Old Spike Roastery was founded in 2014 by Richard Robinson and Cemel Ezel in Peckham, South London, as what they describe as the first specialty coffee roaster to operate as a social enterprise. Sixty five percent of profits fund their mission to reduce homelessness through training, employment, and ongoing support. The roastery runs a barista training academy at its Loughborough Junction site, and their first employee, Lucy, was hired from a Big Issue position. They roast on a traditional machine named Torberg, working with direct trade, specialty grade Arabica. The operation is carbon neutral, with recyclable or compostable packaging and a partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects that plants a tree for every bag sold.