FOOD + DRINK
CAFFEINE CREW
THE COFFEE PHENOMENON CONTINUES TO TAKE KENT BY STORM, AS NEW COFFEE HOUSES APPEAR ALONGSIDE CLASSIC FAVOURITES AND SPECIALIST ROASTERS PUT THEIR OWN STAMP ON THE COUNTY’ S BREWING SCENE. WHETHER YOU PREFER A STRONG AMERICANO, A SILKY LATTE, OR THE SIMPLICITY OF A FLAT WHITE, THERE IS A BREW FOR EVERYONE IN KENT’ S CAFFEINE CREW.
Although a staple in our daily routines, it is surprising to think England only discovered coffee in the mid-17th century. The story of the roasted bean began long before it reached our western shores, however, with roots tracing back to the rugged highlands of Ethiopia in north-east Africa and Yemen in Western Asia. In the centuries since, coffee has become one of the most important parts of our daily routines, because seriously, how else would we make it through the day?
This isn’ t just a new trend, either. By the late 17th century, coffee had become so influential in England that it’ s suggested even King Charles II’ s ministers saw coffeehouses as a potential threat. They were accused of providing an environment where rumours and dissent could spread, leading to calls for their closure. Still, even by then, coffee culture was already proving too powerful to ignore.
Coffeehouses had become lively meeting places where ideas, conversation and debates could flourish. Coffee was no longer simply a beverage, it had become a social experience, and one that could bring people together just as easily as it could provide a quiet moment alone.
Fast forward to today and the nation’ s love affair with coffee shows little sign of slowing down. According to the British Coffee Association, the UK gets through around 98 million cups of coffee every day and the now not-so-humble cup continues to grow in popularity, with Kent being no exception.
So, if you’ re searching for one of Kent’ s best coffeehouses, keen to discover the artisan roasters putting the county on the map, or are simply looking for something a little different, here’ s some brilliant local places well worth grabbing your caffeine fix at this October.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 123