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Published, Aug 27, 2018

Head Barista Q&A: Cornwall Edition

Meet our passionate team members who balance creativity with innovation, to offer the best cup of coffee possible at each of our shops.

Hilde Straub
Harbour Head, Porthleven

How did you get into coffee?

At university I drank countless cups of instant coffee to get methrough the night, ahead of impending deadlines. Needless to say, my experience of coffee could only get better from there on.

What is your favourite coffee brewing method at home?

The flat-bottom filter on the Kalita Wave makes it my favourite to use. It helps with even extraction while brewing, and it’s one of the easiest pour over methods to master.

How would you describe your Origin coffee shop to someone who’s never been?

It has the best views, the best coffee, and the best people!

What do you think is unique about your local coffee community?

The coffee shop feels more like a communal living room where friends and strangers can come together and share their stories.

What was the first coffee experience that excited you?

Hearing all the stories from the green buyer who traveled to Nicaragua to source coffee for the coffee shop I worked at in Germany.

When you’re not brewing coffee, what do you like to do in your free time?

I like to explore all the hidden places in Cornwall and camp out in my van. I’m partial to a beer or two with friends in a nice pub too.



Graeme White
Harbour Head, Porthleven




How did you get into coffee? 

Whilst working at a champagne bar in Auckland, I was shown the ropes by one of New Zealand’s top baristas.

What is your favourite coffee brewing method at home?

I’m fortunate enough to have Harbour Head on my door step, so I rarely make coffee at home.

How would you describe your Origin coffee shop to someone who’s never been?

Quality driven, professional, innovative and diverse.

What do you think is unique about your local coffee community?

There’s a nice mix of international coffee tourists and enthusiasts here. The locals and the picturesque harbour here are equally amazing.

What was the first coffee experience that excited you?

The first time I tasted a naturally processed, Ethiopian Sidamo.

When you’re not brewing coffee, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love to get out and explore the South West of England, and everything it has to offer.



Adam Pascoe
The Warehouse, Penryn



How did you get into coffee? 

I got into coffee through working in the hospitality industry. Brewing coffee was a core part of my day, and naturally I wanted to get better at making it.

What is your favourite coffee brewing method at home?

My favourite home brewing method would have to be my trusty, rusty Moka pot. The quality and flavour of the coffee has improved the more I’ve used it!

How would you describe your Origin coffee shop to someone who’s never been?

The Warehouse is definitely the cream of the crop when it comes to coffee shops in Penryn. It’s a great place to eat, drink and socialise with friends and colleagues. We are always trying to educate our customers when appropriate, and involve them within our story.

What do you think is unique about your local coffee community?

The local coffee community is extremely diverse. Students, parents, pensioners and everyone in between frequent our premises. Everybody’s choice of drink is totally different, so we never get tired of the same orders coming in, which keeps everyone on their toes too.

What was the first coffee experience that excited you?

This would have to be my first summer working in St. Ives at Hub Box. There’s a member of staff there who I saw as a ‘coffee wizard’, and aspired to become like him. He laughed in the face of carnage and meticulously poured coffee, which was always made to high standards.

When you’re not brewing coffee, what do you like to do in your free time?

My free time is spent playing cricket... or watching cricket. I love the civil nature of the sport, and the way it’s played. I also love to explore the beautiful beaches and coastlines of Cornwall.


Illustrations courtesy of Chris Odgers at Sawhorse Books.