A new independent coffee shop has opened its doors in Barrow-in-Furness, aiming to bring high-quality coffee and a sense of community to the town. Coffee D’Ash, which launched after a successful VIP event, is now welcoming the public to experience its blend of artisanal coffee and local collaborations.
At the heart of the café is its commitment to quality, with the coffee brewed using a top-of-the-range 3 Group Vostok espresso machine. This rare piece of equipment is not only advanced but uses a spring lever system to ensure a smoother, more flavourful espresso. With dual boiler temperature control, the Vostok consistently produces coffee that is rich in body and sweetness, setting Coffee D’Ash apart from the competition.
Owner Ashley Holroyd, who is passionate about bringing great coffee to Barrow, explains how the journey started in 2018 with a coffee machine gifted by his father-in-law. “That’s when I really became interested in speciality coffee,” he says. “After starting with a mobile coffee trailer in 2023, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our local community, and now we’re proud to open this brick-and-mortar shop.”
The café continues its local focus by working with nearby businesses to source cakes and other supplies. Coffee D’Ash will offer a range of cakes from local bakeries, contributing to its aim of supporting small, independent businesses in the area. Sustainability is also a key focus, with the coffee shop using biodegradable takeaway cups and encouraging customers to bring their own reusable mugs, offering discounts as part of their commitment to reducing waste.
Coffee D’Ash is backed by Limini Coffee, a leading West Yorkshire-based provider of speciality coffee beans and equipment. Limini has supported Coffee D’Ash from its early days as a mobile coffee trailer, providing both training and technical expertise. Youri Vlag, owner of Limini Coffee, praised the journey Ashley and the café have taken. “It’s been inspiring to see Coffee D’Ash grow from a trailer to a café,” Vlag says. “At Limini, we believe in helping people bring great coffee to their communities, and Coffee D’Ash is a fantastic example of that.”
As well as serving quality coffee, Coffee D’Ash plans to make its mark as a cultural hub in Barrow-in-Furness. The café intends to host open mic nights and pop-up events, offering the town a space for local talent and creativity to flourish.
The public are invited to join the grand opening celebration of Coffee D’Ash on 28 September. With its focus on sustainability, local partnerships, and high-quality coffee, the new café hopes to play a key role in shaping the coffee culture of Barrow-in-Furness.
Coffee D’Ash aims to be more than just a place to grab a drink—it seeks to build a space where the community can come together, supported by the area’s independent businesses and the passion of its local residents.
