We’re proud to have been one of the supporters of this year’s Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh’s independent multi-arts event that breathes new life into forgotten urban spaces, showcasing music, visual art, theatre, dance, spoken word and more . Held at the former Paper Factory from June 11–15, the festival again demonstrated the power of community and creativity — transforming recycled buildings into vibrant cultural hubs  .

We were there in person, enjoying every moment — and now we’re excited to share an insightful interview with Gustavo, the person working behind the scenes at Hidden Door, about what makes this festival truly special and how coffee and creativity intersect.

Q: What drew Artisan Roast to support Hidden Door this year?

Gustavo: “We saw a real synergy between what Hidden Door does—reviving unused urban spaces and uniting diverse creative voices—and our own values as a community-centered roastery. Artisan Roast’s ethos of bringing people together over coffee aligns perfectly with the festival’s goal of creating shared, meaningful experiences.”

Q: How does Hidden Door leverage these transformed spaces?

Gustavo: “It’s incredible — music, art, dance, theatre, spoken word all layered through corridors and rooms of an old factory. Every rusted pipe or broken wall becomes part of the artwork’s story. It’s immersive and surprising.” 

Q: Why is coffee a natural fit for creative environments?

Gustavo: “Coffee sparks connection—it fuels the spark you need for deep creative conversations. Historically, coffee houses have been meeting hubs since the 12th century in the Middle East. At Hidden Door, there’s always people chatting ideas over a brew — it’s part of the festival’s energy.”

Q: What was your favourite moment this year?

Gustavo: “Watching people wander between installations with Artisan Roast cups in hand, stopping to chat with artists, sharing thoughts on a piece before moving to the next room — that felt like living community, powered by coffee and art.”

Hidden Door’s ripple through Edinburgh’s urban canvas reminds us of the power of collaboration—and coffee—to bring people together in unexpected, creative ways. A big thanks to Gustavo and the whole Hidden Door team for including us — we’re already excited about next year!