In 2019, something special began brewing again for Thomson’s Coffee.
After years of working together and building a friendship, Grant Dick, formerly of Spitfire Espresso and West Brewery, joined forces with Russell Jenkins, our Managing Director. Grant had long been a customer and collaborator, so opening a café together as a partnership felt like the natural next step. It would also mark the return of Thomson’s to the highstreet for the first time since the early 2000s.
The name 1841 often raises questions. It simply honours the year Thomson’s Coffee was founded. While closely connected to the roastery, 1841 is an independent business, run by Grant and his team who handle all day-to-day decisions.
Grant viewed several locations across Glasgow before finding the perfect spot - a former nail salon on Vinicombe Street. Just as the lease was about to be signed, the pandemic struck. The project was delayed until August, when the keys finally changed hands.
With a tight budget, the team opened as a takeaway-only café using a couple of Thomson’s exhibition carts. It was a challenging time for hospitality, but thanks to Grant’s dedication, the shop was able to open with minimal staff. The response was immediate. Queues often stretched along the street, as people embraced the new arrival.
Grant’s wife, a commercial architect, supported the design of the full space. In April 2021, the complete fit-out was carried out, working with a trusted group of joiners and builders. This team would go on to help with many of our future projects.
Since then, 1841 has become a staple of Glasgow’s speciality coffee scene. It is a welcoming space with high standards, a strong sense of community and a focus on quality. It has also become a vital part of the Thomson’s story, introducing our coffee to a new generation of drinkers.
Above all, 1841 reflects everything we stand for: craft, care and an honest commitment to progress, one cup at a time.
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