DANELAW COFFEE: Everything you need to know about this coffee roaster

Danelaw Coffee: Roasting Happiness in Holmfirth

Here at RISE coffee box, we have known Dave for a long time and regard him as one of the OG's in the specialty coffee world. His coffee is ALWAYS great. Sourced via farmers he has met in person and roasted to perfection. All the greatness, but none of the pretentiousness. 

In the charming Yorkshire town of Holmfirth, known for its cobbled streets, rolling hills, and being the backdrop of Last of the Summer Wine, lies a hidden gem for coffee: Danelaw Coffee. At the heart of it all is Dave, a coffee wizard and local legend whose passion for the perfect brew is as contagious as his Yorkshire charm. So, put the kettle on and let’s delve into what makes Danelaw Coffee the pride of Holmfirth.

A Quick History Lesson (Don’t worry, it’s relevant!)

First things first: what’s with the name "Danelaw"? For those of you who snoozed through GCSE History, the Danelaw refers to the part of England once ruled by Vikings. Holmfirth falls within this historic region, and Dave decided to pay homage to his Norse ancestors (whether real or imagined) by naming his roastery after it.

And while Danelaw Coffee isn’t pillaging villages or wielding axes, it is conquering the world of specialty coffee, one perfectly roasted bean at a time. Plus, “Danelaw” sounds way cooler than “Dave’s Coffee”, don’t you think?

Meet Dave: The Man, The Myth, The Coffee Roaster

Every great venture has a passionate founder, and Danelaw Coffee’s Dave is no exception. Picture this: a Yorkshireman with an infectious laugh, a borderline obsessive love for coffee, and the kind of DIY spirit that makes you want to hug your local entrepreneur. Dave didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to roast coffee. His journey began like many others: with an uninspiring cup of instant coffee.

Determined never to endure another dull brew, Dave threw himself headfirst into the world of specialty coffee. He studied the art of roasting, tinkered with beans from far-flung corners of the globe, and even built his first roaster from scratch (yes, he’s that hands-on). Soon enough, what began as a hobby spiralled into a full-blown passion — and thus, Danelaw Coffee was born.

Why Danelaw Coffee Stands Out

The specialty coffee scene in the UK has grown faster than weeds in a neglected garden. But what sets Danelaw Coffee apart from the big-city roasteries and chain cafés? Quite a lot, actually:

1. Small-Batch Roasting, Big-Time Flavour

Danelaw Coffee roasts its beans in small batches, ensuring every batch gets the love and attention it deserves. This artisanal approach means you’re not just getting coffee; you’re getting a bag of Holmfirth’s finest craftsmanship.

2. Locally Rooted, Globally Sourced

Dave sources beans from ethical farms around the world, focusing on quality, sustainability, and supporting farmers. Whether it’s Ethiopian Yirgacheffe with floral notes or a chocolatey Colombian roast, every bean has a story. Dave has also met most of the farmers he sources from and keeps a great relationship with them all. 

3. Proper Yorkshire Hospitality

The Danelaw Coffee experience doesn’t stop at the bag of beans. Dave is known for his friendly banter, brewing tips, and genuine passion for coffee education. Got a question about grind sizes? Fancy a chat about the ideal water temperature? Dave’s your guy. If you have LinkedIn, he is well worth a follow. He shows the highs and lows of running a coffee business. 

4. Eco-Friendly to Boot

Coffee’s carbon footprint can be a bit grim, but Danelaw Coffee is doing its part to keep things green. From compostable packaging to sourcing sustainably grown beans, it’s a guilt-free sip for the eco-conscious caffeine fiend. RISE is a B Corp certified coffee subscription and we love partnering with Dave as we trust and are able to verify all of his processes, and know he is doing the right thing by the supply chain. 

A Visit to the Roastery

Visiting the Danelaw Coffee roastery is like stepping into a caffeine-fuelled wonderland. Located in the heart of Holmfirth, the space is part workshop, part sensory playground. The air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee, and the sound of beans crackling in the roaster provides a comforting soundtrack.

Dave often hosts roasting demonstrations and coffee tastings, where you can learn everything from the science of roasting to how to taste coffee like a pro (spoiler: there’s a lot of slurping involved). It’s an experience that’ll have you appreciating your morning cup on a whole new level.

Danelaw Coffee’s Signature Roasts

If you’re wondering which bag of beans to pick up, we personally loved his latest honey processed El Salvador coffee, which can be found inside the February 2025 RISE coffee box.

Dave’s Coffee Tips for the Perfect Brew

If there’s one thing Dave loves more than roasting coffee, it’s sharing his brewing wisdom. Here are a few tips straight from the man himself:

• Freshness Matters: Always grind your coffee just before brewing. Pre-ground coffee is fine, but freshly ground beans are the bee’s knees.

• Get the Ratio Right: Use 1g of coffee for every 16-17ml of water. Yes, that’s a fancy way of saying invest in some scales.

• Mind the Water: Don’t use boiling water; aim for around 93°C. Too hot, and you’ll scorch the coffee; too cold, and it’ll taste like dishwater.

• Experiment!: Whether you’re a French press fan or a pour-over perfectionist, don’t be afraid to play around with your brew method to find what works for you.

Where to Find Danelaw Coffee

Ready to upgrade your coffee game? You can find Danelaw Coffee at select markets and cafés around Yorkshire, or better yet, order online. With delivery straight to your door, there’s no excuse not to give it a try. Plus, Dave often throws in a cheeky handwritten note with every order because he’s just that nice.

Address to find his cafe: 

We’re next to the Petrol Station on Huddersfield Road in Holmfirth (where the Cheese Shop used to be - HD9 3TT.)

Final Thoughts

Danelaw Coffee isn’t just a roastery; it’s a celebration of great coffee, local heritage, and the undeniable charm of Yorkshire. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a full-blown caffeine geek, there’s something magical about sipping a brew that’s been crafted with such care and dedication.

So next time you’re in Holmfirth, pop into the roastery, have a chat with Dave, and pick up a bag of beans. Who knows? You might just leave with a new favourite coffee and a newfound appreciation for the art of roasting.

Now go forth, brew boldly, and let Danelaw Coffee conquer your taste buds. Skål! (That’s Viking for “cheers”, by the way.)