FOOD + DRINK
Kent’ s Coffee Corner cont...
“ Lots of people claim to make speciality coffee‘ accessible’- but we live it. We don’ t just throw beans in a bag and call it accessible. We invent, we create, we push boundaries, we take speciality coffee and put it into products that would normally only use commercial grade coffee. We were the first in the UK to launch homecompostable, airtight specialty coffee Nespresso ® pods, and the first to create ready-to-drink iced coffee cans with full coffee traceability from farm to can- something no one else is doing, even now!”
STUART & SARAH, FOUNDERS OF LOST SHEEP COFFEE ROASTERS
So, what exactly is speciality coffee? While widely used to describe coffee of an exceptional quality, the Specialty Coffee Association( SCA) officially defines it as‘ a coffee or coffee experience that is recognised for its distinctive attributes, resulting in a higher value within the marketplace.’ Also deeply determined by a holistic approach to value, ethical sourcing, consistency, sustainability and the impact on the people who produce and enjoy it, speciality coffee is a cut above the rest, with both passionate connoisseurs and everyday drinkers seeking out these outstanding roasts and blends for their terrific flavour, refreshing transparency and feel-good ethics.
A county renowned for its artisanal traditions and boundless creativity, Kent’ s speciality scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Pouring wisdom, experimentation and a meticulous attention to detail into sustainable sourcing, sciencebacked roasting and creating elevated coffee experiences, our wealth of local roasters have secured themselves welldeserved recognition on the global stage.
With a top-notch speciality brew in hand of course, follow along as we go behind the beans with some of Kent’ s most scene-shaking crafters and small-batch roasters whose truly delicious coffee offerings just keep getting better. Alongside some handy top tips for Kentish home brewing, don’ t miss our round-up of some of the very best brewing hubs offering cosy retreats in which to savour every last drop of speciality excellence.
MEET THE ROASTERS
LOST SHEEP COFFEE, WHITSTABLE lostsheepcoffee. com
Deeply inspired by their travels and the wonders of Australian coffee culture, husband and wife duo Stuart and Sarah launched Lost Sheep with a mission: to bring Aussie-style speciality coffee to Kent. Today, their award-winning roastery creates fully traceable, fairly traded and handroasted speciality coffee, while continuing to push the boundaries of the craft with endless innovation, creativity and heart.
REAL DEAL ROASTERS, DEAL realdealroasters. co. uk
Lovingly hand-roasting excellent coffee on the East Kent coast since 2013, Real Deal Roasters certainly knows a thing or two about great quality beans and crowd-pleasing cups of coffee goodness. Roasted over the open flames of beautifully restored 1940’ s Italian and Greek roasters, which allow for each bean’ s natural flavours to shine, Real Deal’ s wide range of coffee varieties can be found in an array of local farm shops and cafés, as well as through their mobile shop which regularly makes a stop at both Deal and Cliftonville markets.
PENELOPE COFFEE ROASTERS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS penelope. coffee
Heartwarmingly pouring their passion and dedication into each and every cup, Penelope Coffee Roasters’ philosophy is simple: honour the land, cherish the farmers and elevate every bean. Keen to take every step possible towards sustainable practices, while continuing to deliver truly delicious coffee, this family-led micro-roaster has worked tirelessly to provide eco-friendly packaging for their sublime roasts and build positive partnerships with like-minded suppliers who share their devotion for equality and education.
CURVE COFFEE ROASTERS, MARGATE curveroasters. co. uk
Setting out to be a driving force for positive change in the coffee industry, this valuesdriven Margate roastery holds quality and transparency at its very core. Striving to produce superb seasonal coffees that protect both livelihoods and the planet, founders Tereza and Jon are busy shaping a coffee-fuelled future with refined roasts crafted using a precise, energy-efficient Loring Smart roaster to showcase natural sweetness, vibrancy and each coffee’ s distinctive flavour profile.
HARBOUR COFFEE CO., FOLKESTONE harbour. coffee
A creatively imagined coffee roasters as cool and vibrant as the coastal town it calls home, Harbour Coffee Co. – uniquely housed within bright shipping containers on Folkestone’ s vibey harbour arm – rightfully prides itself on its loyal relationships with individual farmers that have resulted in a considered collection of five different coffee beans from Colombia, Peru, Kenya and Rwanda, all available to either taste in-store in the form of a bold brew, a milky latte or to purchase from their online shop.
HORMOZI COFFEE, SITTINGBOURNE hormozi. co. uk
A cherished family-run roastery built upon passion and perseverance, Hormozi’ s story began in 2000 when founder, Chireh, an engineer by trade, started fixing espresso machines just as coffee culture was booming across the UK. Spotting something special brewing, he took a leap and began importing roasted coffee from Spain for his café clients and before long, the whole family had joined the journey. When son Rubin dove headfirst into the art of roasting, Hormozi’ s true craft was born, soon leading to a beautifully balanced, full-bodied coffee collection of over 20 origin coffees and five perfected blends, each brimming with heart.
RUBIN HORMOZI
“ After a fire destroyed our roastery, I wanted to turn that loss into something meaningful. Out of the chaos came inspiration and from that, Trial by Fire was born. This limited-edition blend captures everything we went through. The destruction, the resilience and the rebirth. It’ s the most personal coffee I’ ve ever created and I’ m so proud to finally share it.”
RUBIN HORMOZI, MASTER ROASTER, HORMOZI COFFEE
www. insidekent. co. uk • 99