Redemption Roasters.. why doing good tastes bad

Redemption Roasters has a fantastic cause, which is to reduce reoffending in the UK via training people in prisons on barista-ing, coffee production, and roasting skills. I’m a bleeding heart, I should love them. Plus their branding is chic (not that you’d know it from the website). So why do I avoid it at all costs?

Firstly, I’m a coffee snob and I think the Redemption Roasters coffee is thin. I know that sounds weird, but they lean into fruity and slightly sour beans. Plus, they use the bad oat milk. Minor Figures. Whomever founded it may actually be my nemesis. 

I could get over that though, I live in London. Not a city known for its fantastic coffee options. I could put up and accept that Redemption Roasters' technically good coffee just isn’t too my taste and be disappointed but still purchase it. But I won't. 

Firstly, every time I go to their Hampstead store, my local, it’s total chaos. The line is long, I’m always given a takeaway cup and the croissants look old. 

Last time I was waiting for my dog to finish at the groomers (don’t come for me, clipping nails is terrifying), I had my laptop and wanted a proper sitdown coffee. So I asked for a ‘have here oat cappuccino’ and received it in a paper cup. I know they have real cups, I CAN SEE THEM!

This experience is actually pretty typical of all the Redemption Roasters I’ve been to. Especially at the Islington one, it’s like walking through a rubbish bin any time it's busy. 

So my recommendation, take your four pounds elsewhere until they start serving coffee in porcelain.