It started with a jog in London’s Green Park.
As development of the superyacht marina ramped up, the docks were open and boats were arriving, Christophe Harbour Founder and CEO Buddy Darby recognized a need for a small food and beverage installation to service visiting yachts, locals, and guests.
“I was in London and went out for a morning run in Green Park,” said Darby. “I passed by this great kiosk in the park where people were hanging around drinking espresso, enjoying pastries and the morning paper and I thought – that’s it!”
A few internet searches and phone calls later, contact was made with the owner of the kiosk. “I think at first he thought I was crazy for asking to buy one of his units. No one had ever done that before,” said John Haley, director of architecture. “But luckily we hit it off!”
Perk up at Peppe's coffee kiosk located in the Christophe Harbour marina village.
The company typically didn’t sell its units, but they were phasing out the existing model and needed to relocate an existing kiosk. The timing couldn’t have been better, so after a brief negotiation, the little kiosk set sail from London to St. Kitts.
The perfect outlet needed the perfect operator. Enter Julian Armstrong, Barista Extraordinaire. The newly married, affable Aussie moved to St. Kitts in 2013 with nearly 25 years of experience in food & beverage. His self-proclaimed passion, for coffee coupled with a gregarious personality made him the right person for the job.
“I’ve worked in some iconic, high-volume cafes that were serious about coffee and customer service,” says Armstrong. “Coffee is a highly personal thing, and there is no ‘right’ way - only the way the customer wants his or her coffee.”
Barista Julian Armstrong and coworker Silda Williams serve up the island's best latte with a smile.
Now in its second season of operation, Peppe’s has become the hub of activity it was always intended to be. Four Seasons Nevis guests are now arriving and departing through the marina, and yachters, locals, and shoppers alike are stopping by for a pick-me-up.
“It’s been great to see the activity here in the marina this season,” added Armstrong. “I’ve had to add some extra team members and extend our shifts to accommodate the demand.”
Drop by Peppe’s for a quick take-away sandwich or sit down for a Carib and a chat. The kiosk is open daily at the marina village from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. In addition to coffee, the kiosk also offers panini, salad, muffins, croissants, cakes, dips/olives – all house made at The Pavilion restaurant and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.