About the Lighthouse Cafe
"You're missing a trick not selling my coffee in Totnes" said Leon...
Three days later, I'm back home in Totnes and notice the much-loved old Red Wizard Cafe had closed and was up for rent.
Before I had time to talk myself out of it I was calling the number in the window.
Fast-forward two intense weeks later of hard work later, I was unlocking the doors of what is now, after a total refit, The Lighthouse Cafe!
Leon was of course right and so here we are, proud to stock Mayni Coffee; here's a few words from their website on this vital project
"What makes this coffee so incredibly special and unique?
Please take a moment to read the passage below:
The Mayni community live within the Peruvian cloud forests, about 6 hours drive from the nearest town of Satipo in the East of Peru. The coffee they grow, grows beneath the forest canopy and is picked by hand to ensure only the best fruits are pulled from the tree. These beautiful people are the protectors of the rainforest, taking it upon themselves to ensure the forests will remain intact for generations to come. Our work with the Mayni and now many neighbouring indigenous communities has provided a blueprint for coffee growing in the region, without the need for slash and burn and gives the communities a sustainable way to earn a good income from their lands without the need to destroy them. By supporting the work we do, you are directly supporting a new way of thinking and a new, proven way to protect the rainforests.
In the cup: Mountains of chocolate, hazelnut, honey, almond and an orange acidity.
*The rainforest are extremely vulnerable to the actions of humans, our best chance of saving them is by working with the people who live within them, incentivising them in the right way and helping them to produce good, ongoing incomes from the forest, so that there is no desire to cut them down.
It is believed that there are nearly a hundred indigenous communities in the wild forested areas of Peru, each having unique dialects and ways of life. The Mayni are one such group consisting of around thirty families that continue to live according to their traditions and beliefs, while growing incredible coffee for us to roast and enjoy..."
Our Food philosophy
My Grandfather and my Mother were both chefs and both my Grannies were very good cooks and keen gardeners, so good home cooked food is was a key part of growing up. Lunch with Grandad was often a light fluffy omlette or welsh rarebit with salad, fresh picked from the garden. Down-to-earth, wholesome food is at the core of the home life I still embrace.
"If i'm going to sell coffee," I thought "this should be part of it too!"
We are commited to organic and high quality locally sourced ingredients where ever possible, and aligning this with our community-oriented approach
Future projects
We don't just want to be your favorite cafe and juice bar; we also plan on be available to the community for events and special occasions. Wednesdays is our Board Games night, and we are continously developing a diverse range of special menu evenings.
Watch this space or follow us on Facebook for more news as we get into the groove