About Us
Outstanding Coffee. Any Location
At Solitary Bee Coffee, we take inspiration from the solitary bee, which represents hard work, dedication, and a passion for the perfect cup of coffee. Come and experience our creativity and passion for coffee, made fresh from our mobile coffee trucks
Our Story
Solitary Bee Coffee was founded in Brighton & Hove in 2020, by hospitality & coffee professional Kristian Katin. During the first lockdown, whilst the world became solitary out of necessity, we busied ourselves with bringing our mobile cafe to communities in the local area. Selling essential items such as bread, milk and, or course, coffee
Kris began his career in hospitality, like many, whilst travelling around SE Asia. Running out of cash and heading to Hong Kong to seek work. He got a job as a waiter and ended up calling the island home for almost a decade. During this period, he worked in some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated establishments, progressing to bartender, bar-manager, sommelier, restaurant manager and, eventually GM.
In late 2003 he decided the time was right to head home to London after being offered the opportunity to help a friend set up a gastro-pub in West London.
Although the scene in London was exciting & dynamic Kris had always dreamt of living by the sea, so in 2007 he moved, with his young family to Brighton. Soon after, he fulfilled another dream, and began studying for a degree in Wine Production at Plumpton college.
After graduation, he opened the flagship site for Small Batch Coffee Roasters and went on to become Operations Director for the fast expanding group for the following 7 years, over-seeing the opening of 8 sites & a new roastery/cafe.
As well as earning an FdSC in Viticulture & Oenology from Plumpton College & a WSET Advanced Diploma, Kris has won many awards during his management of sites in both Hong Kong and the UK including: Michelin Bib Gourmand, AA Rosettes, HK Restaurant of the Year & Hong Kong’s Best Cocktail Bar & HK & Macau Barista Championship Winner.
​
Why Bees?
Solitary bees are fascinating & beautiful creatures that play a vital role in the natural eco-system and maintaining our environment. There are over 240 species of solitary bee in the UK and we want to help their survival – like other types of bee they’re key pollinators, particularly for fruit such as apple trees (which require a lot of pollinating work). Just because we call them ‘solitary’, it doesn’t mean they’re all antisocial. Unlike honey bees, which are happy to cram into a hive, our solitary friends like their own hole to nest in, but many are happy to have a few neighbours around . At Solitary Bee Coffee, we are proud to promote the importance of solitary bees and provide high-quality coffee that is sustainably sourced and supports our cause.
​
