In pictures: Maidenhead Coffee Festival returns for its third year

Coffee lovers and roasters were out in force on Sunday as the Maidenhead Coffee Festival returned for its third year.

There was a buzz in the air as around 200 visitors made their way around the stalls in the Desborough Theatre and enjoyed a day of conversation, connection and coffee.

Organised and hosted by Vicky Weddell, founder of Moneyrow Beans, this year’s festival followed the theme of Positive Impact, celebrating the ways in which coffee can help make a difference.

Ruth Rogers of The Canvas Café brought along her famous yellow sofa and was sparking conversations and celebrating the local coffee culture.

Visitors tried coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats.

Exhibitors included the Brew Coffee Bar, Cocoba Café, the Coffee Lady, Moneyrow Beans, Berks Beans, Anonymous Coffee, and Sunday Tablewear, which offered handmade ceramics.

On the main stage, speaker, nutritionist and best-selling author Jenny Tschiesche was in conversation with key figures from the coffee community.

Guests also enjoyed live demonstrations, alongside barista workshops and experiences, including an introduction to espresso and latte art and tasting 12 coffees during a cupping session.

Katherine Dart laid out an assortment of food and drink, ready for groups to take part in a sensory experience.

The team were also serving up espresso martinis.

The popular RBWM Coffee Shop Awards were back and were expanded to include Windsor and Eton, and Ascot as well as Maidenhead this year.

Blend ‘N’ Brew came out on top with the most votes in Ascot, while Vine & Fig Tree Café was victorious Windsor and Eton and Stubbings Cafe won in Maidenhead.

Vicky presented them with certificates and gifts and announced the Vine & Fig Tree Café as the overall winner.

The Greeklicious van served up tasty treats and people enjoyed sack crafts with the Green Skills Library, and storytelling

Mark Harvey of Berks Beans and national men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club was sharing the message that ‘It’s ok to talk’.

Vicky said the event went ‘really well’ and added: “One other really amazing thing today was to be able to shine a light on Andy’s Man Club.

“It was really great to be able to let people in Maidenhead know that they’re around and that they’re doing good work here.”