Meet the Team
Jonathan - Director
My love of coffee started about 10 years ago. Like most people, I was brought into the coffee world by Starbucks (living on the South Coast) and the infamous PSL! (Pumpkin Spiced Latte)
Working in an office, this quickly changed to brewing my own in various ways; V60, Aeropress and the humble Cafetiere. All the coffee however was purchased from a supermarket. The next step was finding great independent coffee shops of which there are loads, down south. I didn't really know much about the coffee they used or how it was made but I knew what I liked and what I didnt. I went to University near Winchester in Hampshire and graduated at 22 with a BSc in Fish Science! I've worked as a Fish Farmer, Sales Assistant for Cotswold Outdoors, Sales Executive for a Fire Security company (my longest serving job) and then two jobs in recruitment before deciding that I'd had enough of working for companies I had no interest in.
Fast-forward to 2020 - I moved back up to the Lakes after a 14 year absence and it was during lockdown that I decided (during recovery from a major operation, I had lots of time to think) to start Fellside Coffee! I was sick of working for other people, I wanted to be my own boss and do something that I love!
I'll be honest, I didn't know much more about coffee in terms of how it was processed, but I knew what tasted good! I love learning about coffee, particularly espresso and filter. I will happily discuss brew methods, coffee processing, grind size, dose size - don't get me talking if you're in a hurry!
If I am not with the van or in the Roastery, you can find me on top of a fell or riding a bike!
Ash - Director
Hey, I’m Ash. It’s great to see you browsing our website and scrolling through our ‘Meet the Team’ page, I’m so thankful to be surrounded by such incredible individuals who inspire me every day.
Finding my way in to speciality coffee was not a straight line, although, somehow I’ve been working in coffee one way or another for over nine years now! I initially worked at a café in my hometown of Penrith, whilst studying Film Production at Kendal College (½ a mile from our roastery).
My love for coffee blossomed whilst I was studying in London and working for a small franchise, whom used 100% robusta varietal for all of their espresso based drinks; giving me the intrigue to want to know more about arabica and robusta, and then led down the rabbit hole to learning all about green coffee and how it is processed. Nowadays, the most important parts of coffee to me are; it tasting amazing, but also how it can impact people’s lives socially, whether that is sustainability on our behalf using an electric roaster and eco-friendly packaging, or whether that is actually paying the farmers a fair price by working direct trade, rather than through a broker – being able to make a social impact.
I’m an avid CrossFitter, I enjoy trail running with friends or just getting out on the local fells with my Belgian Malinois, Arlo.
Iona - Barista & Roastery Assistant
Hello! I'm Iona.
I am originally from the north east, but moved over west side for university, studying in Ambleside. I have a great love for the outdoors, so moving to the Lake District has always made sense to me. I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Outdoor Leadership.
Previously, I've worked for a few cafes in the area; enjoying the intricate process of making exceptional coffee. I'm still progressing towards the perfect latte art, but I'll let you guys be the judge of that! My personal favourite drink of choice however, is a classic hot chocolate.
If I'm not at work, you'll usually find me pootling on my bike or out with my dog. However, I am occasionally lazy by nature and like to take some time to chill out at hone, watching true crime documentaries. I also like to dabble in aerial hoop and silks, but nowhere near pro yet!