“Dear George: Remember- No Man is a Failure who has Friends”

— Clarence the Angel, from It’s A Wonderful Life

Mario Spiridonov Working on Santa Sofia Coffee

2020 September

Young man sitting at a desk, smiling, wearing a black Los Angeles Lakers sweatshirt, with a patterned chocolate wrap in front of him, and calendars hanging on the wall behind.

January 2022

Mario Spiridonov, Santa Sofia MD standing outdoors in a parking lot, holding multiple shopping bags, wearing a black coat, dark pants, and bright yellow boots.

2021 March

Santa Sofia white coffee cup filled with a latte featuring a heart-shaped latte art, placed on a white saucer with a spoon and a sugar packet on a marble countertop at a cafe.

Santa Sofia – Coffee with Soul in Yorkshire

At Santa Sofia, we believe coffee is more than a drink — it’s a moment of connection, a craft, and a story. Founded in 2019 by Mario S. and Biser T., Santa Sofia was born from a simple yet bold ambition: to create coffee blends that rival the best in the world, with a distinctive Yorkshire touch.

What started as a passion project fuelled by late nights, research trips, and endless tastings evolved into a proudly independent coffee brand rooted in authenticity, tradition, and innovation.

Our Name, Our Inspiration

Santa Sofia is named in honour of a timeless symbol of wisdom, and the three core blends in our range — Fede (Faith), Speranza (Hope), and Amore (Love) — pay tribute to her daughters. Each blend tells a story, representing values we hold dear: belief, resilience, and passion.

Our Values

  • Quality Above All: We select only the finest Arabica and Robusta beans from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, and beyond. Every batch is roasted in small quantities to ensure peak freshness and consistency.

  • Craftsmanship: We treat coffee as an art. From green bean selection to final cup, every step is done with care, precision, and respect for the process.

  • Sustainability: We work with trusted importers who prioritise ethical sourcing, fair pay, and environmentally responsible farming practices.

  • Community: Based in Leeds, we’re proud to serve and support our vibrant Yorkshire hospitality scene — from local cafés to neighbourhood restaurants. We also support grassroots charities like Simon on the Streets, helping the homeless across Leeds and Bradford.

  • Resilience: Like every small business, our journey has faced challenges — from missteps in the early days to navigating the global pandemic. But we’ve always pushed forward, guided by the unwavering support of our customers, friends, and collaborators.

With Gratitude

Santa Sofia wouldn’t be where it is today without the kindness and belief of our extended family. From our mentor Stephanie D., to our designer Irena R., and our advertising champion Georgi M., to countless others — thank you. Your encouragement is roasted into every bean.

A man wearing a black leather jacket and black beanie taking a selfie next to a stack of cardboard boxes on a trolley at night.

2020 January

A man sitting at a wooden table, examining some printed material or brochures, with a large sheet of material spread out on the table in front of him, in a room with windows and blinds.

January 2022

Mario Spiridonov Leeds Amore Santa Sofia

2024 September

Three glass jars filled with coffee beans and wooden lids, with a copper measuring scoop on top of one jar, a steaming cup of black coffee, a bag of Santa Sofia coffee beans, and a wooden rolling pin on a kitchen countertop.