- Feel Good
- 4th Sep 2026
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- 0 minute
Why Baristocracy Coffee is about to become your new obsession
- Advertisement Feature
There’s a moment every coffee lover remembers: the first sip that makes you realise you’ve been drinking the wrong stuff for years.
That’s exactly what happens when you visit Baristocracy Coffee, the North Shields speciality coffee roasters turning locals into speciality coffee converts one bag at a time.
Founded by Alex Forsyth, whose years of roasting experience sit behind every batch, Baristocracy roasts speciality-grade Arabica beans sourced from coffee growing communities in Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Colombia and beyond. It’s run day-to-day by Alex and his partner Kate, and their dynamic is exactly what makes it special. Whether you pop into the roastery or order online, this is coffee worth going out of your way for.
STEP INSIDE THE ROASTERY
The best way to understand what makes this coffee special is to see it happen in person. Baristocracy opens its doors to the public on Sundays from midday until 3pm and on Tuesdays from 10am until 2pm, giving you the chance to try their changing range of coffees, chat through brewing methods, and pick up freshly roasted beans to take home.
It’s a proper hands-on experience, and one that turns casual coffee drinkers into home brewing converts. Alex and Kate are always happy to talk you through flavour notes and help you find the right beans for however you take your coffee, whether that’s a single origin to sip black or a blend that holds its own with milk.
BOOK ONTO A FREE TASTING
If you want to go deeper, Baristocracy runs a free coffee tasting on the second Sunday of most months, giving customers the chance to sample a range of coffees side by side and learn what makes each one different. Spaces are limited, so it’s worth booking ahead. It’s a brilliant excuse to visit the roastery, taste something new and pick up your next bag while you’re there.
BUY ONLINE AND NEVER RUN OUT
Can’t make it down to North Shields, or just want your favourite beans delivered straight to your door? The Baristocracy website makes it easy to order online, browse the full range and stock up so you never run out of your morning brew.
Keep an eye out too for their limited edition extra special coffees, small batch releases showcasing cutting edge processing techniques, unusual flavour profiles and rare coffees you won’t find anywhere else. These drops don’t hang around, so it pays to check the website regularly if you want to get your hands on one before it sells out.
GIFT IDEAS WORTH ADDING TO BASKET
Speciality coffee makes a genuinely brilliant gift, and Baristocracy has made it easy to buy well.
Their single origin selection box is perfect for anyone who wants to explore different growing regions and taste the difference between them, while the new coffee drip bags offer an easy, mess-free way to enjoy a proper cup of speciality coffee anywhere, no equipment required. Both are available to order online or pick up in person at the roastery, and both make ideal presents for the coffee lover in your life.
MORE THAN JUST GOOD COFFEE
What sets Baristocracy apart goes beyond the cup. Alex and Kate work directly with transparent, ethical green coffee importers who have real relationships with growers and processing stations, meaning the people growing the coffee are properly paid for it.
Education runs through everything they do too, whether that’s sharing brewing tips in the roastery or talking flavour notes online. It’s this combination of skill, transparency and genuine care for coffee growing communities that makes every visit, and every order, feel like it’s going towards something worthwhile.
Ready to taste the difference?
Whether you pop into the roastery this Sunday or Tuesday, book onto the next tasting session, or place an order online for delivery straight to your door, Baristocracy Coffee is proof that speciality coffee is worth seeking out. Explore the full range and find your new favourite bag.
Baristocracy Coffee, Unit 2 Larch Court, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields NE29 8SG.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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