In our ‘Supplier Focus’, we spotlight the incredible local producers and craftspeople who help make Bean Loved what it is.
Here, we speak with Damian Blackburn, director and co-founder of Dark Woods Coffee in Huddersfield.
With more than two decades in the coffee industry and a serious passion for doing things the right way, Damian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Dark Woods tick – and how they help shape the coffee at Bean Loved.
Who are you, and how did you get into coffee?
I’m Damian, one of the founders and directors of Dark Woods Coffee based just on the outskirts of Marsden village in the West Yorkshire Pennines. I’ve been working in coffee for about 20 years now. Like a lot of people, I fell into it by accident after university, as I started my early career with one of the UK’s early independent roasters. That eventually led me to coffee buying and roasting.
How did Dark Woods begin?
Huddersfield has always had a bit of a hidden coffee scene. There are three of us behind Dark Woods as a business – each with different skill sets in the industry. We launched in 2014 to create something quality-driven, ethical and approachable. The idea was to build a roastery that wasn’t intimidating, but serious about flavour, provenance and sustainability. A place where you’d want to visit, out in the countryside, with a great product and values to match. And that’s us!
Tell us more about your values.
We’ve been B Corp certified for more than five years now, which really shapes how we work – both with people and the planet. Having B Corp certification proves that we meet high standards for social and environmental impact, transparency, and accountability, balancing purpose with profit.
We also have the Dark Woods Foundation, which means we commit two per cent of our turnover each year to community and social projects, from local initiatives to coffee-growing communities.
Describe Dark Woods.
Approachable, friendly, quality-driven, sustainable.
How did the relationship with Bean Loved come about?
It started about ten years ago. I’d worked with the owner of Bean Loved, Wes Bond, before through other coffee businesses. From the beginning, we worked closely with Wes and Steve (Wes’ dad), to create a house blend that matched their vision – something balanced, approachable and delicious. That partnership has continued to evolve over time.
What do you supply to Bean Loved today?
The house espresso blend. It has changed slightly over the years, reflecting customer preferences, but it still keeps that balance of chocolate and caramel flavours. We roast everything in Marsden, just outside Huddersfield, and we’re proud that so much of our hospitality customer base is here in Yorkshire.
What about decaf?
We use the Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate our beans – that means no chemicals are involved. It’s all done using water and natural elements to gently remove caffeine while preserving flavour. A lot of our decaf comes from Honduras or Peru, and we roast it a bit more delicately to suit its profile. It’s really important to us that decaf doesn’t feel like a compromise.
What makes working with Bean Loved special?
It’s the people. There’s a genuine friendship there. The team are always open to new ideas, for training or tasting sessions. Bean Loved has that unique balance – fantastic food and coffee, warm hospitality, and a relaxed, welcoming feel. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d want to walk into.
How can people learn more about Dark Woods?
The website is a great place to start – shop.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk. It’s user-friendly and you can buy coffee directly, or just drop us a message. We’re always up for a chat.
Final question – what’s your perfect coffee?
There’s no one perfect coffee. I’m lucky that I get to taste brews from all over the world. Some days I’ll want something rich and chocolatey, other days something fruity and experimental. What I love is how much influence the producer has – from the soil type, climate, and fermentation – the complexity starts long before it gets to us. It’s a real partnership between producer, roaster and barista.
Follow Dark Woods on socials;
Dark Woods https://shop.darkwoodscoffee.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darkwoodscoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkwoodscoffee/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dark-woods-coffee-bcorp/
