A Macclesfield couple have become full-time coffee sellers, as their music industry business was ravaged by the pandemic.

Band Manager Jason Palmer (38) and wife Emily (37) launched the SK11 business from their home in October 2020.

Rocks Off Coffee sells over eighteen varieties of single origin coffees and speciality blends, themed to musicians, festivals, and events.

What started as just something to do during lockdown, became a full-time passion for the Macclesfield based couple.

"I was actually just listening to the song Rocks Off by The Rolling Stones and thought, that would be a good brand name," said Jason.

"Then came the idea for the coffee. I thought let's see if we can make some money for the bands that we manage by creating coffee to bring in additional revenue, for other people struggling in the pandemic.

"So I thought I'd create this brand to support and wait for the music industry to get back on its feet. I am happy to say this will be a full-time job for me even when the industry returns."

Rocks Off Coffee have just launched a special blend in partnership with the upcoming Macclesfield in October festival.

The 80% Robusta and 20% Arabica mix with a hint of chocolate, is made just for the Macclesfield event.

In addition to their limited edition product for Macc, Rocks Off Coffee is set to announce a few high profile collaboration coffee products based on bands and festivals across the UK.

"I lived a very social life seeing people every day in music, and then to go from everyday life seeing the same four walls it was tough," recalled Jason.

"As soon as I got the idea I went all in. An hour later I'd registered the domain and got all the handles on social media.

"All our coffees are fairtrade and include The Anarchist, The Modernist and The Eyeball Tickler [named after the Oasis song]. Which has an amazing flavour of citrus and nuts with sweet undertones."

Rocks Off Coffee's clientele includes coffee loving music lovers to those in the industry.

The small local business also sells music records, mugs, photos and posters to accompany their coffee.

"We are delighted to offer free delivery to anyone in Macclesfield," added Jason.

"Normally on the same day as well if you order before four, whether that is in the SK10 or SK11 area.

"Our coffee can be purchased as whole beans, aeropress, pour over filter, French press, or espresso grinds."

As Macclesfield, and the country continues to work from home. More and more coffee businesses have launched in lockdown to help with the daily grind.

The British Coffee Association estimates we drink 95 million cups of coffee each day in the UK.

Paul Rooke, Executive Director of the British Coffee Association said, "The pandemic has had a hugely disruptive impact across almost all industry sectors and for many people this has also proven a time to re-evaluate their careers and jobs.

"We have noted a strong interest in the coffee industry as people have expressed a desire to move towards more artisanal industries that make things.

"There is no doubt that Britain is in love with its coffee and there has been a huge increase in the trend of 'coffee connoisseurs', as consumers value the more complex tasting profiles of different coffees from different origins and have developed more complex palates to appreciate coffee with."

The Macclesfield startup is launching a competition to celebrate their new blend with Macclesfield in October.

Anyone who purchases the £8 bag from this link will be entered into a draw to win two tickets for the festival, which will be headlined by Space and Peter Hook & The Light.

You can find all Rocks Off products, which includes blends inspired by Amy Winehouse, Keith Flint and Paul Weller, on their website here.

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