Interview with Nicole Ferris (Managing Director) at Climpson and Sons
Official Coffee Supplier of L2M2022
For our readers that might not know, could you tell us a little bit about Climpson & Sons, your history, where you're based, and how your services contribute to the overall London2Monaco experience?
This year we are celebrating 20 years of Climpson & Sons! Hailing from our roots as a market stall on Broadway Market (Hackney) in 2002, we are pioneers in the evolving UK specialty coffee sector. Over the years we have grown organically into a busy community led cafe and coffee bar, and a leading specialty coffee roastery supplying our beans to a number of home users, venues and establishments around the UK and Internationally from our hub in East London.
Our approach to sourcing green coffee is equally driven by quality coffees and a commitment to developing sustainable and ethical relationships. Over the past 20 years this process has become more precise as specialty coffee has moved beyond just country and regional labels to specific farms, producers and cooperatives. With this improved traceability we have forged lasting friendships with some of the industry’s leading producers, to the point where much of our menu is now a familiar cast of returning farm names and faces.Our commitment to embarking on a more sustainable future is at the heart of our endeavours.
Climpson & Sons is the home of creative collaboration and innovation as demonstrated with our new range of Midnight Oil Coffee Liqueur and Espresso Martini ready to drink range; as well as hosting renowned restaurant Brat x Climpson’s Arch in our roasting space. We bring people together to share in our coffee expertise to educate, teach and support customers and clients in making and delivering the best coffee possible; as well as brewing up coffee for people to feel comfort, share in an experience and create a sense of community.
The ultimate in collaboration is our support of the London2Monaco cycle ride providing coffee at every break for the cyclists. The epitome of pushing the boundaries of a mobile coffee shop as we cross countries, navigate cols, scale mountains and aim for coordinates on a map. It is often a race to the finish to set up ‘shop before the fastest cyclists get there.
When and how did you first get involved with Blue Marine and the L2M ride?
I met SJ whilst we were running a coffee event at Somerset House in 2017. She told me about the Blue Marine Foundation and what it was all about and the plan was hatched to come on board as the coffee sponsor.
What is so special about Blue Marine and the L2M ride that attracts you to partner with us again this year?
The cause itself - supporting the Blue Marine Foundation and the London2Monaco ride feels like a natural fit. We joined forces with Blue Marine because the future of our very industry is at risk with climate change. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. All the things that go into producing coffee. For us, this is a real opportunity to support a cause that is bigger than ourselves and bigger than just our industry.
What has been your fondest memory from working with Blue Marine and the L2M ride in previous years?
I have been on 3 London to Monaco trips and they have all been special and unique in their own ways. The highlights reel goes on, but making coffee at the top of both the Grand St Barnard Pass and Mont Ventoux as the sun came out was spectacular, cheering the riders on as they made their way to the top. Basically anywhere there was coffee with a view, was a highlight, which was pretty much most stops.
Being able to make really tasty coffee for the riders is also a highlight - and I think, for them too! The 2nd and 3rd years there were between 80-110 people at each stop and by our calculations, we made over 1700 coffees across the 6 days, which is a huge amount!!
What are you most looking forward to about L2M 2022?
We cannot wait to get back on the road again! We are excited that the start off point is on our home turf in East London, we will be there with early morning coffee for the send off!
We can’t wait to see what awaits with the route this year - there is never a dull moment navigating your way from London to Monaco in a coffee fuelled van. It will be great to see the next wave of riders who are determined enough to sign up to L2M; as well as the old faces that obviously can’t get enough!
What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being the on-road coffee supplier for an event such as L2M?
The main challenge is catching the fastest riders in the afternoon. If the morning feed stop is at the top of a mountain, it can really spread the pack. We want everyone to get a coffee, so we might be waiting a little while. Then we have to pack down and race off to chase down the leading pack.
From your previous experience of fuelling our riders, is there any advice you would offer this years challengers before they set off?
Take each day as it comes. I think the first few days are the hardest - then your body acclimatises to the effort. I think the coffee kicks in by this point too.
If you could come back in an afterlife as a sea creature - what would it be & why?
An Octopus, as they are incredibly intelligent, curious creatures. They are the master of disguise - Imagine being able to mimic your surroundings or your enemies. They have no bones which means they can basically go anywhere they want.