Darren Tickner founded Bean Smitten in 2014 after leaving a 20 year career in financial services, setting up in a rural location on the Kent and East Sussex border near Flimwell. The roastery hand roasts in small batches with a focus on ethically traded, fully traceable beans. The Classic Blend earned three stars at the Great Taste Awards in 2021 and went on to become a finalist in the Gold Fork Awards. Bean Smitten also serves as an official distributor of Sanremo espresso machines, advising businesses on equipment selection, installation, and servicing. The operation supplies cafes and businesses across Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, while retail customers can buy online or at local farmers markets in Tonbridge and Aylesford.