Here we go (yes, we are still here)- ready for customers at our first coffee event of 2017. Nice weather for the Vectis Rugby Tournament on Sunday, lots of flat white action at our end. Well done, team(s).

A little bit random

Well, here we are in the middle of July and it's supposed to be summer. In the pursuit of garden inspiration, Dr Bean had a very nice day out at the RHS Hampton Court Palace flower show and it was certainly educational. We learnt that we have a very long way to go with our garden and a lot more planting to do if we are to have the bee-attracting-pimms-sipping idyll that we aspire to, but hey-ho, the weekly input from Monty Don will help us get there.

Whilst at the show, it was good to see the stand belonging to Rachel Dein, a botanical artist in plaster and concrete and who's work we have long admired. Take a look at her site, it's lovely work.

New Barista Aprons

Well, it's the beginning of April and just about time to emerge from our winter hibernation.
The Liberty / Sailcloth bags have been selling really well, along with plenty of Lavender Bags, which will make an appearance one day in the online shop.
Also, we have been working on a new project for some friends over at Island Roasted, who asked if we would like to make some aprons for the hard-working, great-coffee-producing staff in Cafe Isola, here on the Island, in Newport. 
Great, we thought; an ideal opportunity to combine our love of all-things-coffee with our love of making things. So, here we are - the first glimpse of the Dr Bean Apron. More colours to follow.

Liberty / Sailcloth Bags online

We've just put a few Sailcloth / Liberty Tana Lawn reversible bags in the online shop. Yes, we know it's taken a while. . . 
Some are made from actual-slightly-salty old sails, others from crispy-crunchy white sail fabric. The Tana Lawn is also treated to make it more durable.

Plastic Bags - who needs 'em?

Garlic Festival 2015

We made a return to the Garlic Festival this weekend, having been absent for a couple of years. We're pleased to report that it seems as busy as ever. Fortunately, we missed the torrential rain of Thursday and Friday and the weather was just right; not too hot, a bit breezy and perfect for coffee sales, with Iced Coffees on Sunday.
We were next door to the delightful St. Valentines Licorice stand, which is always really popular. 

Next stop Bestival!

Bembridge Fun Weekend

Dr Bean's had a great weekend at this event -  fine weather, a busy harbour and lovely people. We hope you enjoyed the coffee. Next year we'll remember the croissants. . 

Dr Bean's Bags on Etsy

We now have an Etsy Shop - currently featuring a small, select range of lavender bags. Made with our favourite Liberty Tana Lawn fabric and sent out in our own unique style of packaging.
We hope to add to the small, select range in the future.
But, in the meantime, take a look, here.

Bag development(s)

Bags with pockets! Well I never.

Mid-summer Bags

It is hard to beat Steph's photos, from last year, of our Sailcloth / liberty fabric bags. Maybe it's time for another photo shoot. . .

We will put some of these in the shop, when we have a moment, please bear with us, it's a busy time of year.

Topside in June

The garden at Topside is at it's best in June, with everything coming into flower at the same time. We thought it would be a good setting for some flowery bags.

The deep blue rose-y Tana Lawn (called Carline, we think), is a favourite and looks great in the garden. The Tana Lawn / sail cloth bags are really good to use - practical, pretty AND reversible. 

(. . . It depends if you're in a sailing mood or a garden - visiting mood). We're working on some new labels and then we'll put some in the shop. As mentioned on our Facebook page, we are also putting together a 're-cycled' sail option, which will have a liberty lining too.

Open Farm Sunday

Dr Bean will be at the Living Larder Farm, Apse Heath, this Sunday 7th June. It's all happening. A top Island chef, Robert Thompson, none-the-less, will be there, hosting a pop up kitchen using farm produce. We will be serving the usual finest 'Island Roasted' Coffee, plus teas.
If you are interested in attending (the weather looks fine), email aimee@livinglarder.co.uk.

Celebrations in Cowes

It's been a bit of a day in Cowes. . . Royals, Kings (only the nice ones), White trousers and blazers, Hats, Red trousers, Local Pomp, Cheering and Hip hip hooraying. I think it is the Royal Yacht Squadron's 200 Birthday party, so there are lots of nice yachts. The King of Denmark, who went shopping locally (by all accounts), has the best boat.

Small Stripy Buckets

Small buckets, nice colours, in the shop now.

Bags

New season bags - stripes, spots and Liberty florals. 

Summer is nearly here!

New Year Therapy

A bit of sewing to start the new year. . little bags of lavender.

Chic Living Show

Just a quick post to say that Dr Bean's Bags will be attending the Chic Living Show, at New Barn Farm, Calbourne on the Isle of Wight, taking place on 26, 27 and 28 of September.
It's a beautiful venue, with lots of great Island businesses taking part. 
Come and say hello - especially on the Friday preview evening, when Wildwood Pizza will be there to serve their delicious wood-fired pizzas.

St Ives Parcel

A lovely batch of colourful bags off to St Ives. And the best bit? We're going with them! 

Dr Bean will be away from the sewing machine . . . for a while.

Dr Bean arrives in Cowes

We've been rather busy on the coffee front recently. We attended the lovely Old Gaffers Festival, in Yarmouth, which was as popular as always - plenty of coffee and a large amount of afternoon tea, served up in style by Doug.
The other news is that we now have a permanent home in Cowes - situated within the PHG store at the bottom of Market Hill. This is going really well and we are settling in to the unusual arrangement of making coffee indoors. Another plus is that we are using the locally produced 'Island Roasted' Coffee - thanks Dan!

Dawn, the owner of the aforementioned PHG also sells Dr Bean's Bags, so for the first time ever, the two sides of the business are seen together!

Dr Bean goes to town

We went to the London Coffee Festival. It was fab. And very beard-y.

It was good to meet some friendly locals to discuss some new projects and absorb all the best coffee (and tea) related goodies at the show. It's well worth a visit, especially if you have a beard.