A family, a living room and a roaster on the wall
Sublime began in Nelson in 2005 with one idea: coffee roasting belongs close to the community.
The smell that stopped people
A converted living room on Haven Road. A coffee roaster fixed to the inside wall. Dan working the machine by day and roasting through the night.
People walking past would slow down, drawn by the aroma and the warmth through the window. They wandered in, ordered a flat white, watched the roast, chatted with whoever was around. Then they came back.
Not hidden in a factory. Right there, in front of you.
Family run, from the first flat white
Emma was still teaching full time then, moonlighting as a barista at weekends to help keep the lights on. Their kids were already involved, taking orders from behind a counter they could barely see over. Blending beans. Packing. The whole operation, tiny and entirely family run.
The regulars came because they were curious and stayed because the coffee was good, just like the people. Quality and community, craft and belonging. Not a marketing strategy. Just what it actually was.
“A happy team makes for a better product.” Emma Hennah
Five homes, the same vibes
Every time Sublime outgrew a place, Dan built the right solution instead of settling for a limit.
- 2005
Haven Road
A converted living room and a roaster on the inside wall. Two flat whites a day, and a lot of curious neighbours.
- 2013
Java Hut, then Gloucester Street
When Haven Road could not keep up, Dan built their first proper roaster from the ground up. Java Hut came first, and Gloucester Street in 2013 after they outgrew that too.
- 2019
New Street
Six good years, with the roaster visible from the street and the brew bar open to anyone who wanted to get close to the process.
- 2026
Bridge Street Studios
The creative laneways in the heart of Nelson, where Sublime is the anchor among makers, artists and independent businesses. The roaster is still where people can see it. The door is still open.
A door that stays open
Bridge Street Studios is full of makers, and Sublime is where they get their coffee. We love dogs here too.
We are the coffee crew you can ask anything about coffee, especially how to make ours best at home. Come for the flat white, stay for a vinyl night with Fresh FM or a morning coffee with the pastry chefs at K-Oui.