Shelagh set up Lantana as a ‘little bit of Australia in Fitzrovia’ in 2008. Ever since it has been the model for the design a number of other cafes. Shelagh focusses on excellent coffee and simple food in a relaxed environment. Shelagh opened Salvation Jane in Shoreditch in 2012.
PW: What do you think were the key factors in the development of the London independent coffee scene?
Shelagh: There has always been an independent coffee scene in London driven predominantly by immigrants. The trend has continued but from 2008 there was a sharp increase in the number of Antipodeans opening cafes. The 'Antipodean wave’ has brought a step change in innovation marked by an increased emphasis placed on the quality of the coffee product, barista skills, and a move away from purely espresso based coffee to different brewing methods.
PW: Why did it happen when it did?
Shelagh: 2008 was the crest of the recession. This is pure speculation but the recession saw many professionals deciding to, or being forced to, leave jobs in precarious fields like finance and law. It forced many skilled and driven people to re-evaluate their careers and presented them with a reason to follow their passion. Opening a coffee shop has low barriers to entry in terms of the type of real estate and the set up costs so it is a perfect recession startup business.
PW:What were the key events?
Shelagh: Any discussion of the development of the London independent Coffee scene should give Flat White credit for being ahead of the curve and the pioneer of quality Antipodean coffee shops in London. They set the bar high. Another key event was the recession as discussed above.
PW: How did you first get interested in great coffee?
Shelagh: I became passionate about coffee when I lived in Melbourne for 10 years. I was impressed by how educated the average punter was about the origin of coffee their local coffee shop used and how they appreciated the skill of the barista.
PW: How do you feel about the London coffee scene right now?
Shelagh: Anecdotally it appears that London has never been more vibrant in its food and drink culture and is expanding rapidly - it was starting from a very low base. It concerns me that we are seeing a bit of a copy cat trend happening with independents. Someone commented to me recently that they felt that “independents are the new chain”. Nevertheless, I think it is an exciting time for coffee in London and hopefully people will continue to innovate rather than imitate.
PW: What do you see happening in the future?
Shelagh: In a city of 6 million people I think that there is room for a lot more independent coffee shops. At the moment they are concentrated in the East and central London but I think we will see the independent coffee chops spreading to other parts of London. We are also seeing the chains trying to mirror the artisan offering eg. putting a 'flatwhite’ on their menu. We might see more chains trying to get into bed with the independents as a fast track to improving their offering – eg. the Tesco and Taylor St Barista joint venture.