Supplier stories: Origin Coffee

Meet the Cornish coffee roaster connecting good beans to good brew.

Savour that coffee-by-the-sea moment at Watergate Bay Hotel. Origin coffee, roasted here in Cornwall, is infused with a story of passion and precision that connects each sip back to small coffee farms on the tropical belt.

Tasting notes

Citrus and dark chocolate notes beckon you down to breakfast for Origin coffee on tap. Stone fruit, nut and chocolatey flavours whisk you away across the ocean, just like the sailing ships that bring Origin coffee beans from Brazil to Cornwall. There’s a feel-good story behind every cup of coffee at Watergate Bay. 

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Quick info

Name: Stephen Gray, Head of Coffee

Business name: Origin 

What we buy: Sustainable, single-origin coffee roasted in Porthleven. Notably San Fermin sourced from Colombia, and Beija Flor sourced from small, female producers in Brazil. 

Where they’re based: A short stroll from Porthleven harbour – home of one of Cornwall’s largest fishing fleets and most famous surf breaks – The Roastery is Origin’s HQ, where you can sip a specialist brew while watching the roasters in action.

Distance from Watergate Bay: 32.5 miles

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Main ingredients

Cornwall’s biggest specialty coffee brand, Origin has been roasting coffee for over 20 years. “It’s a rare intersection of science and art,” explains Stephen. “It’s technical but ultimately about the sensory experience. Cornwall’s soft water elevates the flavour compounds in coffee, making it taste as good as it gets.”

San Fermin is a standout filter coffee for endless breakfast top ups. Barista style, Beija Flor pulls ranks –  fig, apricot and nutty milk chocolate notes mainline you straight back to small farms run by women in Brazil.

A big part of Stephen’s role is building relationships with farmers, connecting the passion of growers to customers sipping coffee at the likes of Watergate Bay. “Bringing those dots closer is what brings me the most joy.”

“It’s a rare intersection of science and art.”

Method

Seasonality, sustainability and skill are at the heart of every cup. Stephen visits farms during harvest, ensures prosperity across the supply chain, and launches each variety at its peak flavour. Traceability is key, with a focus on working with stewards of the land committed to regenerative agriculture – from water reuse to intercropping, as well as supporting underrepresented groups like small, female, and young producers.

Back in Cornwall, Origin uses the most energy-efficient gas roasters on the market, repurposes every byproduct, and this year, even shipped a container of beans from Brazil by sailboat – a true nod to their coastal roots and commitment to the environment.

“We love Origin’s flavour complexity. It’s a staple on our breakfast menus and pairs brilliantly with fresh pastries and full breakfasts. The story behind it makes every cup even more special.”

— Chris Eden, Executive Head Chef

Serving suggestions

For a true Watergate Bay moment, grab an Origin coffee and settle into The Living Space snug, gazing out to the same ocean where some of the beans have sailed in. It’s the perfect pause – coffee in hand, connecting you to the sea, the suppliers and the taste of the finest small batch coffee elevated by Cornwall.