Few events embody the dynamic energy of London’s coffee scene quite like The London Coffee Festival. Known for bringing together artisan roasters, innovative equipment developers, world-class baristas, and everyday coffee lovers, this festival showcases the best of specialty coffee culture. Whether you’re a trade professional or an informed enthusiast, the event is a rich blend of flavors, creativity, and caffeinated inspiration.
Event Details: Venue, Dates & Timings
- Venue: The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard, Shoreditch, London E1 6QR
- Dates: 14–17 May 2026
- Opening Hours:
- Industry Days (14–15 May): 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
- Public Sessions:
- Saturday 16 May: 09:00–18:00 (with morning and afternoon sessions breaking at 13:15)
- Sunday 17 May: 09:30–15:30 (last entry 14:30)
This format delivers a blend of dedicated trade networking and open, public celebration.
Entry Cost & Ticketing
- Standard ticket: Approximately £38, including access to tastings, demos, Brew School, Latte Art Live, Coffee Masters™, The Lab seminars and access to over 250 coffee and equipment brands.
- Industry ticket: Around £60, tailored for coffee professionals, provides early access to trade-side experiences.
- Ultimate/VIP ticket: Typically around £60–£120, includes priority entry, exclusive lounge access, a coffee cocktail token, and festival goodies.
Nearby Accommodation & Getting There
Located in buzzy Shoreditch, the festival is surrounded by a variety of convenient stays—from boutique hotels and budget B&Bs to upscale lodgings:
- easyHotel London City Shoreditch and Clink261 for low-cost stays
- The Standard, London or The Stafford for boutique comfort
- YHA St Paul’s near the festival area for affordable hostel-style lodging
The nearest stations include Shoreditch High Street (Overground), Aldgate East, and Liverpool Street, with easy bus access from central London points.
What You’ll Experience
Artisan Coffee Showcase
Over 250 artisan roasters—from familiar names to niche newcomers—come together in groups such as La Marzocco’s Roasters Village. Their stalls highlight rare single origin beans, community-driven blends, and regional roasts.
Coffee Masters™ Competition
This exhilarating barista showdown features 16 skilled competitors across multiple disciplines, culminating in a final live demonstration. It’s a spectacle that draws serious interest.
Latte Art Live
A dedicated hub celebrating barista creativity—from throwdowns to workshops centered around tools like Modbar—that attracts latte lovers and professionals alike.
Brew School
A bookable, 45-minute session guided by Brewed By Hand, Brew School gives insight into brewing techniques, from pourover basics to espresso dialing—perfect for curious enthusiasts and café staff.
The Lab
This talk zone hosts expert panels and debates on sustainability, economic pressures, labelling shifts, business strategies, and wellness narratives—from bean to cup .
Trend Zones
Recent festival highlights include matcha, plant-based milks, functional coffees, and sustainability features like reusable cups and auto steamers. These reflect larger shifts toward health, convenience, and environmental awareness.
Equipment & Innovation
See the latest in home espresso machines (from brands like La Marzocco and Slayer), auto-milk steamers, and brewing gear—many debuted or previewed at the festival.
Who Should Attend
- Coffee professionals: roasters, cafe owners, baristas, and buyers
- Homebrewing enthusiasts and equipment collectors
- Barista coaches and competition supporters
- Coffee culture creators in marketing, media, and hospitality
Anyone passionate about the coffee world—from bean sourcing and brewing to cafe culture and consumer trends—will find value here.
Benefits of Attending
- Tastings galore: Explore new beans, microlots, and signature drinks
- Industry intelligence: Learn about emerging trends in plant milks, sustainability, and tech
- Networking opportunities: Meet suppliers, industry peers, equipment manufacturers, and trainers
- Learning edge: Improve brewing, roasting insight, latte artistry, and sustainable practice
- Atmosphere: Mix of festival vitality—live music, food stalls, cocktail lounges, art installations—offers a fun, immersive experience.
Planning Your Visit
- Get tickets early, especially trade or VIP options, as they sell fast
- Check the schedule for Coffee Masters™, Brew School sessions, and Lab seminars
- Mark ‘must-see’ roasters or gear booths ahead of time
- Wear comfortable shoes—expect hours on your feet across a bustling venue
- Bring a reusable cup—supported across the festival as part of sustainability initiatives
- Capture business cards or scan QR codes of suppliers and baristas of interest
After the Festival
Look forward to:
- New brew techniques and product ideas to implement at cafes or home
- Industry connections with roasters, equipment reps, and competitors
- Insight into consumer-facing and trade-focused trends
- Inspiration for menu development, seasonal offerings, or branding enhancements
Final Thoughts
The London Coffee Festival is a generation-defining event for coffee lovers and professionals alike. With its blend of elite barista competition, equipment showcases, sensory discovery, and cultural celebration, it offers a deep dive into what makes coffee culture thrive. For anyone serious about specialty coffee, this is a must-attend event.
Book Your Ticket Now
Ready to be part of London’s ultimate coffee celebration? Reserve your ticket for The London Coffee Festival 2026 below:
👉 Visit here to book your ticket for The London Coffee Festival