Meet the neighbours: Blueprint – coffee by design

How did Blueprint come about and how did you get “into” coffee?

I’ve been into coffee since I was 14, it’s been a long journey. Back in the day I was scrubbing dishes, washing pans, from kitchen porter to then a barista, then I worked in coffee shops whilst at university. The guy I worked for was terrible at admin and needed someone to run his shops and it was something I was good at. Eventually he invited me here as an owner and we decided to make a brand together, 21 Grams, over in Wandsworth and Clapham. Then 2 years ago I decided I wanted something of my own, and I’ve always loved Tooting, saw this shop become available, so put a gamble on it .

The name Blueprint is because you’ve been in coffee a while?

You’ve hit the nail on the head. People don’t realise how much of a science coffee is. We weigh each coffee 3 times, first as raw coffee, we time it as it comes through the machine, after that we weigh the final shot as well. So then each shot is as consistently perfect as possible

Can you then automatically tell a bad coffee?

It’s too complex to see where they have gone wrong. I can tell by sight if it’s going to be good or bad. You can tell with an espresso as it comes out the machine if it’s a good one or bad.

What do you love most about being part of Tooting community?

Gosh, a lot. Ive loved Tooting since I was a kid, I grew up around here. It’s changed a lot, but it has that soul. You have so many people from so many different backgrounds. It has such a great sense of belonging.

Anything you would like people, to know.

With the counters and measures, I wish people would realise how much time and effort went into calibrating machines to just make them perfect. That goes on behind the scenes. Also how much effort the staff put in, the team is amazing.

What’s the most popular coffee?

It’s by season. When it’s cold, everyone loves the classics, Americanos, flat whites, lattes. Then last summer we had a massive matcha craze, where I think one day we did about 300.

Finally any plans you want to share?

2026 is big year for us, we want to engage more with the community. We are working with some artists to get their works displayed more. Our biggest project is an expansion. We have 2 in Tooting but this is slightly out, over in Camberwell. Watch this space.

Blueprint – 162a Mitcham Road, SW17 9NJ

60 Franciscan Road, SW17 8EG

Follow them on Instagram @blueprintbaristas

Check out the full feature on my Instagram @homeswithchuk

Blueprint - Coffee by design

Love your local