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Post by Les on Nov 9, 2017 13:19:38 GMT
Maidstone I remember it well: Growing up in Maidstone just after the war what I used to like was all the smells. The Breweries when they were 'malting'. Peppermint oil wafting across the river. Timber being machined down by the bridge. Sawdust on the butcher's floor. The electricity place and the swimming pool both had their own individual smells. The river ponged sometimes too. So did the loos under The Cannon in High Street and the ones next to the Fire Station under the Market Buildings. Best of all was the Coffee Shop in Weeks Street. I used to linger there savouring the aroma while my Mum (Gloria nee Dickenson) went in the butchers - I wouldn't go in there - I hated seeing all the rabbits hanging on the rack they looked just like my own pet.
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Post by Roger Edwards on Jun 8, 2020 18:39:52 GMT
Importers Retail Sales Rooms was the name of the Tea & Coffee Shop in Week Street, It was a real Maidstone landmark, talk to anyone from the town whatever else they do and don't remember, they always remember with pleasure the Coffee Shop and the aroma with which it spread in Week Street.
The company had other stores in Canterbury, Croydon, Guildford, Sevenoaks (strangely not the Medway Towns) plus other towns in the home counties and the head office was in Bromley, they were a specialist in that they sold raw natural bean coffee from various different growing countries roasted on site to the right level to achieve the various coffee and flavour strengths, you could buy in roasted bean state for home grinding or ready ground, aficionados have always claimed it is better and more flavorsome freshly ground and immediately used, hence the palaver in the many and various coffee shops we now have.
They also sold raw leaf tea again imported from various growing countries (tea chests being a sideline business) and was weighed and bagged on site to meet customers various choice/strength flavours including the scented/flavoured teas such as Earl Gray.
Aside the raw coffee/leaf tea Importers also sold the many and various kit for measuring, grinding (coffee) brewing and infusing both for that perfect cup of Tea/Coffee. They never sold tea bags even under their own brand, tea bags and the tea they made were always considered rubbish.
Those who remember the shop my recall the collection of foreign tea and coffee memorabilia that was on display and the fantastic brass scales and most of all the big brass mechanical cash register. If I had had more wit about me I should of made an offer to buy those when my father retired.
Importers Week Street Maidstone was managed by my father Alan Edwards from 1950 until he retired in the mid 70's, he was known by many including the many famous (entertainment, political and titled) customers who regularly frequented Importers and often gave talks to clubs and organisations on the magic and mysteries of tea and coffee.
I went to both Westborough and Oldborough Manor Schools, I eventually left Maidstone in 1969 pursuing a career in Theatre, Concert Hall and venue Management working in the UK, US and elsewhere eventually becoming Sales and Events Director of the old Wembley Complex. Always pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me from Maidstone or indeed elsewhere, on - roger.e@blueyonder.co.uk
Roger Edwards.
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Post by Les on Jun 9, 2020 5:47:13 GMT
Thank you, Roger.I remember it well. before it closed completely it moved to under the market building near the Star Tap. did not have such a strong smell as when was in Week Street. maybe you can confirm a dispute I had on facebook.. I am saying The Cheese and Grill was opposite Union Street. someone is saying the Cheese and Grill shared a doorway with your shop.
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