OTLEY is known for its great independent coffee shops, many of which have survived the challenges of lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis to keep offering the perfect brew to residents and visitors alike.
Five years ago, one of the coffee shop proprietors, Tom Winder, of Cranberry Coffee Shop on Kirkgate, suggested that the town deserved its own coffee festival and this week sees the second Otley Coffee Festival, looking to “build a true coffee town” on Saturday.
Richard Hughes, the Festival Director said: "The theme of the event is 'The World in Your Cup'. It reminds us that coffee connects us to so many parts of the world, often struggling with the impacts of trade injustice and climate change; we need to drink, as we need to live – sustainably. All the Yorkshire-based coffee industry exhibitors display an impressive dedication to both the quality of the finished product you hold in your cup and to the well-being of those involved in bringing the bean from crop to cup. Casa Espresso Coffee Roasters, Dark Woods Coffee, Harmony, Rounton Coffee Roasters, North Star, White Rose Coffee Roaster and Coffee Care will all be there. It’s a great offer of sustainable coffee and conversation."
The first Otley Coffee Festival in April 2022 saw 20 stands attract the attention of some 350 visitors; this year the organisers have squeezed in a few more stands and, within that, attracted a great range of charities, an organic dairy and brilliant local creatives, offering the chance to browse and chat about prints, drawings, watercolours, paintings, glassware, ceramics, floristry, soaps, lotions and jewellery – all in the magnificent setting of Otley Parish Church.
You can also enjoy music from local musicians and talks about how to make a difference, both when you’re drinking coffee and when not!
Richard added: “After months of planning, and the recruitment of a brilliant team of over 20 volunteers, we are ready for an even better festival than last time, celebrating Otley’s coffee tradition and giving prominence to the really important issue of sustainability.”
The event runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, April 27 at Otley Parish Church. Timed tickets are £7 in advance or £9 on the door, allowing visitors to come and go for the rest of the day.
More details of stands, talks and music are available at otleycoffeeculture.co.uk.
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