Bean Smitten

Bean Smitten is a specialty roaster on the Kent and East Sussex border, based near Flimwell in a rural workshop about 20 minutes from Tunbridge Wells. Darren Tickner founded it in 2014 after leaving a career in finance, having become absorbed by specialty coffee through independent shops and skilled baristas.

The business has built a loyal base among cafes and individual customers across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. Sourcing is through Falcon Specialty, a reputable UK importer that provides full provenance transparency.

The business has won Great Taste Awards in four consecutive years from 2018 to 2021, including a 3-star in 2021, and was a finalist in the Guild of Fine Food's Golden Fork Awards. Sanremo espresso machines are stocked and supplied alongside the coffee.