Two names come up more than any others when UK coffee drinkers start looking at subscriptions: Pact Coffee and Hasbean. Both are specialty roasters. Both are roast-to-order. Both have been doing this for over a decade.
But they’re quite different in approach and best suited to different types of coffee drinker. Here’s an honest comparison.
Background
Pact Coffee launched in 2012 with a consumer-first subscription model: easy signup, well-designed packaging, direct-to-doorstep freshness. They’ve scaled significantly and are now one of the UK’s largest specialty coffee brands by volume.
Hasbean started in 2002 as one of the UK’s earliest specialty importers and roasters. Founded in Stafford by Steve Leighton (one of the most respected voices in UK specialty coffee), Hasbean built their reputation on sourcing quality and transparency rather than consumer convenience.
Coffee Quality
Both are excellent. The meaningful distinction is in style and focus.
Pact tends toward approachable, well-balanced coffees. Their blends are designed to be enjoyed without requiring specialist knowledge. Their single-origins are carefully selected for broad appeal. This isn’t a criticism; it’s a deliberate positioning that serves their audience well.
Hasbean leans toward complex, origin-forward coffees aimed at enthusiasts. Their catalogue at any given time includes unusual processing methods, rare varieties, and micro-lot coffees from specific farms. The Colombia El Paraíso Washed, for example, reflects their relationship with a single producer in Huila, not just generic Colombian coffee.
Verdict: Neither is objectively better. Pact is more consistent for everyday enjoyment; Hasbean is more exciting for enthusiasts.
Range and Variety
Pact: A core range of ~8–12 coffees at any time: a few blends, several single-origins by region, seasonal specials. Enough variety to stay interested, not so many options that choosing becomes overwhelming.
Hasbean: A much larger range, rotating frequently. Dozens of single-origins from specific farms and producers, multiple processing methods, natural/washed/honey options. Their Coffeecircle subscription can send you a new coffee every week if you want. An education in itself.
Verdict: Hasbean wins on range and variety if you want to explore. Pact wins if you want to pick something and stick with it.
Freshness
Both roast to order, which is the main reason to subscribe to either over supermarket alternatives.
Pact typically dispatches 1–3 days post-roast. Hasbean is similar. Small-batch roasting means orders go out quickly.
Verdict: Draw. Both provide genuinely fresh coffee that arrives significantly more recently roasted than any supermarket option.
Pricing
| Pact | Hasbean | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price (250g) | ~£8.95 (one-off) / ~£7.61 (subscription) | ~£9.50–12.50 depending on coffee |
| Per 100g | ~£3.58 (subscription) | ~£3.80–5.00 |
| Subscription discount | 15% | Varies by item |
Verdict: Pact is slightly cheaper at the entry level. Hasbean’s single-origins vary widely in price. Their more exotic lots cost more, but some of their core offerings are comparably priced to Pact.
Subscription Flexibility
Pact: Excellent. The subscription management dashboard is clean and functional: easy to skip a delivery, change frequency, swap coffees, or cancel. Pact have invested in the subscription UX and it shows.
Hasbean: Good, but slightly more traditional in interface. All the functionality is there but it feels less slick than Pact.
Verdict: Pact.
Grind Options
Both offer whole bean and multiple grind options. Pact’s grind options are clearly labelled and linked to brew method (espresso, cafetière, filter, V60, AeroPress). Hasbean similarly offers multiple options.
If you don’t have a grinder, both will grind for you.
Verdict: Draw.
Who Should Choose Pact?
- You’re new to specialty coffee and want a guided, accessible experience
- You want a consistent, reliable espresso blend you can rely on daily
- Subscription management simplicity matters to you
- You want good coffee without having to think too hard about it
→ Start a Pact Coffee Subscription
Who Should Choose Hasbean?
- You’re an enthusiast who wants to explore origins and processing methods
- Traceability and sourcing transparency matter to you
- You want access to unusual, limited lots and micro-lots
- You’re interested in coffee as a learning journey, not just a caffeine delivery system
The Verdict
Pact Coffee is the better choice for most people: fresh, accessible, well-priced, and convenient. If you want a subscription that “just works” and delivers genuinely good coffee, Pact.
Hasbean is the better choice for specialty coffee enthusiasts: deeper range, more interesting lots, and the best UK sourcing transparency. If you’re already buying specialty coffee and want to go further, Hasbean.
You can’t go wrong with either. Both are stoaters in their own right. Pact for ease; Hasbean for depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try both before committing to a subscription? Yes. Both offer one-off purchase options without a subscription. Buy a 250g bag from each, compare them at home, and decide which suits you better before subscribing.
Do Pact and Hasbean deliver across the UK? Yes. Both deliver to mainland UK. Hasbean also delivers to Northern Ireland; Pact delivery to Northern Ireland is available but worth checking current rates. Both deliver to the Republic of Ireland.
Which has better customer service? Both are well-regarded for customer service. Pact has more infrastructure for handling subscription queries quickly. Hasbean has a more personal feel. You’re more likely to get a knowledgeable response about specific coffees.