FOOD + DRINK
Kent’ s Coffee Corner cont...
CURVE COFFEE
LEARN THE ART OF THE LATTE
Further cementing coffee as so much more than just a humble beverage, exceptional baristas from across the globe have helped transform the coffee scene into a celebrated craft that champions skill, precision and the utmost passion and artistry. Combining technical mastery with a true love of flavour, science and aroma- not to mention adding a creative flair through intricate steamed milk latte art- baristas meticulously create coffees that delight both the eye and the palate.
Looking to try your hand at barista craft- or unsure how to get the best out of your home machine? Join Melk Coffee Co.( melkcoffeeco. com) on an insightful barista training course at their Sidcup base on select dates. Learn the fundamentals of making great coffee, how to pull the perfect espresso shot and dial in the grinder, and even how to steam milk perfectly and create basic latte art!
FROM BEAN TO BREW:
TOP TIPS FOR BREWING LIKE A KENTISH PRO
DO GOOD COFFEE, CANTERBURY dogoodcoffee. uk
With a profound mission to supply baristaquality beans to your doorstep that not only taste good but do good, this remarkable Canterbury-based roasters proudly supports life where it matters most, pledging a share of their profits to two chosen charities: The Head and Neck Cancer Foundation and The Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Using carefully and ethnically selected, single estate AAA grade Arabica coffee beans from some of the world’ s finest coffee-growing regions, master roaster Philip hand-roasts in small batches on his farm, for a burst of flavour that’ s as beautifully aromatic and fresh as it can be.
GARAGE COFFEE ROASTERS, STURRY, CANTERBURY, HERNE BAY, MARGATE & WHITSTABLE garageroasted. co. uk
A speciality coffee roastery that has shaken up the local roasting landscape since its founding in 2015, Garage Coffee Roasters crafts its beans in small 12kg batches for optimum quality, only using specialty grade coffees that are fully traceable and fairly traded. Building on its vision from simpler beginnings, the Garage team now spans shops across the county, recently unveiling a spacious converted oast house in Sturry, which is home to both their expanding roastery operations and a brand-new café.
“ This year has really been an exciting one for us here at Garage Coffee. Our first summer in our new roastery and the opening of our new roastery café- plus, we’ re also getting ready for our 10th anniversary. From operating out of a shipping container to five sites including our converted oast house roastery, it’ s been quite the journey for us and we can’ t wait to celebrate 10 years of Garage with everyone who’ s dropped by for a coffee along the way.”
LUKE UNDERDOWN, OWNER & FOUNDER, GARAGE COFFEE ROASTERS
Now you’ ve got your hands on some of Kent’ s finest beans and grounds, it’ s time to put them to the test. Whether you’ re using a filter, French press( otherwise known as a cafetière), espresso machine or an Aeropress, here are some key tips for home coffee excellence.
The perfect grind- if you’ ve opted for whole beans, always ensure you only grind immediately before brewing to preserve their maximum flavour and aroma. Keep in mind that different methods require varying grind sizes such as coarse, medium and fine.
Storage is key- store your beans and blends in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture to ensure ultimate freshness.
Master ratios & temperatures- a good guide but varying with each method, use 18- 20g coffee per 250ml water for filter / French press or 18- 20g per double shot for espresso. Water temperature is usually between 90- 96 ° C.
Pour with care- for pour-over or French press, slow and even water coverage ensures every bean’ s flavour shines. For espresso, consistent tamping and extraction does the trick.
Your Kentish taste- take time to explore and discover your favourite flavour profiles and be prepared to experiment with grind size, dose or brewing time to highlight the full character of your Kentish beans.
100 • www. insidekent. co. uk