Square Mile Coffee Roasters: Red Brick and Seasonal Coffee
Square Mile Coffee Roasters offers a useful way into London’s specialty coffee scene: an established espresso range alongside seasonal filter releases. Its reputation may bring you to the bag, but the coffee’s intended use, current components and brewing guidance are what help you choose well.
A London company with two founders
Anette Moldvaer and James Hoffmann founded Square Mile in 2008. The company describes education and long-term sourcing relationships as central to its work. Its activities extend beyond roasting into tastings, events and coffee education. Both founders belong in the story; reducing the company to one familiar public face misses that partnership.
Red Brick and the meaning of a seasonal blend
Red Brick is Square Mile’s recurring espresso blend, but its ingredients change with the harvests. The roaster explicitly notes that component percentages can change too. Treat its name as a continuing approach to espresso rather than a promise of identical beans in every bag.
For a newly opened bag, check the current recipe. Square Mile’s published starting point is 19 g of coffee, a 1:2 ratio and 28–32 seconds, developed on specified equipment. That means about 38 g of espresso, not 38 g of brewing water. Your basket and grinder may require adjustments; the recipe is a starting point, not a test you must pass.
Filter, espresso and decaf have different roles
The catalogue distinguishes filter releases, espresso and decaf. Choose that category before comparing origin names. For a daily milk drink, an espresso listing with the flavour direction you enjoy is a practical first stop. For a pour-over, compare the current filter coffees by processing and tasting description.
A seasonal single origin can make a rewarding contrast to a familiar blend. Brew each with a repeatable recipe and notice the difference in aroma, texture and finish. You do not need to identify every note printed on the bag to decide which you prefer.
Choosing Square Mile in Canada
Browse our Square Mile collection for the releases currently listed, then check the exact roast date, format and version. Our selection may differ from the roaster’s own catalogue.
If the label leaves you unsure, our guide to reading a coffee bag explains which details are useful. Start with the drink you make most often and choose a coffee that gives you a clear route to that cup.
Sources and further reading: Square Mile: company story; Square Mile: Red Brick and starting recipe; Square Mile: coffee categories.
