Bev-E Award Winners 2008
“LEADING THE WAY IN RAISING BEVERAGE STANDARDS”
After an excellent conference, delegates gathered for the annual BSA
dinner. The BEV-E winners had been invited to an exclusive informal
drinks reception after which they proceeded into the main function
suite for a delicious meal, followed by the annual BEV-E Awards
Ceremony. We are delighted to announce the winners as follows:
THE NATIONAL INDEPENDENT AWARD was presented to Sadliers
Coffee Lounge of Tettenhall, near Wolverhampton.
The judge's commented that as Midlands regional winner for the second
year in succession; 2008 was their first as National Independent
winner.
Sadliers in Tettenhall is a relaxing coffee lounge serving some of
the finest cappuccino, latte, espresso, hot chocolate sampled by BEV-E
judges. These and all beverages are meticulously prepared by Paul Sadlier,
like an artist at work. Under Maxine Sadlier's skilled hands, delicious
freshly prepared meals, baguettes, sandwiches, cakes and pastries are
served. Prices for beverages and food of this exceptional quality are
very reasonable!The coffee lounge is furnished to provide the perfect
relaxing time.Service standards are high. You leave, wanting to
return!
Paul Sadlier, told us that although he knew that
a “BEV-E Award mystery shopper” could be calling at any
time, he believed that they would be impressed with the quality and
presentation of their food, and drink and hospitality. Both Paul and
his wife are passionate about providing excellence. Every customer
gets treated the same. “I will never serve a coffee that I am
not happy with because I love coffee and want everybody to experience
the best, whether it is espresso, latte, cappuccino or indeed, any
drink.”
As joint winners of the BEV-E National Award in 2007 the prize has
helped to increase the numbers visiting Sadliers as a result of local
press coverage. Many regular customers, as well as their Distributor, Rapido
Coffee Services, who were aware of their progress through
the competition, shared Paul and Maxine’s pride as the winners!
On a personal note, the Award is recognition of all the hard work
put into building up the business from nothing. Paul believes that
the Award “gives us the strength in our belief that providing
a good service with good products at a reasonable price is appreciated”.
Maxine Sadlier collected their award and was delighted with her prize – a
trip to Antwerp, sponsored by Rombouts. Antwerp, the
headquarters of Rombouts, is one of the European homes of coffee. They
will visit the Rombouts factory, enjoy tours of the historic port and
city of Antwerp and sample some of the finest dining and coffee in
the world.
THE NORTHERN REGIONAL WINNER was Montideli – a
fine deli based in Mexborough, South Yorkshire. Owners Chris and Meg
May quote “Our aim is to serve you the finest food at fair prices.
We want to bring something different and exciting to the table. We
prepare everything freshly, from the highest quality ingredients. The
food we serve is only one part of the overall Montideli experience.
From the moment you walk in the door we want to make sure that your
needs are met”.
Owner Meg is a real coffee lover. From the sourcing of Montideli’s
own single roast Arabica coffee bean from Papua New Guinea, supplied
by Café Sienna, which is both Fairtrade and
Organic, through to the high standard expected of her staff. Meg is
fully Barista-trained and she insists all her staff are competent to
the same high standard. Judges comments – “Meg is a caterer
by training and looking at the letters of thanks on the notice board
this is clearly demonstrated”.
The award was collected by mother and daughter Andrea and Joanna
Tomlin of Montideli.
THE SOUTH EAST REGIONAL AWARD was won by Trents in
Chichester, West Sussex. Trents is a Gastro Pub/small Hotel located
in the heart of the historic centre of Chichester. It’s a lively,
favourite meeting place with a restaurant offering a light Mediterranean
menu with traditional breakfast and daily black-board specials using
local ingredients. They have five beautifully renovated en-suite bedrooms
for a perfect break or business stay.
The judge commented “I would recommend this venue which is
more of a restaurant/bar than a coffee shop. Their attention to their
coffees and their machines is first class”. The range of drinks
offered, which included Cappuccino and a hot chocolate with “Trents” stencilled
on the top – along with two marshmallows were very good. Trents
is a popular restaurant/wine bar being located in the historic centre
of Chichester.
The Brunel Buffet in Minehead, West Somerset were
the SOUTH WEST REGIONAL WINNERS
Situated on Minehead Station’s platform, this site offers the
opportunity to have tea in a 1940’s atmosphere, where customers
use sugar tongs for tea and are attended by friendly staff. The West
Somerset Railway runs a number of special trains throughout the year
on which you can enjoy “Fish and Chips”, “Murder
and Mystery Trains”, “Steam and Cream”, “Jazz
and Swing Evenings”.
Supplied by D.J. Miles, the range of hot drinks
offered include an excellent espresso along with cappuccinos which
are perfectly presented with just the right amount of coffee to milk
and foam. As you would expect on a train the range of teas offered
were made with tea leaves and served in beautiful china.
The Brunel Buffet is mostly staffed by volunteers who work extremely
hard to give a first class service to passengers. In the coming year
they will be catering for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. “The
challenge set by your demand for quality, service and value for money
will be met by our department”.
Judge’s comments “A 1973 first class dining carriage
on the West Somerset Railway Station. They are doing so well that they
will now stay open for 12 months of the year. Good ambience, very comfortable,
clean and professional”.
NATIONAL GROUP WINNER – The Boston
Tea Party - a chain of seven family run
cafes based in the West Country. “We pride ourselves on serving
outstanding tea and coffee and creating delicious, original affordable
meals. Our coffee is made using freshly roasted 100% Arabica beans
which are never more than 10 days old. All of our teas are loose
leaf chosen for us by the local tea tasting specialists. Over 80%
of our suppliers are based in the West Country, ensuring we use the
best of local produce. While we cannot change the world we try to
do our bit – we source ethically sound products, suppliers,
offer fairly traded coffee, use organic milk and only free range
fresh meat and eggs.
Judge’s comments - “Great atmosphere and each outlet
is different, from Pop culture graphics to sedate terrace gardens.
Enthusiastic staff…one barista dragged his girlfriend to the
barista championship finals in his own time. Textured foam creating
stunning cappuccinos served in a glass cup. I would seek one out if
I wanted a coffee”.
The Boston Tea Party, whose Distributor is D.J. Miles,
won a trip to Milan, sponsored by La Cimbali (UK). Milan
is Italy’s centre for coffee and these lucky winners will visit
the La Cimbali factory and experience one of the most vibrant cities
in the world. The prize was collected by Sam Roberts & Darren
Honess.
THE NATIONAL MOBILE/CART WINNER went to Café 2U in Harrogate,
Yorkshire which is run by franchisee Ian Stewart.
Running a mobile coffee cart requires special dedication and Ian provides
excellent customer service wherever he is serving his beverages. The
range of coffee based drinks provided are very good and though using
china is out of the question, the high quality branded ribbed cup showcases
the finished beverage. All the drinks served were well balanced in
the strength of the coffee, against the steamed and frothed milk.
Ian was delighted to accept his prize – a trip to Bourges, sponsored
by Monin. Bourges, the historic capital of France,
in the lovely Rhone valley, is the home of Monin, established there
in 1912. Ian will receive tuition from a world class barista on how
best to use syrups and flavours whilst enjoying the sites and atmosphere
of this wonderful city.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!
