Tom Sobey built Origin Coffee long before specialty coffee became a trend — and long before the industry understood what “quality” actually meant. ☕️
This episode goes deep into the real story behind one of Europe’s most respected coffee brands: the early graft, the relentless focus on culture, the obsession with craft, and the uncomfortable decisions needed to scale without selling your soul.
We talk about the defining moments — losing Soho House after years of partnership, watching COVID wipe out wholesale overnight, then rebuilding through a digital surge that reshaped the entire business. We dive into why Tom chose to bring in outside investment for the first time, and how that move was really about unlocking opportunity and protecting Origin’s future in Cornwall.
Tom’s philosophy is disarmingly simple: surround yourself with people smarter than you, stay humble, and let quality lead every decision — even when it hurts. The result? A roastery with global credibility, a culture built on trust, and a brand that refuses to play the “race to the bottom” game.
This isn’t just a coffee story. It’s a blueprint for building something timeless in a world addicted to shortcuts. 🔥
