Pembrokeshire-based couple NICK and EMMA MICHELL on fulfilling their dream to run an ethical coffee company from a vintage campervan. Interview: Jessica Johnson

In 2012 we made a bucket list and the concept for The Coffee Camper came tops. It was a way to make a business out of our favourite pursuits, namely the ocean, travel and, of course, caffeine! We tour music festivals, coastal attractions and special occasions around the country in our mobile beach café – a 1976 Citroen HY van – serving up great coffee.

Learning about all the different aspects of coffee has been really educational. We use Arabica beans from Colombia and work with some of the UK’s top micro-roasters to get the perfect blend.

Our signature coffee is a medium roast offering caramel, nutty flavours with a hint of fruit. At trendy events the flat white is a popular request, but Americanos still have a loyal following for people who just want a good coffee. Our salted caramel brownies are a popular accompaniment. 

The coastline and nature are hugely important to us. To reflect this, we joined 1% For The Planet, whereby we contribute 1% of our annual turnover to environmental charities. This summer we gave that profit to Surfers Against Sewage, which does amazing work around the beaches of the UK and abroad.

Our home in Pembrokeshire is a five-minute bike ride from the sea. We both surf at Whitesands and Newgale beaches and will often throw our boards on to the roof rack and get some surf in between serving coffee at national events. On the road, we pitch up our old school bell tent behind the van and spend the summer under canvas.

We try to get back to St Davids whenever we can, to fill our lungs with sea air. It’s one of those undiscovered secret places that once you have visited, you’re drawn to for life.

For more information, or to buy coffee online, visit thecoffeecamper.com.

Discover more Coast Characters.

  • "Our home in Pembrokeshire is a five-minute bike ride from the sea. We both surf at Whitesands and Newgale beaches and will often throw our boards on to the roof rack and get some surf in between serving coffee at national events. On the road, we pitch up our old school bell tent behind the van and spend the summer under canvas."