Margate coffee shop named 'most innovative' in the UK
The Grounds of Innovation Awards celebrate creativity in UK coffee sector
Skinny Dip in Cliftonville has been declared as the most innovative coffee shop in the UK.
BRITA Professional has revealed the winners of its new Grounds of Innovation Awards, celebrating innovation and creativity in UK coffee sector.
Skinny Dip, on Northdown Road in Cliftonville, took first place. Founder Tom Denning said: “It just means a lot to all of us to have this industry recognition. Our shop opened its door five days before the first lockdown so it's extremely satisfying to have navigated such a steep learning curve and to now be achieving this recognition. The creative community in Margate inspires us every day and it will continue to play a huge role in our business as we look to expand.”
Known for displaying work from local artists, as well as its banging coffee and outrageously tasty Focaccia BLT, Skinny Dip has become a creative community hub - an element which was particularly important in the judging of the prize.
Lois and Michela Wilson, founders of Saint Aymes and creative partners of the Grounds of Innovation campaign, said: “A clear theme throughout the winners of the award was the sense of community that these locations foster. When you actually focus on innovation and creativity, you’re more likely to create a community, and you’re more likely to stand out.”
Alongside a leading judging panel, BRITA searched the UK for coffee shops that embodied innovation. The top ten most innovative coffee shops in the UK have been revealed as:
Skinny Dip, Margate
Qima, London
Baffle Haus, Pontypool
Batch Baby, London
Effy Stores, Nottingham
Formative, London
Fika, Norwich
Lowdown, Edinburgh
Carbon Kopi, London
Souli, London
Recent research from BRITA Professional revealed that 58% of UK adults associate coffee shops with creativity. Almost half (43%) visit a coffee shop at least once a month to inspire creativity and innovation. And 54% are drinking coffee when they feel most creative.
The research also revealed other elements that would make customers stay longer and return to coffee shops, including:
Free refills (49%)
Drinks offers and promotions (37%)
Reward schemes (35%)
Food options (28%)
A dedicated workspace (24%)
Being the first award of its kind in the sector, BRITA Professional assembled an elite panel of coffee industry titans to help narrow down the shortlist and create the top 10 ranking:
Ben Lewis – UK Latte Art Championship Finalist 2018, 2019, 2020
Emma Haines – Director at Caffeina
Lois and Michela Wilson – Founders of Saint Aymes
Paul Whitehead – Business Account Manager at BRITA UK
Peter Dore-Smith - Founder and Director at Kaffeine
