St Austell Brewery has announced the launch of a new initiative as its very first standalone Brewer & Bean Coffee Shop opens in Plymouth’s vibrant Barbican quarter.
Boasting uniquely blended brews of a non-alcoholic nature, the company’s Brewer & Bean coffee franchise has formed an integral part of the offering across its managed estate of award winning pubs and hotels over the last two years.
Thanks to the popularity of the brand, the decision was taken recently to launch the standalone shop next to the company’s Ship Inn on the Barbican, featuring a full line-up of juices, smoothies and handmade cakes, snacks and sandwiches beside the popular Brewer & bean coffees and teas options.
Retail Manager Harvey Jones commented, “Brewer & Bean took off almost overnight when we introduced it into our pubs and hotels, so we knew then that we had something special with the brand and it wasn’t long before conversations led to the idea of the coffee shop.
'The research we undertook before launch suggested a positive reception and that’s exactly how it has turned out. It’s been a real team effort and we’re really excited to finally get the doors open and invite the public along to try out the goodies on offer.”
Brewer & Bean Plymouth is open 7-days a week from 7am to catch the early birds, until 4pm every evening, managed by a team from the Ship Inn, led by local girl Kate Nayler.
As the team underwent special barista training before the opening to ensure top quality service across the board at the shop.
Nayler said, “I’ve loved working at the Ship but this is such an amazing new opportunity. We’re all so thrilled to be part of Brewer & Bean Plymouth and being right there at the start of something that could grow even bigger.”
First stop Plymouth, next stop Paris? As Harvey Jones admits, “This is an entirely new venture for us, so we really see this as a way of testing the water. It made perfect sense for us to expand the offering at the Barbican as we get so much footfall and people are already stopping off to buy their coffee with us but we’ll see how Brewer & Bean Plymouth goes first before we even think about hitting the high streets of the coffee capitals of the world!”