Split into three sections — Shoreditch, Soho and Hyde Park (to make the building seem less like a warehouse and more like a trendy hangout) — each holding a selection of coffee vendors and places to sit and network, there was room to walk and opportunities to sample coffee, cake, spirits and soup.
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Some businesses were showing off their latest coffee machines for the foodservice industry, while others looked happy to rub shoulders with giants such as Starbucks, De’Longhi and Costa.
Pavilion Garden Teas, for instance, are so new to the market that they didn’t have any stock to show me, nor pack shots, but their generous selection of flavoured teas, plus traditional, decaf and green, look lively in the leaflet.
Bean About Town were showing off not only their coffee, but also a small line-up of premium vodkas that proud distiller Will says, “are free from the chemicals that many other vodkas contain”. This could be one to watch, especially as it’s apparently the tipple of choice in many of London’s poshest bars.
I also tried The Twist from Cream Supplies – a handheld espresso maker – which is excellent. I didn’t expect it to be so sturdy, but it does cost £119. Anna from Catering & Leisure Supplies explained that it’s gaining popularity as a ‘backup’ in coffee shops, restaurants and hotels, should their established coffee machines break down. I see it as a more convenient way for consumers to make a good cup of coffee without having to lug a huge De’Longhi around when moving house.
Speaking of whom, I had a chat with the friendly De’Longhi guys, who showed off two new machines, one featuring a touchscreen display that makes a variety of different coffees. Not too far from the De’Longhi stall was Ascaso, with its retro chic home coffee machines that cater predominantly to the premium market. The company has been around since the 1940s, and it’s eye-catching range of Lambretta-inspired coffee machines is en vogue. It’s a shame the company’s entry level line-up doesn’t quite match the design aesthetic of the top models.
Hoping to capitalise on a “weak market”, Bonne Maman has created small biscuits called La petite galette. They cost just 6p each and look just as fancy and appetising as the rest of this French company’s range. This does seem to be a market worth digging into, and I expect this new product to be a success. (I sampled a couple just to make sure …)
The ‘trade day’ over, I left the Old Truman Brewery with the expectation that the weekend will be a great success, as it opens to the general public at the end of UK Coffee Week. I spotted X Factor’s Dermot O’Leary, a supporter of UK Coffee Week, and in particular the associated charity initiative Project Waterfall, in Paddington Station, who looked full of beans. Novelist Will Self, on the other hand, looked like he needed a coffee.
Shaun Weston is managing editor of FoodBev.com. You can contact him here, or read his blog here.
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