Huw Wardrope

Co-Founder & CEO

Huw Wardrope is a London-based entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Urban Baristas. He has a background in Banking and Finance and is a former professional basketball player, bringing a strong foundation in both strategic business development and high-performance leadership.

Huw began his entrepreneurial journey in the health and fitness sector, launching a chain of three 24-hour gym franchises in London, all of which continue to operate successfully today.

Building on this experience, he founded Urban Baristas in 2016, combining his passion for coffee with the vibrant Australian brunch culture. What started as a single kiosk at Bounds Green Tube Station has since developed into a rapidly expanding specialty coffee brand with over 25 locations across London, including a dedicated roastery in Bethnal Green.

In 2024, Urban Baristas entered the franchising market and has since had 30 stores open and sold over 55 territories, marking a significant phase of national expansion. The brand continues to grow its presence across the UK, making specialty coffee more accessible to local communities.

Huw Wardrope will be speaking at:

The National Franchise Exhibition

2 & 3 October 2026 | NEC, Birmingham
British Franchise Association logo
The only franchise exhibitions supported by the British Franchise Association