Brewing Bonds: Our Journey with Harmony Coffee Roasters

Before Jan Lek and Harmony Coffee Roasters existed, a passion for coffee excellence brought two friends together. This is a story of craft, connection, and community — and how a shared love for coffee has now come full circle in the form of a partnership built on quality and respect.

Brewing Bonds: Our Journey with Harmony Coffee Roasters

Before there was a roastery, before there was Jan Lek — there was just coffee.

Years ago, I found myself obsessed with the pursuit of coffee excellence. Around that same time, Ben, founder of Harmony Coffee Roasters, was on the same path. We didn’t know it yet, but we were building foundations for something special — a friendship, a movement, and now, a partnership.

There’s a photo somewhere of me and Ben — young, eager, full of beans (pun intended) — both unaware of the incredible road ahead. What started as chats over brews became something bigger: a shared obsession with quality, process, and integrity in coffee. We even launched a podcast together during COVID-19: Filtered Thoughts — a short-lived but meaningful experiment in expressing our passion during uncertain times.

Behind the scenes, I was diving deep into coffee roasting. I worked behind the machines, managed QC, and developed a deep respect for the craft. It was never just about tasting notes — it was about precision, discipline, and storytelling through the cup.

From Roastery Floor to Restaurant Table

Fast forward to today, Ben now leads two incredible ventures:

• JustBru – A speciality coffee subscription service

• Harmony Coffee Roasters – An independent roastery based in York, crafting vibrant, high-quality coffees with absolute care

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And now, as I open the doors to my place, Jan Lek, a Southeast Asian eatery that bridges culture, flavour, and community, the chance to partner with Harmony Coffee feels more than right. It feels destined.

Our pour-over & house espresso coffee programme proudly features Harmony’s beans. From their seasonal micro-lots, each roast reflects their relentless pursuit of quality. Together, we’re introducing customers in Audlem, Crewe, Nantwich, and Alsager to a different kind of coffee experience — one that’s intentional, rooted in friendship, and led by flavour.

The Bigger Picture: Friendship, Not Just Business

This partnership is about more than supply chains or product margins. It’s about mutual respect. Trust. And the power of good people showing up for one another. To Ben and the entire team at Harmony Coffee — thank you. Your support, guidance, and willingness to collaborate has made the leap into business that much smoother. We're just getting started.

In the world of coffee and beyond, people will criticise. People will praise. Focus on those who walk beside you, not the ones shouting from the sidelines. Build with your friends. Pour for your community. Keep it honest. Keep it good.