Our Story

From Tasting Notes to Sensory Stories

At Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters, we believe coffee is more than just a beverage — it's a sensory journey. Every blend we build begins with a deep understanding of regional flavour profiles, and a curiosity to explore how origin, process, and roast come together to tell a story in the cup.

We roast coffees from diverse terroirs — from the jasmine florals of Ethiopia to the syrupy berries of Colombia or the cocoa-rich depths of Brazil — not just to highlight the bean, but to build flavour architecture: balancing acidity, body, sweetness, and texture in ways that evoke something personal.

But here’s the thing — we don’t believe everyone should love every blend.

Your preferences are shaped by your own sensory memories. Maybe you once cracked into a crème brûlée in Paris, and ever since you’ve been drawn to velvety textures, cream, and toffee. Or maybe your love of dark, indulgent flavour comes from that first slice of “death by chocolate” cake as a kid. Coffee should connect to you — your palate, your nostalgia, your daily rituals.

Our goal is to offer a curated range of coffees that resonate differently for everyone — from bright, fruity filters to deep, chocolatey blends. We taste, tweak, and build with intention — so when you find the one that hits just right, it’s not just coffee. It’s a moment.

As head roaster at Neighbourhood, my approach to coffee has always mirrored my approach to cooking — something I’ve been passionate about since I was young. It’s a lifelong journey through flavour, history, and quality — a constant exploration of how ingredients, cultures, and technique collide to create emotion and experience. Sometimes I’m drawn to a flavour profile for six months, sometimes for a year — and then, something shifts. What I crave evolves. I might pivot completely, or find myself returning to where I began. That’s the nature of life — our senses change, our tastes mature, and what we value in flavour grows with us. As the creator of our food menu and tasting experience, matching coffee with wine, beer, and food falls under my creative autonomy — and it’s where I find the most joy.

Director/Head Roaster/Sensory Explorer - Alex Ridgway