Thirty years on, Atomic Coffee Roasters is still making its mark on Kingsland – and its flagship is about to get even better. Clare Milne, brand coordinator, shares more…
Atomic has been part of Kingsland since 1995. What is it about this neighbourhood that’s made it the perfect home?
Kingsland is an eclectic and creative community, filled with musicians, comedians, actors and artists. It’s a neighbourhood on the city fringe that still has a bit of grunge and grit alongside innovation. It’s a bit of a destination for the cafe but perfect for our total business, central enough to easily get to any of our customers.
What can customers expect when they walk through the doors of the new Atomic Kingsland?
Our whole intention of the space was to be more visible and more connected. We started as a small espresso bar and have slowly taken over the building, adapting the customer experience as we grow.
It was important for us to expand our roastery operations so that we’re able to store more green beans on site, move them around safely but also ensuring it’s still visible to the public.
The wall behind the coffee bar has now been pushed out. Customers are more connected to the baristas, getting a more behind-the-scenes view of what our team does. This new brew bar allows us to host events such as Atomic.archives, our new series of intimate, education led tastings. Each edition opens the archive on one origin, giving guests direct access to the producers, processes and competition stories behind the coffee in their cup.Kingsland Atomic is one of the first sites in Aotearoa to have four batch taps available: two taps are our single origins served as hot filter brew, the other two taps are rotating cold signature drinks served with single origin, highlighting different ways to enjoy coffee beyond the flat white.
Sustainability and responsible sourcing are increasingly important to coffee drinkers. What are some of the things Atomic is doing that customers might not necessarily see?
All our coffee is traceable to the co-op or farm where it originated, so we know exactly where it comes from and can support these communities through ongoing business. Using fair trade beans means we can be sure our farmers are paid a fair price, maintain agreed environmental standards and have ethical working conditions. They’re rewarded for better quality and increased demand but can always count on a predictable and sustainable income.
The Loring Roaster we use is an energy-efficient commercial convection roaster that uses a patented single-burner system to roast beans and incinerate smoke simultaneously and reduces emissions up to 80% vs other drum roasters.
Kingsland is much more than Atomic’s flagship cafe, it brings together the roastery, offices and cafe under one roof. How does this convergence shape the way Atomic operates and connects with its community?
A big part of this change for our space was to bring some of our team to the forefront of the building and showcase every part of coffee making, not just the barista, but also the roastery, tastings, events.
This can now all be viewed even from the street. This space allows us to invite people in and showcase what we represent. We’re now able to highlight to our cafe customers that were more than just a coffeeshop.
For more information visit atomiccoffee.co.nz
