Kent Welcomes Garage Coffee as New Coffee Supplier

A box of Garage Coffee Ambition coffee beans next to a cup of coffee

We are pleased to announce that Garage Coffee is now the official coffee supplier for the University of Kent.

This exciting partnership brings award-winning, locally roasted coffee to the university, supporting a popular independent business from Kent.

About Garage Coffee

Garage Coffee, founded in 2015 by Luke Underdown, is a speciality coffee roastery based in Hoath, just outside of Canterbury. Starting from local markets, the business quickly grew, and by 2017, it had opened its flagship shop in Canterbury. Today, Garage Coffee also has shops in Whitstable, Margate, and Herne Bay.

Garage Coffee is committed to quality, sustainability, and building strong relationships with coffee producers. They roast their beans in small batches, ensuring every cup is full of flavour. As part of their sustainability efforts, they use 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

Exclusive “Ambition” Blend

To mark the partnership, Garage Coffee has created a special coffee blend just for the University of Kent. This exclusive blend, named “Ambition,” was selected by the university’s catering team in a coffee cupping session. Ambition features beans from Brazil and Colombia, with tasting notes of dark chocolate, pecans, and vanilla.

The Brazilian beans come from the O’Coffee estate in Alta Mogiana, a region known for its high-quality Arabica coffees. The estate is committed to ethical practices and community development, earning a Level A certification from the Rainforest Alliance. The Colombian beans in the blend are sourced from Montebello, a region famed for its natural beauty and sustainable agricultural practices.

Gulbenkian Café Senior Supervisor, Christian Mahamalage Perera, makes a coffee using the new Ambition blend

Where to Find Ambition Coffee

The Ambition blend is currently available at Dolche Vita, Gulbenkian Café, and Sibson Café. Soon, it will be offered across all University of Kent cafes, restaurants, bars, and through internal catering services. Additionally, 250g boxes of Ambition coffee beans will be available for purchase at the Gulbenkian Café, Dolche Vita, and Sibson Café.

Guest Filter Coffees

Alongside the Ambition blend, Garage Coffee will introduce guest single-origin filter coffees from time to time throughout the year. These coffees will showcase different flavours and aromas, offering a unique tasting experience each time.

Sustainability and Customer Perks

This partnership with Garage Coffee is a positive step in supporting local businesses and achieving the university’s sustainability goals. Garage Coffee is a proud member of Produced in Kent, an organisation dedicated to promoting local food, drink, and craft businesses. By choosing Garage Coffee, the university is helping to sustain the local economy and reduce environmental impact.

Customers can still enjoy great perks with the new Garage Coffee partnership:

  • Bring in your reusable coffee cup or travel mug and get 10% off your hot drink
  • Buy 9 hot drinks and get your 10th absolutely FREE with a hot drink loyalty card

A University of Kent hot drink loyalty crad

The University of Kent is excited to bring this new coffee experience to campus and looks forward to many delicious cups of coffee ahead.