I’ve always loved events.
There’s something quietly powerful about people choosing to come together — giving their time, stepping out of their usual routines, and being part of something shared, even if it’s only for an hour or two. Events create moments that feel intentional. They slow things down just enough for real connections to happen, and they have a unique way of bringing communities to life in a way nothing else quite can, especially in today’s online world.
For me, events have always felt human at their core. They’re not just about what’s happening on the surface; they’re about the conversations, the familiar faces becoming friends, and the sense of belonging people carry home with them afterwards.
And then there are coffee events — my absolute favourite.
It was a coffee event that first drew me into working in coffee. I volunteered at the UAE National Cezve/Ibrik Championships in Dubai, which took place as part of a speciality food festival. At the time, I didn’t realise how pivotal that experience would be, but it planted a seed that’s shaped everything that’s followed.
I was inspired by the dedication of the baristas, the creativity and generosity of the coffee roasters, and the genuinely international, sociable nature of the coffee community. There was an openness about the way people shared knowledge, encouraged one another, and celebrated craft — even in a competitive setting. It felt welcoming, collaborative and deeply passionate all at once.
That’s something I’ve found to be true of coffee events ever since.
The sense of connection is what draws me back again and again. Coffee events remind me that community isn’t built through grand gestures or big statements. It’s built through shared, genuine moments: a conversation sparked while waiting in line, a recommendation passed across a table, or a good cup of coffee enjoyed together.
That belief is at the heart of everything we do at Moneyrow Beans.
It’s also why I started the Maidenhead Coffee Festival in 2023. I wanted to create a space that celebrated great coffee while also celebrating the people who make our local community vibrant — roasters, cafés, makers and coffee drinkers alike. A place where connection was just as important as what was in the cup.
And it’s why you’ll often see Moneyrow Beans at other local community events like the Maidenhead Craft Beer Festival or the Holyport Village Fair. For me, being part of the community isn’t an add‑on to what we do; it is what we do.
Because coffee has an incredible way of bringing people together — and events give those moments a place to happen.
See you at the next event!! Follow @moneyrowbeans on Instagram for updates on where to find us ☕