Coffee culture adds upbeat vibe

Underground Coffee Roasters (UCR) is one of the businesses that will showcase Penrith Made products at the new Penrith Producers event on 22 November.

Based in Penrith since 2016, UCR is the brainchild of Lapstone Hotel licensee Tim Briggs.

The business grew from Tim’s obsession with bringing his customers at the Laptstone Hotel the best pub coffee in Australia. He moved to the next level in 2015 when he bought a micro roasting business.

“We came to Penrith in 2016 because of the lack of industrial space in the Mountains, but it has been a great result,” Tim said. “Penrith has an energy and excitement to it, with new businesses, cafes and restaurants opening that have really elevated the region.”

According to Tim, it’s not just the number of new establishments, but the quality of talent Penrith is attracting.

“These cafes and restaurants are comparable to any Sydney or Melbourne venues. This gives our hospitality industry legitimacy. Competition like this is fantastic. It drives innovation and inspiration so our customers get a better experience.”

It’s also gives UCR the confidence to work with other local businesses – from packaging and equipment suppliers to sponsorship opportunities.

“We recently collaborated with Rusty Penny Brewery to produce a coffee infused beer,” Tim said.

Rusty Penny will also be part of the Penrith Producers lineup along with fellow Penrith brewer Caseys.

And according to Tim, UCR is not the only business experiencing this confidence.

“The general vibe around business in Penrith is very upbeat and the hospitality industry is definitely leading the way in changing people’s perception about the region,” he said.

While Tim still owns Lapstone Hotel he is doing “a lot more with coffee” in Penrith.

UCR currently employs 8 regular staff plus casuals for events. On staff is Josh Benbrook, former head roaster from Morgan’s Coffee, another local business, who helped perfect UCR’s blends and refine single-origin offers.

“We source our beans from suppliers who have a direct relationship with growers,” Tim said. “It's a system that provides farmers with the best outcome and us with the best possible product.”

UCR products are sold Australia wide, but at the moment the majority of its customers are cafes in Penrith and the Blue Mountains. Tim is also looking to export UCR’s beans.

“The Western Sydney Airport already seems to be keeping business confidence high and fuelling growth in the region,” Tim said. “It will create many opportunities, not only for us, but the greater Penrith region.”

UCR produces a range of coffee blends as well as high-end single origin coffee. They also sell alternative milks, brew equipment, barista accessories and commercial and domestic machines.

You can try their coffee at Penrith Producers on Friday 11 November from 5-10pm in Triangle Park.

Image: Underground Coffee Roasters operates from an industrial unit in Castlereagh Road. Pictured (from left) Philip Millar, Josh Benbrook, owner Tim Briggs and Shelley Borysko.