Factory Coffee x Leadly: First stop Ancoats. Next stop, world caffeination

When we moved into Leadly HQ in Ancoats, the building came with a surprise: a hatch in the community space downstairs that opens straight out onto the street.

We could have used it for storage. Instead, we called Factory Coffee. Now Leadly HQ serves proper coffee to the team inside and to anyone walking past outside.

A window onto Ancoats

The hatch has quickly become one of our favourite things about the new office. It means Leadly HQ isn’t only a Leadly space. It’s a bit of Ancoats too.

Ancoats is full of independent shops, restaurants and coffee spots, and we didn’t want to move in and shut the door. The hatch lets us give something back to the neighbourhood, one flat white at a time.

Meet Dimos

Behind the hatch is Dimos from Factory Coffee. He’ll know your order by week two, and he’s quietly become one of the most popular people in the building.

His coffee story started a long way from Manchester. “I started working in hospitality in Greece about 17 years ago,” he says. “Coffee was part of the job, and over time I became more interested in it. I learned from experienced baristas, did some training, and that’s what got me properly into it.”

His own go-to is a nod to home. “A freddo espresso. It’s strong, refreshing and gives me the kick I need to start the day. It’s a familiar style of coffee from Greece, so it feels a little personal.”

And which drink could he make with his eyes closed? “Any.” Fair enough.

What a room full of marketers drinks

“There’s a good mix,” says Dimos. “Flat whites, cappuccinos, iced lattes, matcha and Spanish lattes are the ones I make most often. Everyone has their own favourite, which keeps things interesting.”

The most specific order in the building? That honour goes to Melody: an iced matcha with almond milk and agave syrup. “It’s quite a specific combination, but it works,” he says. “I like seeing people find their own favourite way to enjoy a drink.”

So, if the Leadly team were a coffee order, what would it be? “A mix of everything. I’m not sure what I’d call it! Different personalities in one drink.”

We’ll take that.

Why Factory Coffee

We wanted a partner who takes coffee as seriously as we take the work. Factory Coffee runs the hatch, so the team and the street get the same quality in every cup.

Dimos on what makes it special: “The blend is a medium roast and really versatile. It works well as an espresso, but it also comes through nicely in milk-based drinks, so it suits lots of different orders. It brings together coffees from Brazil, Nicaragua and Ethiopia.”

And the hidden gem on the menu? An iced white peach hibiscus tea. Trust him on this one.

Life behind the hatch

For Dimos, the best part isn’t the coffee. It’s the people. “You get to have short conversations with every customer, and that helps create a bond. People come back, and not just for the coffee.”

People come back, and not just for the coffee.

“I enjoy the mix of familiar faces from the Leadly team and people passing through Ancoats. It’s a small window, but you get those quick chats, remember people’s orders and become part of their daily routine.”

One for home

Any tips for a better brew in your own kitchen? “Try cold brew in a Hario bottle. It’s easy to make at home, and you can leave it to brew overnight, so you’ve got a smooth, refreshing coffee ready for the next day.”

Come say hello

If you’re passing through Ancoats, swing by the hatch at Leadly HQ. First time? Dimos recommends a flat white. Say hi, tell him your order, and he’ll remember it.

First stop Ancoats. Next stop, world caffeination.