From Ceredigion to London: Jules Becomes a Licensed Q Grader and Strengthens Our Coffee Expertise
At Bay Coffee Roasters, we don’t just roast coffee—we live it. Whether it’s sourcing green beans, perfecting roast profiles, or supplying great coffee to our customers, we’re dedicated to continually improving our understanding of coffee. That’s why we’re proud to share that Jules, a key member of our team, has officially qualified as a licensed Q Grader—joining a select group of coffee professionals globally.
A Journey from Utrecht to London
Jules' Q Grader journey began at the Koffee School in Utrecht, Netherlands, where she developed her foundational skills in sensory analysis. Looking to build on this experience and deepen her knowledge, she later completed her training at the Independent Coffee Lab in London, working closely with respected industry experts Andy Prosser and Pete Gibson.
The program presented challenges along the way—including refining her ability to identify different types of acids in coffee, a key component of the course—but the result is a stronger understanding of coffee quality and sensory evaluation.
What is a Q Grader?
The Q Grader certification, overseen by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), is a globally recognised qualification for professionals who assess and score Arabica coffee using standardised protocols.
After specialist training, candidates undergo a series of rigorous exams designed to test their sensory and technical skills. This includes identifying defects, tasting for key attributes like acidity, sweetness, and body, and consistently scoring coffee quality to international standards.
While anyone can conduct a cupping session, Q Graders are certified to formally assess and score coffees under CQI protocols—skills that benefit every part of the coffee chain, from sourcing to roasting. For us at Bay Coffee Roasters, this means we can make more informed decisions on coffee quality, always with the customer experience in mind.
One of Only a Few in Wales
With only a few hundred Q Graders in the UK—and even fewer here in Wales—Jules now belongs to a small but growing community of coffee professionals. She also joins a minority of female Q Graders globally, something we’re proud to highlight.
At Bay Coffee Roasters, we view this achievement as part of our wider mission to continuously improve the quality of coffee we deliver—whether to our wholesale coffee customers, local cafés across West Wales, or those purchasing coffee beans online. And with other members of our team progressing on their own Q Grader journeys, this is just the start.
The Independent Coffee Lab: A Hub for Coffee Knowledge
The Independent Coffee Lab in Southwark, London, is where Jules completed her final stage of training. More than just a classroom, this lab is a collaborative space for coffee professionals from across the supply chain—roasters, traders, baristas, and producers alike.
With a strong focus on education and community-building, the lab offers a variety of programs, from Q Grader certification courses to sensory workshops and cupping sessions. It also hosts initiatives like the Collaborative Coffee Exhibition, which helps connect coffee growers with green coffee buyers and fosters meaningful relationships within the industry.
A Historic Location with a Coffee Legacy
The Independent Coffee Lab is housed at 63 Union Street, inside a building that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally part of Southwark’s busy commercial landscape, this site has evolved over time while retaining its heritage.
In more recent years, it became known as the home of The Gentlemen Baristas’ first café, “The Coffee House,” opened in 2014. The Gentlemen Baristas helped revive London’s historic coffee house culture, which stretches back to 1652 when the city’s first coffee house opened—creating places for conversation, commerce, and community.
Today, 63 Union Street continues that tradition through the Independent Coffee Lab, blending historic roots with modern coffee education.
From West Wales to London—and Back to Your Cup
From the coffee heritage of London to our roastery in Ceredigion, we’re committed to applying this knowledge to benefit our customers. We roast fresh coffee every weekday and supply local cafés across West Wales, alongside running our café in Carmarthen.
Beyond our region, we also supply coffee to businesses and individuals across the UK, shipping freshly roasted coffee beans nationwide—including to homes, cafés, and offices in London and beyond. Whether you’re a wholesale customer or a home brewer ordering online, we’re here to help you serve better coffee.
Q&A: Understanding Q Graders and What This Means for Our Coffee
What is a Q Grader in coffee?
A Q Grader is a certified coffee professional trained to evaluate and score Arabica coffee using standardised protocols set by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). Think of it like being a sommelier—but for coffee.
Why is having a Q Grader important for a coffee roastery?
Q Graders bring advanced sensory skills and a deep understanding of coffee quality. At Bay Coffee Roasters, it helps us make better decisions when sourcing, roasting, and sharing coffee with our customers.
How difficult is it to become a Q Grader?
It’s one of the most challenging certifications in the coffee industry. Candidates must pass 19 exams covering tasting, scent recognition, and defect identification. Most people need time, experience, and practice to succeed.
Does this affect the coffee I buy from Bay Coffee Roasters?
Yes! Having a licensed Q Grader on our team means our coffees are assessed and selected with more precision and care—whether you’re buying online, visiting our café, or serving our coffee in your own business.
Where does Bay Coffee Roasters deliver coffee?
We roast in Ceredigion, serve cafés across West Wales, and supply coffee to customers throughout the UK. You can order coffee beans online, or get in touch for wholesale enquiries.