What can happen in just 36 hours? As it turns out, quite a lot.
Project Waterfall’s first-ever Big Brew Study Tour brought together an exceptional group of coffee professionals, partners, and supporters for an immersive experience in Copenhagen—a city known for its deep-rooted coffee culture and commitment to quality. The result was a fast-paced, insight-filled, and genuinely energising event that demonstrated exactly what can happen when the right people come together.
From the outset, the tour was defined by both generosity and expertise. The group was welcomed with incredible coffee and warm hospitality at Ole & Steen, setting the tone for what would become a consistent theme throughout the trip: openness, collaboration, and a shared passion for the craft.
Left to right: Will Kenney from 200 Degrees, Simon Remmer from Nuova Distributionand Marta Pogroszewska from GAIL’s Bakery in front of a canal.
One of the standout moments came from an inspiring talk by Darcy McDonald of Darcy's Kaffe, whose perspective added depth to conversations around innovation and quality within the coffee space. The group also had the opportunity to meet Patrik Rolf, founder of April Coffee Roasters, gaining insight into one of the most influential specialty coffee brands in Europe today.
The tour didn’t just focus on the present—it also explored the stories that have shaped the industry. A deep dive into the origins of Joe & The Juice, led through the lens of founder Kasper Poulsen, offered a valuable look at how bold ideas can evolve into global success.
Left to right: Alex Large from Brother Marcus, Ollie Gold from Pophams, Marta Pogroszewska from GAIL’s Bakery, Andrew Sanders from Harris & Hoole, Maxwell Dashwood-Colonna from Colonna Coffee, Caroline Carter from Gather & Gather, Camilla Morgan from Eversys, Nathan Parker from Monin, Harry George from Send and Stuart Forsyth from Minor Figures at the dinner table.
Another highlight was a special cupping and talk led by Klaus Thomsen, co-founder of Coffee Collective. Known for his pioneering work in specialty coffee, Klaus brought both technical expertise and thoughtful reflection to the session, creating space for deeper learning and appreciation of the craft.
What truly made the Big Brew Study Tour a success, however, was the group itself. By bringing together a diverse mix of industry leaders, partners, and passionate individuals, the event fostered an environment where ideas flowed freely and connections formed naturally. It wasn’t just about visiting some of Copenhagen’s most respected coffee institutions—it was about building relationships and strengthening a shared commitment to the future of the industry.
Front to back: Roland Horne from Watchhouse, Jeffrey Young from Allegra Group, Maxwell Dashwood-Colonna from Colonna Coffee and Stuart Forsyth from Minor Figures sitting at the dock.
This experience would not have been possible without the support of an incredible group of sponsors, including Minor Figures, Nuova Distribution UK Ltd, Brew It Group, Monin, Eversys, Good & Proper Tea, Decent Packaging, Sona and Beyond the Bean Ltd. Their backing helped turn an ambitious idea into a meaningful and memorable reality.
Special recognition goes to Project Waterfall board members Laura Harper-Hinton and Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, whose leadership and vision made this tour possible. We raised a whopping total of £50,850—an incredible achievement that underscores the power of community when it comes together with purpose.
Left to right; Laura Harper-Hinton from Caravan, Roxy Rocks-Engelman from Project Waterfall and Maxwell Dashwood-Colonna from Colonna Coffee.
Ultimately, the Big Brew Study Tour was more than just a series of visits—it was a catalyst. It sparked conversations, deepened understanding, and reinforced the importance of collaboration across every part of the coffee supply chain.
And perhaps most importantly, it made one thing very clear: this should not be the last.
Creating space for connection, learning, and shared purpose is invaluable in an industry that thrives on both innovation and community. If this first tour is anything to go by, the Big Brew Study Tour has the potential to become a defining moment in the calendar—one that continues to inspire, connect, and drive impact well into the future.
The Big Brew Tour Group enjoying a cupping coffee tasting at The Coffee Collective.