Café de Paulo’s story began in 2007, when Juan arrived in London eager to explore the UK and its diverse food culture.

Working across coffee houses, pubs and restaurants, he met people from around the world and refined his palate in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan capital cities.

In 2009, inspired by the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Juan moved north to Inverness. Starting as a kitchen porter at Café Victoria in the Victorian Market, he worked his way up to manager, building lasting friendships and gaining invaluable experience in hospitality and coffee excellence. Over the years, he held senior roles in some of Inverness’s best-loved independent cafés and leading UK coffee brands.

In 2019, when his friend and mentor retired, Juan took the opportunity to buy the café where it all began rebranding it as Café de Paulo in the Victorian Market.

With a strong focus on community and carefully selected local suppliers, Juan transformed the space into a vibrant, innovative café known for quality, warmth and character. Café de Paulo quickly became a favourite destination for both locals and visitors.