Phil Buckley and Evan Metz founded Dusty Ape in 2013, roasting from the Marsh Farm Industrial Estate in Hilperton, Wiltshire. The roastery carries around 20 different coffees from over ten producing countries, profiled initially on a 1kg Probat sample roaster before scaling to production batches. Their philosophy centers on the idea that coffee is seasonal and should be treated accordingly, with a Roaster's Choice subscription that gives subscribers first access to new selections before they reach the website. Many of the coffees carry Fairtrade, organic, or Rainforest Alliance certification. The roastery includes a public facing coffee bar whose opening hours are, by their own admission, dictated by the Sanremo Verona espresso machine.