Our Story

Line drawing of a tent, two trees, a coffee pot, a mug, and stars under the text “ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS.”

While most coffee shops use their five senses to cultivate the perfect experience, we use a sixth sense...our heart.

A single black line drawing forming the silhouette of a dog’s head.

OUR STORY

It all started with my
best friend Dylan...

A man sitting on a beach with a yellow Labrador holding a ball in its mouth.

I grew up with Labradors and they’ve always brought such a special warmth and positive energy to our home. My father had an incredible bond with Dylan my Fox Red Lab and after he passed away, I had a chance to reflect on what really matters to me. I realised its warmth and love – that’s what brings me happiness. The Labs in my life have provided this. They always know when I’m down, and always provided so much support.

A trail of dark animal paw prints.

When I started this, it wasn’t to just build a coffee brand. It started as an introspection on what really matters to me. And grew from there.

I thought, what if we could create a space where we could welcome dogs with open arms? They are family members after all. Not a dog café as such, but beautiful, open venues; a focal point of leafy neighbourhoods where family and friends could come together without having to leave their canine companions at home

Five dark animal paw prints arranged in a trail.
An illustration of a coffee food truck named “Coffi Lab” with two dogs sitting behind the service counter.
A black and white line-art illustration featuring various sketches, including a coffee van, buildings, dogs, and trees, with the text “Coffi Lab” at the bottom.

And then I asked myself what is it that makes Labradors so special? I jotted down all their magnificent virtues and we developed our Magnificent 7 which we try to emulate. Every day we try to be Fun, Kind, Loyal, Likeable, Determined, Dependable and Trustworthy.

A trail of six animal paw prints.

And then I thought what if we could make a real difference? So we developed a social mission. To help Guide Dogs for the Blind. While Labradors have given me tremendous joy, I am mindful of how they can literally be saviours to people where they need it most. So we raise money and awareness for this fabulous cause.

Five dark animal paw prints arranged in a trail.
A sketch of a puppy wearing a vest that reads “We’re supporting Guide Dogs” with a paw print icon.
Two dogs, Brynmor in an orange knit hat and Sir Gareth with a small pumpkin on his head, sit at a table with a latte.

Now I love coffee. As much as my Labs. I love the taste, the history and the passion behind every cup. But what I love most is the way it can bring people together. A coffee shop provides a wonderful gathering place. A place to relax and savour one of life’s little pleasures. I think the key to happiness is to be in the moment. So when I think about Coffi Lab I don’t see it as just a coffee shop. Enhancing the local community is very important to me. And being able to share all this with your loyal, four-legged best friend is fabulous.

Six dark paw prints arranged in a trail.

So ultimately Dylan, my beautiful best friend, was the inspiration behind Coffi Lab. We sadly lost our kind, gentle boy in July 2023. He was one of a kind with huge eyes and an even bigger heart. He left a huge hole in our hearts and lives, but he will live on through Coffi Lab and will continue to be our guiding light to keep turning the ordinary into extraordinary.

All day. Every day.

Three dark animal paw prints arranged in a pattern.
Large wall poster of a dog resting on a wooden fence, with a Coffì Lab Roasters logo framed nearby.
The handwritten word “James” followed by a period.

James Shapland, Founder

Our Roast in Tribute to Dylan

A bag of Coffi Lab coffee with a graphic of a golden retriever wearing a party hat on the label.
Line art illustration of a raspberry.

Blackberry

Line drawing of a rectangular loaf of fruit bread.

Fruitcake

White line drawing of a peach with a single leaf.

Plum

Silver Lab

Limited Edition

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From £16.00

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Our Values...

An engraved wooden rolling pin featuring a repeating pattern of the “COFFI LAB” logo and coffee bean icons.

Authentic

We are 100% welsh born and bred and aim for simple, consistent excellence. We use locally sourced exceptional ingredients like Cenarth Brie in our croissants.

Line drawing of a coffee portafilter with a coffee plant branch sprouting from it, dripping espresso into a small cup below.

Passionate

We achieve high quality by paying the utmost attention to the tiniest of details - well packaged, well thought out and well delivered.

Line drawing of a two-story storefront labeled “Coffi Lab.”

Neighbourly

We're close to our community in the way we behave, in the suppliers we work with, and in the way we embrace and retain the character of every Lab.

Pencil drawing of a puppy wearing a vest that says “we’re supporting Guide Dogs” with a paw print icon.

Pioneering

We are an independent, innovative and entrepreneurial company, leading the way in promoting wellbeing with our support of Guide Dogs UK.