* Forest + barista of course?! 

Forista is an experimental concept cafe by artist Becky Lyon inviting guests to connect with neighbourhood and planetary soils, airs and waters through sipping, munching and sniffing. 

This yummy art experience unearths the sociality of soil, surfaces its teachings and indulges in its multi-elemental nature through a ‘soil tasting’ menu connecting flavour to place, aroma with earthly health and nourishment with community. 

Through special guest ‘blends’, illuminating tasting notes and joy for the tummy, Forista offers a moment of the remarkable and ritualistic in everyday actions amidst systems that would otherwise sever and dominate our relationship to the land and each other.

Launching at the Brent Biennial 2025, connecting with edible, olfactory and tactile earthly materials becomes a method of finding a shared palette across the vibrant and diverse diaspora of the borough whilst honouring the importance of conviviality, food culture and grassroots growing in the city as forms of solidarity and resistance.

Cafe opening

Sunday 22 June 2025 11-1 and 2-4 | Wembley Sailing Club, The Welsh Harp / Brent Resevoir

Book in a coffee break with a twist at the Forista* concept cafe and sample a ‘soil tasting’ menu inviting you to connect with the earths, airs and waters of the neighbourhood of Brent…and the planet! 

This artist-led experience invites you to attend to your senses and all the elements in a moment of delightful and delicious ritual.  For the Brent Biennale Water celebration, the invitation centres around where earth meets water with a focus on hydration, flow and flavour release through coffee and botanical tea. 

This is an adult experience designed for 16+. 

FAQ’s

I’ll take a skinny decaff flat white! 

Please note this is an art experience centred around coffee and not a cafe, we will endeavour to incorporate your preferences but otherwise - be open to surprise! 

Do I have to pay?

No, the experience is free, made possible through the Brent Biennale.

Can I bring my kids? 

This experience has been designed with an adult audience in mind. They are welcome to join you but please note this has not been designed as a family activity with kid-centric components. 

Can I hang out? 

If there is room - you are warmly welcome! Otherwise please note your booking is for 30 minutes to allow for the next guests to join. 

I’m running late! 

We will accommodate you if we can but otherwise budge you to the next available slot so you don’t have to rush your experience.