Our Team

The Central Bean Team

Brand Manager – David Patten

In 1999, following graduation from a course in leisure hospitality, David joined Fluid Group at their very first outlet, Quilted Camel as a Bartender. His enthusiasm for not only his chosen profession, but also for Quilted Camel, resulted in his promotion to Bar Supervisor in the same year. As the company began to expand David was again promoted, this time to Assistant Manager before eventually heading the management team at Quilted Camel as GM in 2002.

In 2003 David was invited to take the position of General Manager of Fluid Group’s latest addition to the company portfolio, Mushroom Bar. David accepted this challenging post and during the next three years made Mushroom Bar one of Newcastle’s most dynamic and successful bars, a legacy which continues to this day.

David is a ‘people person’, combining his very professional hospitality management style, with his trademark ‘infectious energy’ and great sense of humour. No surprise then that when Fluid Group were looking for someone to head the companies most exciting business venture to date, David Patten was the obvious choice…

However, David has an ‘alter ego’ in the guise of front man of local band ‘Sandhill’ and had been pursuing his rock and roll career (with some considerable success) during the previous two years. David and ‘Sandhill’ had become firm favourites with the bands loyal fan base, as well as being admired by their piers throughout the UK. During this period the relationship between David and the Directors of Fluid Group remained very strong. As such, plans for the new brand, Central Bean, were discussed with David, who embraced the concept immediately and re-joined Fluid Group as Brand Manager without hesitation.

David has grown the business from a single unit to three in a very short time and is currently working with the Directors to secure further sites.

David Comments:

“I have a strong belief in Central Bean and our ever emerging brand identity. It’s difficult not to be excited about such an innovative new business, especially when you consider how much has been achieved in such a short time. My focus moving forward is to further develop the brand, whilst ensuring quality, consistency, service and staff development, continue to be at the core of the brands continuing growth.”

Some of our Baristas and their art!

Alex’ Latte Art

Paul’ Latte Art

Wayne’ Latte Art

Well done Wayne!

Central Bean recently took part in a charity event organised by Centre Manager, Debbie Anderson, of Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth, to raise cash for the Childrens Foundation. Central Bean was pitted against rivals, Costa Coffee, in a 1 mile race on treadmills.

Central Bean of course took the honours by a long stretch. However, credit has to go to everyone who participated and raised money for the event, especially to our generous customers for providing donations and sponsorship in all three of our stores.