Dark Arts Coffee

Overview

Dark Arts Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery based in East London, known for its bold roasting style, characterful beans, and irreverent goth-metal branding. It sources beans globally and roasts them in-house, serving both retail via online sales and wholesale to cafes. The brand has developed a cult following in the UK specialty coffee scene, with locations in Homerton, Hackney, Shoreditch, and Soho.

History

Founded in 2014 by Brad Morrison, a muralist-turned-roaster, and friends in a Homerton railway arch in East London. Expanded to outposts in Hackney, Shoreditch, and a Soho flagship in collaboration with Aries Arise. Recognized as a Notable Roaster Honoree at the Sprudgie Awards for its impact on coffee culture.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Roasted in-house at their East London roastery in Hackney using small-batch methods. Beans are imported from producers worldwide and roasted to order for freshness. No outsourcing mentioned.

Notable Products

• Photosynthesis - Tangy, playful natural process coffee with cherry sweetness and vanilla creaminess.
• Lonesome Town Washed Honduras - Washed Honduras offering balanced flavors, featured in multi-roaster cafes.
• Dark Arts Espresso - Bold espresso roast central to their wholesale cafe offerings.

Reputation

Enthusiasts praise Dark Arts for its high-quality, flavorful roasts and distinctive countercultural branding, fostering a loyal cult following. Professionals recognize its quality through awards like the Sprudgie Notable Roaster Honoree. Some note the heavy goth-metal aesthetic as polarizing, though it aligns with their rebellious East London identity.