t e s t o f ta s t e
Coff By Regis Crepy and
C
offee today is part of our culture and to be enjoyed on so many different occasions – whether it’s having a social chat, or at work, during a business meeting, whilst having a rest, reading the morning paper, grabbing a cup whilst travelling and certainly to linger over on holiday – whenever, a cup of coffee seems to suit the occasion. One thing is certain though – a bad cup of coffee makes a bad occasion! I was asked to take part in a coffee tasting in London recently and thought it appropriate to ask a very old friend of mine, David Thompson, a barista to join me. David owns the best coffee shop in East Anglia – in Sudbury to be precise and he always goes on about the fact that it is the roasting that makes the coffee acquire its wonderful taste as the roasting stimulates the oil in the beans. We were welcomes by Xavi Mas, National Account Manager and qualified barista trainer for Novell at their London office and training centre in Mayfair. Cafes Novell have been seducing peoples senses through the perfect cup of coffee since 1958 when founded by Ramon Novell who is still very much involved in the company on a day to day basis. Novell now has subsidiaries all over the world and in 2015 launched in the UK with offices in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne. Alongside the range of coffee beans they supply into the HORECA market they are just about to launch the same high quality coffee in Nespresso Compatible Capsules for the home market. So let’s see if Novell can seduce our senses with their range of coffee. Tasting is very personal and it is important decision to make as a restauranteur or coffee shop owner as to what you offer your clientele. It is also an opportunity to educate customers with the many varieties of blends now available. As more and more people become coffee enthusiasts, so restaurants are having to be more discerning about the coffee they offer. Personally, I have no interest in supplying all the different types of coffee you find in most high street coffee shops, i.e. the latte, cappuccino, ristretto, macchiato, cafetiere, instant etc.. Ridiculous – and then there are all the different sizes too! We only serve espresso to our guests at The Great House in Lavenham. However, we do serve the best. For Discerning independent coffee shop owners it is important to find the finest coffee to compete with the brands. Quality is everything and it never goes out of fashion. You will never be forgiven for cheap coffee. A good coffee gives you the edge – it is remembered and loved by the aficionados.
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