Behind the Counter: Freda Yuan

Since 2011, coffee enthusiasts and industry leaders have flocked to the Truman Brewery in London for arguably one of the biggest coffee festivals in Europe: the London Coffee Festival (LCF). This year, from April 11th-14th, LCF returns to celebrate the capital’s vibrant and ever-growing coffee scene with the four-day line-up that provides a fully immersive – and fully caffeinated – experience. With everything from tastings and demonstrations, workshops and contests, live music and coffee cocktails, not to mention over 250 coffee and gourmet food brands in attendance, there’s truly something for everyone.

Freda Yuan, Origin’s Director of Coffee, is a seasoned regular of the festival, not only respected for her skills and knowledge of the industry (Freda is, among other accolades, a 3-times UK Cup Taster’s Champion, and a licensed Q Grader), but for her insatiable enthusiasm—for the coffee, and the people at the heart of it. A true ambassador for the importance of relationships at every stage of the supply chain, Freda works tirelessly to champion education and shape positive change, spearheading the industry as a woman of influence. We caught up with Freda as she gets ready to return to London’s biggest coffee event following some time away to welcome her first child into the world.

What’s your favourite memory of the London Coffee Festival?

Aside from the parties?! My first time working at LCF was with Caravan, and I was working behind the scenes of the Coffee Masters, brewing the coffee: the dedication of the competitors always stands out. I’ve judged that competition while working with Origin, and I just love how fun the competition can be; in my opinion, that’s what competition should be about: having fun! It’s about sharing that enthusiasm and joy for coffee. 

Advice for anyone going to LCF for the first time?

You should bring water with you—and snacks! It can get really busy, with big queues, and it can get warm, too. Plus, you’re naturally going to be drinking a lot of coffee, so you’re going to want some water.

What are you most excited about this year?

I’m so excited to see people! I’ve been out of the scene for many months now: I’m like a blank slate again, ready to learn what’s new and what’s next in the industry. I’ve been out of the loop since having my child, so I’m excited to see new things and reconnect.

How has it changed over the years?

I think the London Coffee Festival has definitely changed—it’s grown so much and it’s well respected and recognised, and not just by coffee professionals; it’s hugely popular with enthusiasts. I remember meeting some Origin coffee subscription customers one year, who had travelled to London for the festival because they had tried one of our coffees produced by Carlos Pola and loved it so much. The festival appeals to everyone.

What would you recommend doing, if you’re only going along for one day? 

Come to see us! Have fun, ask questions, try as much coffee as you can, and just
enjoy—it’s a truly unique experience.

If you’re one of the 30,000 coffee lovers joining in over the weekend, make sure to come and say hello: you’ll find us throughout the London Coffee Festival, sharing exceptional single origin and blend coffees, leading talks, and supporting likeminded, industry leading coffee brands. 

Here’s where to find us throughout the London Coffee Festival on the Thursday and Friday if you’re a trade person or wholesaler, and on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th if you’re a consumer. 

Origin Coffee will also be located at stand G24 on the ground floor throughout the festival. 

Brewed by Hand Workshops 

We’re a coffee sponsor for the Brewed by Hand workshops throughout the four days: join us for workshops as part of the LCF Brew School line-up. 

True Artisan Café  

Join us on Thursday, from 1.30pm-5pm in the True Artisan Café with our wonderful wholesale customers, Oat, and our brilliant account manager and trainer, Megan Henderson.

Brewlab Stage

Origin Coffee: Investing in the Future  

Origin’s Director of Coffee, Freda Yuan, will be giving a talk on the importance of investing in the future of speciality coffee, and how we’re involved, on Friday 12th, at 11.30am. 

Marco Stand  

Friday Midday – 2pm  

Demonstrations using the ColdBRU and POUR’D dispense equipment on Friday from midday till 2pm. 

Sage Stand  

We’ll be brewing and encouraging people to come and try Sage, Lelit, and Baratza equipment out for themselves on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, as well as running a mini latte art competition, selecting a winner at the end of the day. 

Espresso Solutions 

Showcasing espresso on the Edo Barista Bar with a full line up of premium equipment on Saturday from 9am till midday.  

Brewlab Stage

Bean, Ground, or Pod: What works for you?  

Our Head of Coffee, Stephen Gray, and our Education Manager, Raquel Mezquita, will be giving a talk on Saturday from 9.45am, discussing the merits of three different and popular coffee options, helping you find the best choice for your lifestyle.

For more events and information, plus tickets, check out the London Coffee Festival website. We can’t wait to see you there.