Keith Burton – Head Roast Master

Introducing our head roast master, Keith Burton - a man with a passion for coffee that has grown and evolved alongside the industry for several decades. From witnessing the coffee industry's rapid evolution to taking an active role in shaping the trend towards higher quality Specialty grade coffees, Keith's journey has been a blend of creativity, innovation, and relentless pursuit of perfection.

In his words, "The trajectory of coffee's growth in the UK has been an inspiring sight to behold. The maturity of the market, the appreciation for good quality coffee, the increasing importance of provenance and sustainability - these shifts have transformed coffee roasting from a job into a joy. It's exhilarating to find the perfect roast profile that unlocks a bean's potential and brings its best to your cup."

While Keith is an ardent champion of Specialty coffee, his love for the bean doesn't end there. His palate often enjoys the serendipitous delights of random mixes, created by adding leftover coffees from tasting sessions together. He confesses, "That's what we drink most mornings. Over the years, we've stumbled upon a few standout blends quite by accident."

In the realm of custom blends, Keith's prowess and our team's craftsmanship have catered to some of the UK's finest establishments - from renowned restaurants like Rick Stein Padstow Hotel and Nidd Hall, to the prestigious Hotel Du Vin Chain, and high street chains like TinderBox. Even elite clubs in London such as RAF Club, RAC Club, National Liberal Club, and National Farmers Club have savoured our unique blends.

Bringing this extensive experience and craft to the We Are Coffee brand, Keith sees an opportunity to directly connect with coffee lovers. "Over the years, we've mainly roasted for B2B operations. However, developing a direct-to-consumer brand allows us to hear directly from you. We genuinely want to know how you're enjoying our coffee, what you'd like to see, and if there's anything we can do better. We've got big plans for the brand, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of this new chapter."

With Keith at the helm of our roasting operations, we are excited to share our craft, passion, and most coveted blends with you. So, here's to a great journey ahead, filled with tantalising flavours, exciting innovations, and an undying love for coffee!