Chucky’s journey into the world of coffee began long before he ever realised it would become his life’s passion. Back in 1998, he found himself accidentally working at his uncle’s coffee shop. Tucked inside that small shop was a traditional roastery where they roasted rich, aromatic Turkish coffee. What started as a simple favour to help family soon became the beginning of a lifelong love affair with coffee.
Over the years, Chucky immersed himself in every corner of the industry—roasting beans, packaging, serving customers, and learning the craft from the ground up. By 2008, he stepped behind the bar as a barista, not knowing that this moment would spark something extraordinary.
Then came 2012, the year everything changed. Chucky discovered the world of speciality coffee, and that’s where his passion truly ignited. He dedicated himself to understanding coffee on a deeper level—researching origins, cupping, travelling, and meeting with farmers. He wanted to learn not just how coffee was made, but why each bean tasted the way it did, and how the people behind those beans shaped the final cup. This was the start of Chucky’s commitment to transparency, quality, and meaningful relationships within the industry.
In 2020, after years of learning, dreaming, and refining his craft, Chucky took a leap of faith to create something of his own. That dream became Chucky’s Baristro, a cosy seaside coffee shop in Bexhill-on-Sea. It quickly became a favourite among locals and visitors alike—known for its warm atmosphere, friendly faces, and exceptionally thoughtful coffee.
Success brewed quickly, and in 2023, Chucky expanded, opening a second location in St Leonards-on-Sea. With more room to grow, he began bringing his full vision to life: working directly with speciality coffee farmers to produce his own line of beans. This became Chucky’s Speciality—a carefully crafted selection of coffees that first delighted customers in his cafés, and now reaches people worldwide through wholesale partnerships.
From a chance job in 1998 to building a brand rooted in authenticity, quality, and community, Chucky’s story is a testament to following your passion—no matter where it begins. And today, every cup you enjoy is a piece of that journey.