The ECS+COHO Interview Series: Gerard Bowers-McIntyre, 92 Degrees

Each week leading up to the ECS+COHO Expo 2025, 24-26 November at the JW Marriott in Berlin, World Coffee Portal will present exclusive interviews with some of the influential voices in Europe’s coffee and hospitality industries

This week, World Coffee Portal speaks to Gerard Bowers-McIntyre, Co-founder of UK-based specialty coffee roaster and café group 92 Degrees, about the power of coffee shops to build community.

92 Degrees opened its roastery in Liverpool, UK, in 2014, and its first coffee shop in 2015. Today, the specialty coffee group operates 16 stores across the UK. Trading with the tagline ‘Damn Fine Coffee’, whether investing its in-store teams, using local suppliers or showcasing the latest music, art and creative talent in its coffee shops, 92 Degrees prides itself with putting people first.

How is the role of the high street coffee shop evolving in the UK?

Over the last ten years, I have seen consumer expectations around coffee and coffee shops change significantly. Tastes have developed and expanded, and stories and traceability that had been beneficial extras are now core requirements. The coffee shop has become the home away from home and the office of choice for many.

It is no longer just an extra space squeezed between work and play, but instead a genuine place to live life and meet friends, old and new. They are also safe places to learn, discover more and ask questions about specialty coffee without the risk of feeling stupid or isolated.

I’m proud that we have been part of this, creating accessible spaces for people to be themselves, meet others and do it all over a cup of damn fine coffee!”

How do you view the increasing globalisation of coffee culture?

Personally, I find coffee to be one of the great unifiers in life. Having such a variety of ways to enjoy it appeals to many people. Different cultures have unique rituals, but all are united by coffee. Coffee culture is a shared tapestry of stories and spaces, it fuels discussions and ideas, builds businesses, and powers the creation of theatre, art and music. So, for me, with globalisation being a mechanism to bring down barriers and unite people with common interests, coffee culture exists in parallel. Forging connections around the world, all the way from bean to cup.

How are younger generations redefining what coffee means socially and culturally?

I have really enjoyed seeing, over the past decade a movement from pubs and bars to coffee shops. When I was younger, the majority of family and social occasions would occur in either a pub or a bar. Seeing more elements of socialisation, celebration and life in general migrate into coffee shops and align with coffee culture has been a pleasure. Just this last month, we actually had our first in-store wedding proposal. Two regular customers, whose relationship had blossomed in one of our coffee shops, decided to take this huge step was a great testament to what we have achieved as a company. It also shows how much the once-humble coffee shop has now become an integral part of so many communities.