Out of the Box
La Marzocco UK & Ireland are bringing their flagship global event to Tonbridge Castle this summer
words by Dan HARVEY
Italian artisans La Marzocco have been handcrafting some of the world’s finest espresso machines since 1927. Building a reputation for their reliability, durability, and timeless aesthetics, their espresso machines take centre stage in some of the world’s finest coffee roasters, coffee shops and restaurants. But that’s not all they’re known for: they’re also famous for championing the concept of community, and for pushing the boundaries of the hospitality scene.
For that very reason, we’re excited to announce that the team at La Marzocco UK & Ireland are bringing their flagship global event, Out of the Box, to Tonbridge Castle on Saturday July 13th. Festivals and events are key to La Marzocco’s success and standing: they act as a physical embodiment of the Italian hospitality that runs through its veins. As such, all events are about inclusivity and community and everyone is invited to join the party. Out of the box is no exception.
Out of the Box first took place in Milan in 2009, and has since been held across the globe in cities such as Barcelona, Tokyo and Melbourne. In the UK, London and Leeds have both played host city. This year, La Marzocco will be hosting the first Summer edition of the event at Tonbridge Castle, a unique and iconic setting that’s quickly building on its reputation as a key destination for premium food and drink experiences. Alongside The Essential Journal, La Marzocco will also be working closely with event sponsors Espresso Solutions, Grey Goose Vodka, Roborace, Falcon Coffees, BWT Best Water Technology and Northiam Dairy to up the ante on previous instalments of the event. Expect Coffee Roasters Villages, with 20 of the UK’s finest speciality coffee roasters; ranging from Liverpool stalwarts ‘Neighbourhood Coffee’ to Kent locals ‘Curve Coffee Roasters’, Cocktail Masterclasses with ‘Grey Goose Vodka’, Barista Workshops with La Marzocco Home, Sensory Coffee Experiences with ‘Falcon Coffees’, Bookable Dining Experiences courtesy of ‘The Old Fire Station’, Food and Drink stalls from local businesses, a Live Music Stage, an exclusive immersive virtual reality simulator with ‘Roborace’, Pop Up Shops with sponsors such as ‘Espresso Solutions’, La Marzocco’s original coffee competition ‘Crush the Rush’, panel discussions, face painting, family fun, and much more.
‘Living in Kent myself,’ says Paul Kelly, General Manager of La Marzocco UK & Ireland, ‘I am always inspired and impressed by the array of choices when it comes to summer festivals and unique food and drink experiences. We’ve wanted to host a summer edition of Out of the Box since our first London edition in 2014, and we knew that Tonbridge Castle was the perfect setting. We can’t wait to meet and connect with the local community, and to invite our existing network to this inspired setting.’
La Marzocco’s goal is for all who come as guests to leave as friends. To that end, Out of the Box has always been a content-rich, destination event that aims to bring together local communities and out-of-town visitors alike. It’s a celebration of our shared passion of speciality coffee, food and drink that doubles up as a cultural event for seasoned hospitality professionals and young adults seeking advice and inspiration for a career in the hospitality industry. All money raised at Out of the Box will be donated to Rett UK and Project Waterfall.
For more info and to grab your free ticket, visit www.ootb19.eventbrite.co.uk
