee.co.uk presents a compelling case for its products and ethos, but like any business, there are areas to consider.

Pros:

• Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability: This is a huge win. Their “Ethically Sourced Coffee,” “B-Corp Certified,” and “Living Wage Employer” badges are front and center. They explicitly state their commitment to paying fair wages and building direct trade relationships.
  • B-Corp Certification: Being B-Corp certified means they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. As of 2023, there are over 7,000 B Corps across 90 countries, making Coaltown part of a global movement.
  • Living Wage Employer: This commitment ensures their employees earn a wage that truly covers their basic needs, going beyond the government minimum wage.
• High-Quality Product Focus: Their emphasis on “The Fourth Volume Of Our Summer Coffee,” “Browse our house range of coffees and latest single origin arrivals,” and detailed descriptions of their coffee journey from “growing, harvesting, hulling, drying, packing, transporting, roasting and finally brewing” suggests a deep passion for quality.
• Strong Brand Story & Heritage: The narrative of revitalizing Ammanford through coffee, leveraging the “Black Gold” metaphor, is powerful and resonates with consumers who appreciate authenticity and purpose-driven brands.
• Positive Customer Feedback: The “Excellent Trust Pilot 5*” rating displayed prominently builds immediate trust and credibility. As of early 2024, businesses with 5-star Trustpilot ratings often see a significant boost in customer confidence.
• Convenient Subscription Service: Offering a 25% discount on the first three recurring subscription orders is a strong incentive for new customers to commit to a regular supply of their coffee.
• Educational Content: The “Journal” and “Workshops” sections suggest a commitment to educating customers about coffee, its origins, and brewing techniques, fostering a more engaged community.
• Diverse Product Range: Beyond just beans, they offer accessories and merchandise, catering to various aspects of the coffee experience.
• Local Impact: Their commitment to their local community in Ammanford, aiming to bring back an industry, is a positive social contribution.

Cons:

• Limited Transparency on Specific Sourcing Details: While they broadly state “sustainable and transparent trade with farms from across the coffee regions of the world,” the homepage doesn’t immediately provide granular details on specific farm names, pricing paid to farmers, or the exact certifications for each coffee. While common for homepages, deeper dives would require navigating further.
• Pricing: Specialty coffee typically comes at a premium, and Coaltown’s prices, ranging from “From £10.50” to “From £13.50” for their blends, might be higher than mass-market options. However, this is expected given their ethical sourcing and quality focus. For instance, the average price of a 250g bag of specialty coffee in the UK can range from £8-£15.
• Shipping Costs Not Immediately Clear Beyond Free Delivery Threshold: While they advertise “Free tracked UK delivery on orders over £25,” the cost for orders below this threshold is not explicitly stated on the homepage, requiring a trip to the checkout or a dedicated FAQ page.
• Workshop Details Absent: The “Workshops” section is listed, but no immediate information on types of workshops, schedules, or pricing is available on the homepage. This might deter interested parties who want quick information.
• Geographic Focus: While they ship nationally, their physical locations Ammanford and Pontarddulais are confined to Wales, limiting in-person engagement for customers outside this region.

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Alternatives

Many excellent alternatives share similar values regarding sustainability, direct trade, and quality.

• Ozone Coffee Roasters: Based in London, Ozone is another B-Corp certified roaster with a strong emphasis on sustainability and direct trade relationships. They offer a wide range of single origins and blends, plus cafes and training facilities. They are known for their commitment to environmental impact.
• Assembly Coffee Roasters: An award-winning London-based roaster focusing on exquisite single-origin coffees and transparent sourcing. They are particularly renowned for their high-scoring beans and meticulous roasting profiles.
• Square Mile Coffee Roasters: Co-founded by James Hoffmann, a world-renowned coffee expert, Square Mile is a highly respected London roaster known for its commitment to quality, education, and ethical sourcing. They have a comprehensive range of blends and single origins.
• Origin Coffee Roasters: Based in Cornwall, Origin is one of the UK’s longest-standing specialty coffee roasters, with a strong focus on direct trade and sustainability. They offer a robust subscription service and a wide selection of ethically sourced coffees.
• Climpson & Sons: Another pioneer in the London specialty coffee scene, Climpson & Sons are known for their diverse range of coffees, commitment to ethical practices, and vibrant cafes.
• Grind Coffee: While perhaps more recognized for their coffee pods and physical cafes, Grind also offers whole bean and ground coffee, with a focus on ethical sourcing and organic options.
• Union Hand-Roasted Coffee: One of the earliest proponents of ethical sourcing in the UK, Union Coffee has a long-standing reputation for quality and their “Union Direct Trade” model, which ensures fair prices for farmers.

Each of these alternatives brings its unique flair and focus, but they all generally align with Coaltown’s commitment to higher quality, ethically sourced coffee.

The choice often comes down to specific taste preferences, location, and the nuances of their individual ethical commitments.

How to Cancel Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Subscription

While the Coaltown Coffee homepage doesn’t explicitly detail the cancellation process, most reputable subscription services like theirs offer straightforward methods.

Based on industry standards for e-commerce subscriptions, here’s how you would typically cancel or manage your Coaltown Coffee subscription:

• Through Your Online Account:
  • Login: The first step is almost always to log into your customer account on Coaltowncoffee.co.uk. Look for a “Login” or “My Account” link, usually located in the header or footer of the website.
  • Manage Subscriptions: Once logged in, navigate to a section typically labeled “My Subscriptions,” “Manage Subscriptions,” “Account Dashboard,” or similar. This is where you can view your active subscriptions.
  • Cancellation Option: Within this section, you should find options to “Cancel,” “Pause,” “Skip,” or “Edit” your subscription. Select the cancellation option.
  • Confirmation: Follow any prompts to confirm your cancellation. You might be asked for a reason for canceling optional feedback for the company.
• Contacting Customer Service:
  • If you cannot find the option to cancel online, or if you encounter any issues, reaching out to their customer service is the next best step.
  • Look for a “Contact Us” page, an email address, or a phone number on their website.
  • Clearly state your intention to cancel your subscription and provide your account details e.g., email address associated with the account, order number.
• Important Considerations:
  • Cut-off Dates: Be aware of any cut-off dates. Most subscription services have a specific date before your next billing cycle by which you must make changes or cancellations to avoid being charged for the upcoming delivery. This information is usually found in their Subscription Terms & Conditions or FAQ.
  • Confirmation Email: Always ensure you receive a confirmation email for your cancellation. Keep this email as proof.
  • Refunds: Understand their refund policy regarding subscriptions. If you cancel after a charge has been made but before shipment, you may be eligible for a refund, but this varies by company.

Given Coaltown Coffee’s B-Corp status and commitment to customer satisfaction, it’s highly probable they have a user-friendly and transparent cancellation process in place, aligning with best practices for online subscription services.

How to Cancel Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Free Trial

Based on the homepage content, Coaltowncoffee.co.uk doesn’t explicitly advertise a “free trial” in the traditional sense.

Instead, they promote “Save 25% on your first three recurring subscription orders.” This is a promotional discount on a standard subscription rather than a trial that needs to be actively canceled to avoid charges after a specific period.

• Understanding the Offer: The 25% discount is applied to your first three recurring subscription orders. This means you are signing up for a regular subscription from the outset, albeit with an initial discount. You won’t have a specific “trial period” that ends and then automatically charges you the full price unless you cancel.
• Cancellation Process: If you wish to stop receiving coffee after your first or second, or third discounted delivery, you would follow the standard subscription cancellation process outlined above:
  • Login to your account on Coaltowncoffee.co.uk.
  • Navigate to “My Subscriptions” or a similar section.
  • Select the option to “Cancel” your subscription.
  • Ensure you cancel before your next billing cycle to avoid being charged for subsequent orders.
• Key Difference from a Free Trial:
  • A true “free trial” often means you receive a product for free for a limited time, and then you are automatically charged the full price if you don’t cancel before the trial ends.
  • Coaltown’s offer is a discounted introductory period to a paid subscription, meaning you are committing to a purchase from the first order, just at a reduced rate.
• Recommendation: Always review the specific terms and conditions associated with the “25% off first 3 recurring subscriptions orders” offer before subscribing to fully understand any commitments or nuances of the promotional period. This information would typically be found during the checkout process or in a dedicated FAQ section on their website.

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk Pricing

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk offers various pricing structures depending on whether you’re making a one-time purchase or opting for a subscription.

Based on the homepage, here’s a snapshot of their pricing and potential savings:

• One-Time Coffee Purchases:
  • Blends: Their house blends appear to range in price. For instance:
    • Candle Light No1: From £10.50
    • Black Gold No3: From £11.00
    • The Union No4: From £12.50
    • Drifft: From £12.75
    • Jenkin Jones: From £12.75
    • Black Gold Decaf: From £12.75
    • Anthracite No2: From £13.50
  • These prices typically refer to a standard bag size, most commonly 250g for specialty coffee in the UK. This places them competitively within the premium specialty coffee market.
• Coffee Subscriptions:
  • Introductory Offer: “Save 25% on your first three recurring subscription orders.” This is a significant incentive for new subscribers.
  • Post-Discount Pricing: After the initial three discounted orders, the subscription price would revert to the standard price per bag, equivalent to or slightly discounted from the one-time purchase price, depending on the subscription’s terms e.g., if there’s a small ongoing subscriber discount.
  • Flexibility and Customization: While not explicitly detailed, subscription pricing often varies based on factors like:
    • Coffee Type: Blends vs. single origins.
    • Bag Size: Larger bags often offer better value per gram.
    • Frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly deliveries.
    • Quantity: Number of bags per delivery.
• Accessories and Other Products:
  • Coaltown Coffee Liqueur: £35.00 Note: This product contains alcohol and would be discouraged in Islam. Readers seeking alternatives for enjoyment might consider halal non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling grape juice, artisanal fruit infusions, or specialty herbal teas for a sophisticated and permissible experience.
  • Rural Kind X Coaltown Card Wallet – Dark Brown: £45.00
  • Rural Kind X Coaltown Key Carry – Dark Brown: £37.50
  • Miir x Coaltown Everywhere Straw Tumbler 20oz: £24.99
  • Coaltown Sticker Pack: £3.50
  • Miir x Coaltown All Day Straw Cup 32oz: £43.00
  • Miir x Coaltown Carafe: £81.00
  • Rural Kind X Coaltown Haversack – Slate: £185.00 Sold out
• Delivery Costs:
  • “Free tracked UK delivery on orders over £25.” This is a common threshold for free shipping among UK e-commerce businesses. For orders under £25, standard delivery charges would apply, which would be visible during checkout.

Overall, Coaltowncoffee.co.uk positions its pricing at the premium end, reflecting its ethical sourcing, B-Corp certification, and focus on high-quality specialty coffee.

The subscription discount provides an attractive entry point for regular customers.

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk vs. Other Roasters e.g., Origin Coffee, Square Mile

When comparing Coaltowncoffee.co.uk with other established UK specialty coffee roasters like Origin Coffee or Square Mile, several key distinctions and similarities emerge, primarily in their values, offerings, and brand positioning.

• Ethical Stance and Certifications:
  • Coaltown Coffee: Heavily emphasizes its B-Corp certification and status as a Living Wage Employer. Their narrative is deeply rooted in local community impact Ammanford and using business as a force for good. They highlight direct trade and ethical payments to farmers.
  • Origin Coffee Roasters: Also a pioneer in direct trade and ethical sourcing in the UK. They have a strong reputation for building long-term relationships with coffee producers and transparency in their supply chain. While not explicitly stated as B-Corp on their homepage, their practices align closely with B-Corp principles.
  • Square Mile Coffee Roasters: Co-founded by James Hoffmann, Square Mile is renowned for its commitment to sourcing excellence and transparency. They engage in direct trade, ensuring fair prices and supporting producers, though they don’t publicly display a B-Corp certification on their main page. Their focus is often on the nuanced flavors and quality achievable through meticulous sourcing and roasting.
• Brand Narrative and Identity:
  • Coaltown Coffee: Strong narrative tied to its Welsh mining heritage “Black Gold” and community revitalization. This gives them a unique, authentic story that resonates emotionally with customers.
  • Origin Coffee Roasters: Emphasizes its coastal Cornish roots and a deep connection to the origins of coffee, often highlighting the journey from farm to cup.
  • Square Mile Coffee Roasters: More focused on the science and artistry of coffee, appealing to connoisseurs and those who appreciate expert-level insights into brewing and tasting. Their identity is often associated with precision and technical excellence.
• Product Range:
  • Coaltown Coffee: Offers a solid range of house blends, single origins, decaf, and a curated selection of accessories. Their subscription offers a compelling discount. They also have a unique, albeit discouraged in Islam, coffee liqueur.
  • Origin Coffee Roasters: Known for a very diverse and rotating selection of single origins, often including rarer and experimental processing methods. They also have excellent blends and a comprehensive range of brewing equipment.
  • Square Mile Coffee Roasters: Offers a consistent range of high-quality blends and a rotating selection of exceptional single origins, often accompanied by detailed tasting notes and brewing guides. They also sell brewing equipment.
• Customer Experience & Community Engagement:
  • Coaltown Coffee: Provides workshops and a journal, indicating a desire to educate and engage their community beyond just selling coffee. They also have physical locations.
  • Origin Coffee Roasters: Has cafes, a roastery, and often hosts events and educational programs, fostering a strong community.
  • Square Mile Coffee Roasters: While not as retail-focused with cafes, their educational content especially through James Hoffmann’s presence is a massive draw for the global coffee community.
• Pricing: All three operate in the premium specialty coffee segment, so their prices per bag e.g., 250g are generally comparable and reflect the costs associated with ethical sourcing, quality beans, and expert roasting. Prices typically range from £10-£15 for 250g.

In summary, Coaltown Coffee carves out its niche through its strong community-focused, heritage-driven narrative and clear B-Corp certification.

While Origin and Square Mile are equally committed to ethical practices and quality, Coaltown offers a distinct brand story that might appeal to those looking for a roaster with a tangible local impact alongside global ethical sourcing.

The “best” choice often comes down to personal brand preference and specific coffee taste profiles.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coaltowncoffee.co.uk?

Coaltowncoffee.co.uk is the official website for Coaltown Coffee, a UK-based specialty coffee roaster known for its ethically sourced, high-quality coffee beans and its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, including B-Corp certification and being a Living Wage Employer.

Where is Coaltown Coffee based?

Coaltown Coffee is based in Ammanford, a former mining community in Wales, UK. They also have an espresso bar in Pontarddulais.

Is Coaltown Coffee ethically sourced?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee explicitly states that their coffee is ethically sourced.

They focus on sustainable and transparent trade, aiming to pay fairly for the hard work of farmers and build direct trade relationships.

Is Coaltown Coffee B-Corp certified?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee is B-Corp certified, which signifies their commitment to meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Capirari.com Reviews

Does Coaltown Coffee offer subscriptions?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee offers coffee subscriptions, allowing customers to receive regular deliveries of their chosen coffee.

They currently offer a 25% discount on the first three recurring subscription orders.

What types of coffee does Coaltown Coffee sell?

Coaltown Coffee sells a variety of coffee types, including a range of house blends e.g., Black Gold No3, Candle Light No1, single-origin coffees, and a decaf option Black Gold Decaf.

Does Coaltown Coffee offer free delivery?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee offers free tracked UK delivery on orders over £25.

What accessories does Coaltown Coffee sell?

Coaltown Coffee sells a selection of coffee accessories and branded merchandise, including tumblers, cups, carafes, card wallets, key carries, and sticker packs. They also previously sold a haversack. Tidalexhibitions.com Reviews

Does Coaltown Coffee have a physical store or cafe?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee has a roastery and HQ in Ammanford, and an espresso bar in Pontarddulais, both in Wales.

Can I learn about coffee from Coaltown Coffee?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee has a “Journal” section on their website with articles about coffee and their operations.

They also list “Workshops” in their navigation, suggesting opportunities for learning about coffee.

How can I get a discount on my first Coaltown Coffee order?

You can receive a 10% discount on your first online coffee order by joining the Coaltown Newsletter, and new subscribers save 25% on their first three recurring subscription orders.

What is the average price of Coaltown Coffee’s blends?

Based on the homepage, Coaltown Coffee’s house blends typically range from approximately £10.50 to £13.50 for a standard bag likely 250g. Angellight.com Reviews

What is Coaltown Coffee’s ethos?

Coaltown Coffee’s ethos centers on sustainable and transparent trade, paying fairly for coffee, and revitalizing their local community by bringing a new industry coffee to a former mining town.

Does Coaltown Coffee use Trustpilot reviews?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee proudly displays an “Excellent Trust Pilot 5*” rating on its homepage, indicating strong positive customer feedback.

Can I buy Coaltown Coffee for my business?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee has a “Wholesale” option on their website, indicating that they supply coffee to businesses.

Does Coaltown Coffee offer decaffeinated coffee?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee offers a decaffeinated option called Black Gold Decaf.

What is the “Black Gold” theme about for Coaltown Coffee?

The “Black Gold” theme for Coaltown Coffee is a metaphor connecting their current product coffee to the historical industry of their community anthracite coal, also known as “black gold”. It signifies their mission to bring a new form of industry and prosperity to Ammanford. Makesomesweets.de Reviews

How does Coaltown Coffee contribute to the environment?

Coaltown Coffee is committed to reducing its direct impact on the environment, as stated in their “Our Purpose” section, which also highlights their B-Corp certification for social and environmental performance.

Does Coaltown Coffee offer a coffee liqueur?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee offers a product called “Coaltown Coffee Liqueur.” However, it’s important to note that products containing alcohol are not permissible in Islam.

For those seeking permissible alternatives, consider exploring gourmet non-alcoholic beverage options such as premium sparkling ciders, artisanal fruit infusions, or sophisticated alcohol-free spirits designed for mocktails.

Is Coaltown Coffee involved in direct trade?

Yes, Coaltown Coffee aims to build direct trade relationships around the globe, focusing on accountability and transparency throughout their supply chains to ensure fair practices.

Flightticketfare.com Reviews