Baristocracy was founded in North Shields, Tyne and Wear in 2017 by Alex Forsyth and Kate Hudson, a family business shaped by Alex's Australian upbringing around his parents' Sydney cafe, Forsyth Coffee and Tea.
Baristocracy was founded in North Shields, Tyne and Wear in 2017 by Alex Forsyth and Kate Hudson, a family business shaped by Alex's Australian upbringing around his parents' Sydney cafe, Forsyth Coffee and Tea. The roastery sits on West Chirton North Industrial Estate and opens to the public on a small schedule each week (currently Sundays and Tuesdays), with a deliberate emphasis on speciality coffees from smallholders and less commercially mainstream origins.
Sourcing runs through importers who hold sustained producer relationships, including Cafe Imports, Omwani Coffee, Osito and Etico, with current and recent origins covering Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia. Alex visited producing regions in Rwanda and Burundi in 2024.
Decaf is offered roast-to-order using the ethyl acetate process carried out in Colombia. Retail bags are an oxo-compostable material made largely from recycled stock, wholesale customers receive coffee in reusable tins and tubs, and a container refill option is available.
Barista training, wholesale supply and a direct online shop sit alongside subscription delivery.
