How our stars aligned...
Our journey began in 2010, in conversation with coffee producers in Kenya, listening to their real experiences of Fairtrade. Those exchanges revealed deep-rooted challenges in the coffee supply chain and made clear that the industry does not work for everyone it depends on. North Star was founded in 2013 to change that — to prove that great coffee can create thriving futures for everyone it touches. Our purpose has always been to be the guiding star for coffee in the North, championing an approach built on impact and quality to strengthen the supply chain.
Since then, we’ve built lasting partnerships across the world of coffee — from producers to baristas — delivering specialty beans and the training and equipment required to do them justice to hundreds of independent shops across the UK and through our flagship cafés in Leeds. This success has enabled us to launch projects that build resilience against climate change and support the next generation of coffee producers.
Join us in building a coffee industry that works for everyone.
Alex (Krag) and Holly
Power to the producers!
The coffee industry has long been built on unviable business models that are now unstable and at risk. Centuries of imbalanced power dynamics, combined with the effects of climate change, have left producers struggling to make a profit. Many farmers are losing motivation to continue growing coffee. Can you imagine a world without it?
By choosing NS* coffee, you play a vital role in removing the question mark from the industry’s future. Together, we can build a more resilient supply chain — one where farmers are fairly rewarded, young growers are empowered and protected, and small but mighty farms can thrive despite a changing climate.
Our approach to sourcing coffee.
We work with a trusted network of producing partners to build long-term relationships based on respect, trust, and positive impact.
Our coffees are offered as single-origin lots or as our house blends, offering both traditional and contemporary profiles. We roast intuitively to highlight the unique character created by each origin’s terroir and post-harvest techniques. Our core coffees come to us from Latin America and East Africa, highlighting a diverse range of flavours across seasonal arrivals throughout the year.
250g — Home-compostable, perfect for in-store sales. Can be ground for various brew methods to boost AOV.
1kg — Ideal for house espresso, single-origin filter, or guest coffees. Packaged in LDPE recyclable bags.
4kg — Delivered locally in emissions-free vehicles. Reduce plastic usage and lower environmental impact while serving
your community.
Its not just coffee we offer...
With broad experience across all aspects of the coffee supply chain, we can’t wait to support your business in really harnessing the potential coffee can offer you.
The finest coffee deserves the finest equipment. Since our inception, we have understood the importance of machines and grinders that help you to be at your best, service after service, delivering outstanding and consistent brews with the reliability you need. We’ve built strong partnerships with trusted suppliers who really are the best in the business. And what’s more, we can tailor a setup to your budget on either an outright or financed basis.
But we don’t stop there. Every item we source comes with a one-year parts warranty, and you’ll also receive ongoing support from our expert training team and dedicated account manager, ready to assist whenever you need. This, along with our excellent relationships with a network of engineers across the country, will leave you feeling supported and confident in your coffee service.
With North Star, your coffee shop isn’t just equipped — it’s set up to thrive.
Training and business support
Your success in coffee service is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer both SCA-accredited Barista Skills courses and our comprehensive in-house training curriculum. Our team includes two licensed Q Grader cuppers, the current UK Tea Tasting Champion, and an Authorised SCA Trainer — providing expert guidance across sensory, barista, brewing, and service skills that helps your offering stand out.
Training is tailored to all levels, from beginners to industry experts. We have a state-of-the-art training space next to our flagship coffee shop, or we can deliver on-site sessions for your team. From latte art and espresso extraction to recipe development and workflow optimisation, we help make every cup exceptional. And when your customers take note, we support you with in-store events, social media content, and campaign ideas to maximise engagement in your space.
Your dedicated account manager (Kirri, Luke, or Bee) will work with you in bi-annual strategic meetings to identify training needs and opportunities to maximise coffee’s impact in your business. With hands-on experience in establishing and running coffee shops, we are truly invested in your success — after all, it’s what brings us closer to a coffee industry that works for everyone.
Meet the team
Have our stars aligned?
If this sounds good to you, drop us a line using this enquiry form to be taken straight through to our Co-Founder and Head of Sales, Krag, who will get you started with a friendly chat to find out a bit more about you.