After representing New Zealand in the 2016 World Brewers Cup final, Ria Lingad hung up her competition apron to open her own coffee roastery and café in the Auckland suburb of Pukekohe.
“When the opportunity came about in 2019, I couldn’t pass it up. At the time, I specialised in coffee technology for a company and really enjoyed it, but following my appearance at the World Brewers Cup my interest in coffee preparation had been piqued,” says Ria.
She describes Your Local Coffee Roasters as a welcoming spot for locals to come and relax, emphasising how coffee can not only be used as a tool to energise but also to help connect people within a community.
“For me it’s not just about the coffee. I have created a space that encapsulates our community spirit by connecting people and providing unforgettable hospitality,” she says.
“We ask the names of all our guests and make sure we get to know each of them. We’ll strike up a conversation and by the end we’ll have remembered their name. We make them feel that they belong and they are home.”
Ria extends her passion for hospitality to the range of coffees she roasts for the café, which are inspired by her family members.
“Hustle was named after my daughter. She is only six years old and the youngest, so she always gets her way and that’s why we call her a hustler,” she says.
“Our second blend is Take it Easy, named after my eldest daughter who is the laid-back one in the family and a free spirit.”
The own-roasted coffee is complemented by a range of homemade cakes, to which Ria adds her creative flair with some modern twists.
“We are big on our freshly baked goods and coffee. Our almond croissant is popular, as is the Everything Cookie, which is our version of the Anzac biscuit with everything in it. Everyone raves about it,” she says.
“Our food ethos is to turn something ordinary into something unforgettable and have it become a favourite.”
When asked about the most rewarding part of embarking on her coffee journey, Ria refers to her passion for coffee and hospitality and what her venue has provided for the local community.
“Our regulars often ask ‘Where would we be without you?’,” she says.
“I think the passion, love, and care we give to coffee, and how we deliver memorable and genuine hospitality to our guests, is what makes us stand out.”
Your Local Coffee Roasters
173 Manukau Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 2pm, Saturday 7am to 1pm
