It may be best known for its award-winning beers but this week Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, launched its first ever craft coffee.
Inspired by the market town, Faversham, where its historic brewery is based, Creekside Coffee has been brewing behind the scenes for some time.
It was officially launched at the birthplace of London’s oldest coffee house – once frequented by the likes of Samuel Pepys – now home to Shepherd Neame’s Grade II listed Jamaica Wine House on Thursday, October 12.
Shepherd Neame has teamed up with fellow independent family business John Street Beverage, based in Greenhithe, to create the exclusive Arabica coffee blend.
The coffee beans are Rainforest Alliance-certified, sourced from the regions of Brazil, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Colombia, and packed in recyclable vacuum-packed bags.
And its distinctive logo, inspired by Faversham Creek, has been created by up-and-coming designer and artist, Lettie Neame, who is the daughter of Chief Executive Jonathan Neame.
Lettie, who is in her final year of studying for an MA in Fine Art, took her inspiration for the design direct from Faversham.
She said: “I looked at the route of the Creek on the map, and used that as my inspiration for the shape of the design, which is a little abstract. And I took the colours for it from Faversham Market Square, by studying the colours of buildings, including above Shepherd Neame pub The Bear and the Guildhall in the centre of the square.”
She added: “I am so excited to see my design in use – it is a really proud moment. I learned about how the coffee is made during my design phase, too, which was fascinating, and I think Creekside Coffee is delicious!”
Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine, said: “We are committed to using local suppliers wherever possible, and are incredibly pleased to unveil this exclusive coffee blend to complement the offer in our pubs and hotels.
“We have worked hard, alongside our fellow Kent partners, John Street Beverage, to create just the right blend to ensure a unique taste and aroma which we are sure will prove popular with our customers.”
Steve Street, Director of John Street Beverage, said the firm’s association with Shepherd Neame could be traced back to 1994, when the company, led by his father at the time, began supplying the brewery with filter coffee.
“This new coffee has a unique taste profile and is exclusive to Shepherd Neame,” he said. “It has been great to see it all the way through from initial discussions to the development stage and on to producing it. We really are a partnership, working together to ensure we offer the highest quality coffee and superior service.”
Creekside Coffee is available now across selected Shepherd Neame pub and hotels in London and the South East.
For more information visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/creeksidecoffee
To find out more about Lettie Neame’s art follow @lettieneame.art on social media.
ENDS
About Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content on third party websites.
For further information please contact Senior Communications Officer Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk
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