FOOD + DRINK
The Kent Coffee Club cont ...
BRIMMING WITH ENDLESS INNOVATION AND HEARTFELT CREATIVITY , OUR COUNTY IS BLESSED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF COFFEE MOVERS AND SHAKERS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FILLING OUR CUPS AND WARMING OUR SOULS WITH THE VERY BEST SPECIALITY COFFEE THROUGHOUT THE COOLER SEASONS AND BEYOND .
WORDS BY MIA CHAPMAN
So much more than just a humble brew , coffee has soared remarkably from its simpler beginnings and today stands as an unmissable daily ritual for most and a crafted passion for others . Noted as the nation ’ s favourite for soul and energy-boosting and with the average Brit ’ s consumption increasing in recent years to between two and three cups a day , it is evident that coffee ’ s ever-rising cultural appreciation and our love for the joy that these magnificent beans bring is here to stay .
Spanning hundreds of centuries and a wealth of continents , the rich origins of this outstanding beverage are utterly fascinating . While its exact findings remain relatively unclear , legend has it the story of coffee begins in Ethiopia , when a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating the berries from a certain tree - now known to be a wild growing plant in the Coffea species which produces the bright red fruits that house the all-important bean . After Kaldi shared his findings with a monk at the local monastery , who then experimented with the berries in a drink form and discovered that they helped him stay awake during long prayers , the word of these magical energising berries soon spread and landed in the Arabian Peninsula , where cultivation is said to have truly begun .
Travelling throughout countries , with each new discovery pairing with new methods of enjoyment , experimentation and extended production , coffee reached the city of London in the 17th century , and once embraced by society has since evolved enormously into the thriving industry it is for us today .
Not just known for its distinctive flavour and stimulating effects from its high caffeine content , coffee also comes with its own heap of impressive health benefits . From being packed with a myriad of antioxidants that aid our body to fight against free radicals and helpful supporters of brain function , to even being linked to the protection of our livers and reducing the risk of heart disease – which is all the more reason to satisfy our cravings with this naturally-grown elixir .
As we enter the peak of the autumnal season and set out to consume perhaps more cups of the warming delight than usual through cosy café catch-ups and crisp walk accompaniments , we are on the hunt for the best Kentish coffees to excite our senses . From insta-perfect milky lattes and cappuccinos sprinkled with chocolate , to punchy americanos and seasonal pumpkin spiced creations .
With wholesalers , roasters and coffee houses galore , who focus now more than ever on achieving not only taste-bud pleasing beverages but ones that are also sourced ethically , fully traceable to its passionate growers and made with our planet in mind , Kent ’ s coffee is seriously something to be celebrated .
ROAST WITH THE MOST Kent ’ s finest roasters who are all about bountiful beans , complimentary blends and grounding to perfection to supply the county and beyond with the very best brews .
Lost Sheep Coffee , Whitstable & Canterbury lostsheepcoffee . com
Award-winning specialty coffee roasters who have continued to capture the hearts of Kent coffee lovers and beyond since its establishment in 2012 . Built out of a love and discovery of the Australian coffee culture and their dedication to specialty roasts , Lost Sheep was founded by partners Stuart and Sarah who , inspired by their travels , set up their first micro-van before expanding to their upgraded Canterbury Pod and dedicated roastery in Whitstable to carefully precision-roast in small batches with the utmost love and care . Today , the team are prided on their sourcing of the finest , fully-traceable and fairly-traded beans from around the globe as well as their handy subscriptions , innovative sustainable packaging and rich flavours .
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