A popular coffee van selling locally roasted brews in Middlebrook Retail Park has been announced as a finalist for The Bolton News Best Coffee Shop Awards 2024.

Corto Coffee is run by Richard Haddock, from Westhoughton, who became inspired by Australia’s coffee-loving culture and the emphasis on bringing communities together.

Richard moved to Australia aged 21 during lockdown and began working as a waiter.

He said: “When I moved to Australia, the coffee scene there was massive, because of the warm weather there, people drink outside and it’s really social.

(Image: Leah Collins) “It was something I wanted to re-create in this country, especially the outdoor aspect of coffee drinking. Australians love their coffee; they drink it all the time and enjoy drinking it outside – that’s something I wanted to bring back to Bolton with me.”

Richard’s coffee is roasted by himself, and he also supplies The Coffee Shop @ Heaton.

(Image: Leah Collins) Some of the coffees on display are infused with milk chocolate, orange and toffee. 

Richard said: “I’m careful with the flavours for the coffee, I don’t want to go too floral or too exquisite, as this can put people off.

“I offer some sweet treats, such as brownies, but want to keep the focus on the coffee.”

A woman in the queue, who was being served by Richard, enthusiastically declared that Corto’s Coffee was “the best in Bolton!”.

(Image: Leah Collins)Even though the weather in England may not always be on his side, Richard said he will not let this get in the way of his dream.

Richard added: “I think what people like about it is that personal touch. I have lots of regulars who are so friendly. There are people who’ve not been for over two years but when they return, I’ll remember their coffee order straight away!

“They also appreciate my coffee knowledge, which is flattering. Lots of people ask for brewing methods, which is a more personal touch.

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“I also do a gazebo in the summer, which is great as it gets the community together. It sits up to six people so it’s social and people can meet one another, stop and have a chat.

(Image: Leah Collins) “This time of year, we get lots of young couples with babies, especially because the coffee pod is set up outside Smyths Toys, so people like to pop over and grab a coffee whilst doing their Christmas shopping.

“It would be great to win a Bolton News Coffee Shop Award, we don’t have the same capacity as coffee shops so it would be great to have my hard work recognised.”

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk