tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592229859767415822024-03-19T02:34:54.453-07:00Finding your Feet in the Bean SceneScouting out the best coffee in London, Berlin & beyondannacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-60080810985864844402012-10-28T22:36:00.001-07:002012-10-28T22:36:32.395-07:00I Need Coffee! [Prague]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">[Guest blog post from members of the global coffee loving family recently holidaying in Prague]</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I Need Coffee!<br />Na Moran, Prague</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">need coffee sits safely out of the Tourist pit of Prague on Na Moran. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Sparse interiors are complemented by cute accompaniments, we order two </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">croissants, one almond, one chocolate and they don't disappoint, although </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">the chocolate crossaint contained a little too much chocolate in the end. We </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">order two doubles, one macchiato, one cappuccino, the machine is a Faema, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">small compact like the store so I'm a bit nervous about the quality, but as </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">it turns out we had no reason to be nervous.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">The coffee was served in a small cup and deep saucer. He takes a sip first '</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Better than Monmouth' he chirps, I take a turn and am tempted to agree. The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">double was necessary, its not strong, a quick chat with the barista reveals </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">an El Salvadorean bean. As I wait for the coffee to cool a bit I'm </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">distracted by a dozen children being led past, clinging to a guide rope, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">followed only minutes later by four collies, leash free. The many faces of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Prague. Cooler the coffee is better, and the taste is fuller, a happy haze </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">envelopes me as its dulcet tones do their work. It's a good cup and we come </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">back again the next day, and enjoy an equally good one. After a visit here </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">it's safe to say we need coffee no longer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks Suzi & Dave for sharing...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPubO5DMSCZU42hSXLap-qVgpksRIS6REgmidjwB8ldF-IstOeunYUnTDp3IR-z-cXW_PtAPJrLWm38Iii_c-IC-P2Y6XZHIG2hG9Lq6THSJS8Em-9HPCIntFsP5DVc2XsPyG9HwfaiN8/s1600/I+need+coffee_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-4588153193934922102012-08-09T23:50:00.001-07:002015-08-09T16:42:47.446-07:00AntipodesA friend told me about Antipodes. That old word of mouth, takes us places doesn't it. As the name suggests, it's a couple of Kiwis who set up shop about a year ago on this Prenzlauerberg pavement. It's a well known fact that the travelling Antipodeans have taken centre stage in the European bean scene and they fit right in. Or do they stand right out. Hmmm... both! You know a good recipe when you see one, and I think they have the measurements right here.<br />
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They serve Kings and Queens coffee. It was my first encounter with Kings and Queens.... and although a bit of a princess when it comes to coffee, I'll happily be served their chosen royal blend. It's a strong, smooth, full of flavour, and roasted right here in Berlin, by another of the Antipodean family.<br />
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I rode down one warm and sunny Sunday, parked my bike under a tree, and settled down outside. I wish I'd had nowhere to be, as I would have lingered on the shaded pavement, taking in the view of the impressive church across the street in the temperate summer breeze. With the warmer weather providing a great space to unleash the chairs and tables outside, the cobblestones were packed with Sunday brunch-goers and loungers working their way through an impressive selection of brunch and lunch options. With definitely more than a splash of English to be heard, those Antipodeans can clearly smell good coffee a mile off, and it has them swarming back again and again.<br />
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Greeted with a familiar, friendliness as you walk in, it's like you're dropping over to a friend's place for coffee... Jane and Paul are so effortlessly welcoming. The interior is reminiscent of New Zealand, with a nice mix of classic retro. If you are conversant in Kiwi, you can't go past the instantly recognisable Kiwi treats on the counter, (renamed to give the locals some chance at working out what an Afghan or Anzac biscuit might contain).<br />
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So, if your value superb coffee, flavours and friendliness, then go pull back the curtain and see why Kiwi cafes are taking centre stage all over Europe right now....<br />
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Fehrbellinerstraße 5, 10119 Berlin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"> </span></span><br />
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<br />annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-48262522004372730742012-07-26T03:40:00.000-07:002015-08-09T16:43:01.376-07:00No Fire No GlorySwing the 'No Fire, No Glory' pendulum and and where do you stop?<br />
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Left for the Danish based Coffee Collective, right for local Berlin Bonanza Bean.<br />
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True, to the barista's word, if you follow up your first coffee of the day, closely with a second, then you're probably better off starting out with Coffee Collective's lighter roast, and following up with the darker roasted Bonanza beans, or choosing a side and sticking to it! It's a tough one, both go down so smoothly, I like to swing with the weather ...<br />
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If you don't follow up your first with a second, I recommend you still aim for balance... the toasted banana bread works for me... but the glass cabinet offers a few more 'kuchen' (to go with your 'kaffee') options.<br />
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If you care to swing out a little further, you'll end up in the brew bar. Boasting an impressive line up of changing names, including Has Been, Square Mile, Coffee Collective, Workshop Coffee Co, Solberg and Hansen, I think it's evident they're skimming the cream of the crop from a range of the best international beans.<br />
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Parked on one of Prenzlauerberg's famously wide pavements, you have the luxury of spacious outdoor seating, or more cosy indoor couches and tables stretching back inside. Though given the Melbourne-esque weather of late, that decision may be made for you.<br />
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Also key players in the recent establishment of the 'Berlin Coffee Society' coffee has been / is and will clearly be a burning topic for these guys now and as far as the eye can see.<br />
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I like the No Fire, No Glory philosophy, keep the coffee trail a blaze, and with it a nice mix of modern simplistic comfort, friendly, familiar faces, mandatory cake temptations, prepared for all kinds of weather.<br />
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Go on, swing the No Fire No Glory pendulum and see where you sit...<br />
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http://www.nofirenoglory.de/<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1dvNuS1mgXgYASEUZc-FVQ2iXao-sxKym1X0G1YT3NeY8Zk6Dm3Gr63s2c0JDGjVY2DRE4oHxeiki1l1gI6KROx4FKuFd3p_FAdR0DHeREtXRm9N_hGFBq2-fIxFGupdgcRfTBg97M/s1600/NFNG_DSC03608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1dvNuS1mgXgYASEUZc-FVQ2iXao-sxKym1X0G1YT3NeY8Zk6Dm3Gr63s2c0JDGjVY2DRE4oHxeiki1l1gI6KROx4FKuFd3p_FAdR0DHeREtXRm9N_hGFBq2-fIxFGupdgcRfTBg97M/s400/NFNG_DSC03608.jpg" width="400" /></a>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-30083546486654192042012-07-19T02:59:00.002-07:002015-08-09T16:45:07.638-07:00Cafe CKDespite the cool feeling in the air as you walk into Cafe CK... The place is still smouldering after the hot reviews this place got from Cory Andreen's win at the <a href="http://www.worldcuptasters.org/">World Cup Tasting Championship</a> and Cory is still smiling for the camera...<br />
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That gives you some idea about what goes into the oiling of the chain, and turning of the wheels here, and not only their own wheels. Cafe CK is one of the key spokes in the the recently established '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BerlinCoffeeSociety">Berlin Coffee Society</a>' which brings together a community of Berlin based cafes who share the same passion for the science and art of coffee, established with the objective to share, educate develop and inspire.<br />
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To their credit, Cafe CK alone is inspiring... minimally decked out with couches and low hanging lighting. The inviting living room / come workspace is often home to a few 'mobile offices' set to a background of music from their collection of retro vinyls. There's a modest yet diverse menu, a few breakfast options, a few cakes, but here it's all about the coffee. The house espresso is a single origin roasted by their neighbours over at Bonanza. That's not the extent of the coffee counter here though, if your after a filter you are in very good hands. After a brief introduction to filter recently, (though hesitant to steer away from my familiar espresso) and careful recommendation by the barista in the direction of a V60 filter I was impressed by the smoothness, full bodied flavour of the Bonanza roasted Kenyan beans, the lightness hinting towards that of a tea.<br />
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Cory, has clearly earned the label 'champion' but evidence suggests, he works alongside a talented team, in a community of many, driven by that one same passion. Nice work Cory, you've shed light on what sets the the wheels of the Berlin coffee community in motion...<br />
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Again! I was lucky enough to be able to share coffee with my fellow Australian coffee appreciator, <a href="http://www.bethjenningsblog.com/">Beth</a> who effortlessly did the essence of Cafe CK justice.<br />
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http://cafeckberlin.com/<br />
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annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-78250275194103251412012-07-11T01:02:00.000-07:002015-08-09T16:43:19.092-07:00NOTHAFT + SEIDELThe Nofhaft + Seidel blend<br />
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I stumbled into Nofhaft + Seidel one rainy day (literally) as I wandered the empty streets of Prenzlauerberg with no real objective but for a morning coffee... Admittedly a little quizzical as to whether I would find what I was looking for (as these guys paint their own uniquely pink and personal picture) I poked my head in the door, scanned the place for a coffee menu, spotted a flat white, asked after their beans (their signature blend roasted here in Berlin) and felt I was in a safe place to order a coffee... clearly it turns out I was.<br />
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I interrupted the barista taking advantage of a bit of rainy day downtime to enjoy his own morning coffee... and was given the Nofhaft + Seidel story of its humble beginnings in Neukölln. No, not the first fluorescent pink umbrella you'll find shelter under in Berlin! This is the second set of doors opened by the trio, and they'd really only just finished sanding down the walls when I walked in (I'm talking 4 weeks earlier, not 4 minutes).<br />
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Their first cafe in Neukölln (already 2 years old) is situated directly across from Sonnenallee station spilling out onto a nice leafy spacious cobblestone sidewalk. For first-timers, the fluorescent pink umbrella will guide you in here too. I'm told it was one of the barista's handywork fitting out the cafe - no strangers to getting in elbows deep, and evident throughout. Yes, that's pink paint lying around, from a recent batch of business cards made there on the table you were probably sitting at. Did I mention the cakes? If you're around Nofhaft + Seidel in the afternoon, you'll find it hard to resist the smell of freshly baked cakes being pulled from the oven in front of you... the banana takes my cake.... but I'm told they take requests too! Now let me come back to the coffee... The Indian Monsooned Malabar was specifically selected as a favourite bean of the barista, and roasted locally to bring out the nutty flavour of the bean from the Malabar coast.<br />
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So drop in for a taste of Nofhaft + Seidel hospitality... they've really mastered their signature blend... the coffee goes down beautifully, and the cafe has their handprints all over it.<br />
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Schönhauserallee 43a, Berlin 10435<br />
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annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-72935762185059100552012-07-05T10:37:00.001-07:002015-08-09T16:44:14.709-07:00Bonanza Coffee HeroesWell I'm sure gonna fly the Bonanza Coffee Hero flag here because I think it's warranted... I was told about Bonanza by my local barista in London... and word of mouth from a trusted (German) source (when in Berlin) is priceless. I, in turn spread the word to <a href="http://www.bethjenningsblog.com/">Beth</a>, (photographer & coffee appreciator) who came and captured the Berlin roastery so aptly on this balmy Berlin day...<br />
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Landing back in Berlin this summer, I was happy to learn Bonanza was well within pedalling distance. Bonanza is situated in Oderbergerstraße in the heart of Prenzaluerberg and a stones throw from Mitte. I love that you literally walk right into the Roastery itself. If you are there on roasting day you're privy to the amazing aroma of the Bonanza beans roasting right there amongst hessian bags in those tiny few indoor square metres. It's definitely a science. A tried and tested science. Crafted by passionate coffee lab technicians, without the coats (but I'm sure they have capes). I see the roaster hooked up to the computer, and wonder if it's monitoring the heartbeat of its bean ;-) because you can just feel the love.<br />
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Bonanza has a nice outdoor set up (on a fine day) which if you start to frequent, are guaranteed to see fellow hero adoring fans coming back again and again. It's a nice start to the morning, you can jump online, check a few emails and by the time your finished your coffee, you've been kicked into gear ready to hit the road with caffeine running through your veins.<br />
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The new coffee menu is great. It has the flexibility for the pedantic coffee consumer and experimentalist alike. I'm a fan of the house espresso, with a little more milk than a cortado, but a little less than a flat white. No need for a label, just tell them how you like it and they'll introduce you to their three blends on offer and recommend the best way to enjoy it.<br />
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So go find yourself a hero. I did.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bonanzacoffee.de/">http://www.bonanzacoffee.de/</a><br />
Images by Beth <a href="http://www.bethjenningsblog.com/">http://www.bethjenningsblog.com/</a><br />
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<br />annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-92210038551141321892012-06-27T09:18:00.003-07:002012-09-20T18:01:46.174-07:00Berlin Bean SceneWell having based myself in Berlin for a bit over the summer, I'm now having to find my feet in the Berlin bean scene (hence the blog title change). I'm starting to uncover some good beans and will report in very soon. Berlin is buzzing in so many ways right now, I feel the need to try & keep my finger on the pulse somehow... so I'll start here with cafes, a good place to brainstorm, network and soak up Berlin in every corner of the city.<br />
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<br />annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-9696309327810382612012-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:002012-09-20T23:58:11.376-07:00take Notes<div>
It appears Notes has a sister! It's not surprising they opened a second set of doors not much further than a stones throw away... the number of times I squirmed my way into the original Notes in St Martins Lane, it was clear demand had definitely exceeded supply!</div>
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I'm liking the fact that it's still slightly undiscovered in Covent Garden, though I'm not sure it will last for long. They offer the same culturally inspired environment, of books, music and wine in addition to the coffee that draws me in day after day. You'll still find that same fabulous selection of salads, filled baguettes and cakes spilling over the wooden counter to reel you in with.</div>
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If you duck downstairs you'll find there's also a sweet little cellar you can book for business or pleasure. Think hidden little underground cellar with a superb selection of wines on a cool grey evening in ol' London town.... all to your very selves. Priceless.</div>
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<a href="http://notesmusiccoffee.com/">http://notesmusiccoffee.com/</a> <br />
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annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-79094131872887228632012-03-04T12:26:00.004-08:002012-09-21T00:54:22.236-07:00Foxcroft & Ginger<div>
Foxcroft and Ginger. Where have you been? Or more accurately, what's taken me so long to disappear down the stairs to their cosy lounge tucked away in the streets of soho.</div>
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An early arrival meant I started out with the entire basement lounge to myself. The choice of couches, tables & chairs, or stools at the gym horse to park myself & jump between bits & pieces from the Sunday papers. </div>
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Not for long though, it soon filled up with a mix of soho flavours. A French trio perched at the bottom of the stairs in passionate discussion, a couple of tourists in for their morning coffee to reassess the plan for the day, due to london rain, a couple of young transient Aussie girls, discussing the trials & tribulations of London life, and a solo traveller settling in with coffee & scones to go with the book.</div>
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Fuelled by my flat white followed closely by a cappuccino, I too, took to the lounge like it was my own. The inspiration flowed, I made grand plans for the future, promised myself I'd action the ever present 'to do' list that is often scribbled on over coffee. The lounge at Foxcroft and Ginger, is reminiscent of ideas I've conjured up about Fitzrovia, and its historic beginnings. I've no doubt the crowd comes in primarily for the coffee (a seamless winner) but the lounge pulls the crowd back in time and again... to revisit the to do list & make grand plans for the future.... well at least for one of its patrons.</div>
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Foxcroft and Ginger also have a new semi-permanent home at Boxpark in Shoreditch and while you will still find yourself a seamless coffee and a mouth watering array of all day brunch numbers, I suggest you save your 'lazy rainy day in' for the soho boho F&G.</div>
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http://www.foxcroftandginger.com/<br />
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<br />annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-482627917140976322012-02-10T14:42:00.000-08:002012-06-27T15:31:01.213-07:00Salt.I, like many was reeled in by the free breakfast at Salt this morning. <br />
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I think the bait was well positioned & I know, they know the result will be fruitful. When you have a good product, you can't always wait for word of mouth to get around, you just want the people to know now, because they will be back. It's a given. That Salt will attract London coffee lovers is a given.</div>
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When I looked up their location, I had memories of a lazy saturday 'got nowhere to be right now' stroll down Queens Road late last year. Salt caught me eye & I stopped in for coffee, because you just know when you're onto something good. I knew they'd nailed the formula for success before I even walked inside (and this was only 3 or 6 weeks after they'd opened their doors). The interior and exterior speak a thousand words... with an old school, organic, wooden interior, use of chalk & blackboard, and freshly made food to feast your eyes on all within easy reach. The well chosen selection of sweet & savoury is kept simple in concept, but everything they do, they do well.</div>
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So, after giving this place a visual rap, I am happy to report that I can do likewise for the coffee too. My Square Mile flat white was predictable, but predictably good. Falling just short of the top, they had the grind, the milk, the execution down and I walked away with some pretty special granola & yogurt. Glad I made the effort.</div>
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Add a little Salt to your london life. I guarantee you'll like it.</div>
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http://www.saltwc2.co.uk/ <br />
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-3522332601257888002011-11-05T17:04:00.000-07:002011-11-06T01:35:33.496-08:00Dark Fluid<div>I'm a little behind on the news it seems... you though might already know these guys, from their impressive second place at this year's barista championship, or for their 'best capp' in the UK award.</div><div><br /></div><div>If not, get yourself down to Brockley market on a Saturday for an introduction to this new local roastery who just seem to be getting it so right! Started by self-confessed coffee nuts, they've got their priorities straight... Get that signature dark fluid right, and the rest will come.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason to 'keep it local' and seek out the wholesome stuff at a local farmers markets. </div><div><br /></div>http://www.darkfluid.co.uk/<div>http://www.lfm.org.uk/</div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-72240403288414320142011-10-28T15:13:00.000-07:002011-12-06T14:25:50.936-08:00New Row Coffee<div>Walking down 'New Row' in Covent Garden I feel somewhat like a kid in a Candy Store... its an indulgent little brick road ...</div><div><br /></div><div>My recent discovery 'New Row Coffee' is parked right in between a devilishly good cupcake store on one side, and an old fashioned sweet store on the other. Just a few doors down is an italian gelateria, and a few doors up, Sass & Belle's store full of eye candy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 'new' kids on the block might be new around here, but they're no kids behind the coffee machine.. New Row Coffee serve up their 'Union' espresso so meticulously the Union folk would be proud. My flat white is served up with the perfect amount of milk - just short of the top of the cup ... smooth & strong as I am used to with Union.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to keep my eye on these kids, they have big ideas for their coffee playground...</div><div>24 New Row, WC2N 4LA London</div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-8877007863398009782011-09-21T01:39:00.000-07:002012-06-28T14:44:41.313-07:00Allpress<div>
The heart of Allpress is pumping hard on a Sunday morning... </div>
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You really feel the life and blood of London pulsating through the veins of this place... It's busy, tables are full, there's a wait on coffee, and tables of conversation fills the air. </div>
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Far from its humble Kiwi beginnings, Allpress is now as much a part of Shoreditch as the cool kids are. It's not just the patriotic kiwis that frequent the Redchurch Street Roastery, I picked up the usual mix of transient London accents; of the London breakfast appreciation society; the discerning coffee connoisseurs and the Shoreditch crowd at large I suspect.</div>
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I don't know if the bigger drawcard is the coffee, the menu, or the loco. Perhaps the fact that these three factors are a win-win-win combination for the kiwis will see it set to remain a key fixture around the place.</div>
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Sundays got a great vibe to it, but I'm just as keen to drop by on a weekday when the roastery opens it doors to the public... the crowd tells the story ... Allpress have made an impression here with their Costa Rican bean.</div>
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<a href="http://uk.allpressespresso.com/">http://uk.allpressespresso.com</a><br />
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-54291205620861516042011-08-29T13:14:00.000-07:002015-08-09T16:44:43.493-07:00The Dairy, Berlin<div>
The Dairy conjures up ideas of fresh milk, cream and cheese straight from the source, tasty, wholesome and full of goodness... and you're not far off the mark with a visit to 'The Dairy'.</div>
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Opened by a well travelled Kiwi, this place brings the sweet taste of a country kitchen to the table. While fixing the bill for our first round of coffees, I spied freshly baked scones on the counter & could not leave without one... and glad I didn't for the taste of old school home cooking, topped with the essential dollops of jam & cream. </div>
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While Prenzlauerberg has the cafe market pretty well covered, we did turn up for the same good coffee the very next day. Or was it the scone. I suspect both.</div>
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The Dairy's coffee of choice is locally brewed Bonanza Coffee and ticks all the boxes for me; strong, smooth, and made with love; a recipe for coffee good enough to line up again for more.</div>
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The Dairy, Raumerstr. 12 Berlin 10437<br />
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annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-61420198817537367072011-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T15:34:37.412-07:00Fernandez & WellsMy first Fernandez & Wells flat white today.<br />
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Followed closely by a second Fernandez & Wells flat white.</div>
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They say good things come in threes, but I thought it best to return another day for the third.
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A fabulously relaxed coffee house, tucked away in the streets of Soho. A drop of sun shining onto the window facing bench seats, people flicking through Sunday papers, sipping coffee, nibbling on croissants and devilishly good-looking filled breads of sorts.... a simple classic wood interior indicative of their simple philosophy of good food, good coffee, good service.</div>
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Fernandez & Wells ticked all three boxes for me today .... my coffee, ahem coffees were lovely, as was the almond croissant, service, and I was lucky enough to be there as the summer sun was also making an appearance in through the window. </div>
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I think good things do come in threes here. Fernandez & Wells have three popular coffee houses in the streets of soho, all governed by the same philosophy. For the coffee <i>and</i> wine lovers it should be noted that the 'Food & Wine Bar' & 'Espresso Bar' close by also extend their menu to include nice range of wines to enjoy into the evening... </div>
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So, thanks for a enjoyable Sunday morning coffee Fernandez & Wells...</div>
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1. I like your philosophy</div>
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2. Evidence shows I love your coffee, </div>
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3. I'll be in for a wine soon.<br />
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http://www.fernandezandwells.com/</div>
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</div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-11138373940883902872011-08-01T11:16:00.000-07:002012-07-04T05:14:56.401-07:00the Edinburgh 5 star Barista,with a 5 pronged fork<div>
Voila. [Wellington Coffee] </div>
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Coming around the corner of Dundas into George Street, revealed another piece of the Edinburgh coffee puzzle.</div>
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I was pointed in the direction of Wellington Coffee by another Edinburgh-dwelling barista, who mentioned it was worth a look in - they're known to host a couple of feature roasts, panning for the gold among the mountains of coffee roasters.</div>
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Wellington Coffee is 1 of 5 cafes owned by the award winning Scottish Barista, Jonathon Sharp. Kilamanjaro Coffee, Press Coffee, Project Coffee and Blackwood Coffee the other 4. While Wellington experiments, you can rely on his brother and sister stores for the staple Square Mile Espresso blend. Having not been formally introduced to this roast, I opted for a 'Has Been' flat white today and though distinctively different from a Square Mile, I like the feature roast that 'had been' carefully sourced by Wellington.</div>
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I had already put one piece of the 5 prong puzzle in place, having already made the trek to Kilamanjaro in my tiny time in town and am happy to report in that the staple Square Mile blend went down well ... as the highest of coffee climbers will appreciate!</div>
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The remaining three prongs of this Edinburgh coffee fork I'll have to feast upon next trip!</div>
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Barista of the year 2009 Jonathon Sharp's 5 star coffee love | website yet to be located<br />
Wellington Coffee | Kilamanjaro Coffee | Press Coffee | Project Coffee | Blackwood |<br />
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</div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-37063233438977863532011-08-01T09:22:00.000-07:002012-07-04T05:04:32.816-07:00a wee Edinburgh coffee ArtisanAs a responsible coffee blogger, I felt it was my duty to report in on the Edinburgh coffee scene on my recent trip up to the 'fringe' of the fringe.<br />
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Artisan roast are the king of the coffee castle in Edinburgh it seems... I did a wee pre-coffee-hunt google, so on first sight of 'Artisan Roast' on a chalkboard, I took an educated guess I was in good hands. Bonningtons on Clerk Street was the place. I needed only to request a flat white in my native tongue before the barista-in-question identified me as an ex-melbourne dwelling, coffee loving, traveller searching for that same passion, art, love (call it what you will) in my coffee here in the highlands! Bingo. you nailed it. No prizes for guessing, the boy has been to Oz.</div>
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(Not intentionally) I think I made him a wee bit nervous as he tasted and subsequently rejected the first shot he ground, only to serve me up a lovely cup of edinburgh love in my coffee to go. My first introduction to Artisan Roast was sweet, subtle and made with a definite hint of that passion, I was indeed searching for. The barista did confirm what I suspected was the case with Artisan roast & recommended a visit to the mother cafe during my stay.</div>
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So Monday morning I found myself at Artisan roast on Broughton st... if you don't feel it, you certainly see the love, all over the hessian bag covered walls, the chalkboard descript of the current blends and you know that most who step through the door know enough to appreciate what goes into their monday morning cup. </div>
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Observing the care and attention taken to produce my delicate wee flat white in a perfect sized tea cup I felt I was attended to by a true artisan, putting in the same care and attention that a artist puts into his canvas. It's no wonder there weren't many spare seats this Monday morning. Seems the local 'Artisan' is no secret to the locals.</div>
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Artisan roast lives up to its name ... painting the picture, studying the science, exercising the skill, possessing all the right equipment and bringing it together in a canvas in a cup. </div>
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http://www.artisanroast.co.uk/ <br />
http://www.bonningtonseaterie.co.uk/<br />
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-69445718746497671742011-07-24T13:57:00.000-07:002012-07-04T10:22:36.342-07:00Nude Espresso<div>
Ah... Blissful. Soho square. Nude. on a Sunday. </div>
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A contrast to Nude in Brick Lane on a Sunday, where I found myself a couple of weeks back.</div>
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Though equally satisfying experiences, you'll find less of an audience in Soho on a Sunday and a nice leafy square to provide a little coverage. </div>
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Nude has made quite a name for themselves, so much so that you have to factor in a wee wait when you make a beeline for breakfast in Brick lane on the weekends. Though, if you fancy side-stepping the queue I suggest you acquaint yourself with Nude's recent arrival in Soho square. </div>
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The absence of the Monday to Friday mix leaves plenty of space for others and don't get me wrong, I'm glad the bustle of Brick Lane keeps Nude popular, but I kinda felt privy to a lazy sunday secret, with a barista ready & waiting to take my order & picking up my coffee to go in a matter of minutes at the sister store in Soho today...</div>
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The kiwi owned Roastery and cafe, (another notch in the antipodean cafe owners belt) roast their own beans locally in Brick Lane... and what I haven't said in so many words is the coffee is good. They get it & they're good.</div>
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So liberate yourself and go Nude! </div>
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http://www.nudeespresso.com/ <br />
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-6044595438257628542011-07-15T01:37:00.000-07:002011-07-24T02:38:05.824-07:00Department of Coffee & Social Affairs<div>The Department of Coffee & Social Affairs fast became an essential part of my day, working over Farringdon way... but my coffee and social affairs over this way are coming to an end today, so sadly I bid the department a sweet goodbye, until we meet again of course</div><div><br /></div><div>The new summer blend is sweet the barista told me on my first day at the department ... and I have to agree with him. It's sweet, quite smooth - and doesn't fail to deliver .... a bit like the service at the Department of Coffee and Social affairs in Leather Lane.</div><div><br /></div><div>The coffee is their own unique blend from Climpson & Sons and given that the UK knows how to do winter a little better than they know how to do summer, I'm pretty confident I won't be disappointed by the winter blend that follows either.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently succumbed to one of their Afghans, a famous Kiwi biscuit I grew up with. It took my eye from the day we met... and crumbled in my hand, just like my mum's used to.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm happy to have discovered this little kiwi department, though with my coffee to go, I haven't engaged in many 'social affairs' in the house. I am assured however that they welcome kiwis and others alike ! So as I exit department stage left, join the queue, or sit down by the window and watch the fashion in Leather Lane go by...</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.departmentofcoffee.co.uk/">http://www.departmentofcoffee.co.uk/</a>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-25020392018677496992011-06-29T13:12:00.000-07:002012-06-27T15:19:41.211-07:00Dose Espresso<div>
I got the ultimate dose this morning. </div>
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At the end of my morning cycle into work, I pulled my bike up outside Dose for my morning coffee, only to devour it in a matter of seconds. I must admit the cycle had me craving my morning hit, but Dose did a very fitting job of hitting my C-for-coffee spot this morning. </div>
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A strong, smooth, flat white with a natural hint of sweetness (though no sugar was added) shouldn't come as much of a surprise given the source is Square Mile Coffee.</div>
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Dose, you also get brownie points for the super bright multi-coloured alph-letters on the wall, that is your menu. The designer in me is just as excited about my flat white being spelt out in red and orange and pink and blue as much as I am excited about the Square Mile dose itself.</div>
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http://www.dose-espresso.com/<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEqEZd9EKEfYgkHk4GC0Zipgjz2pQ0q_TWs4LEtof3SUtI5u6m215V8zcgRkJqHHWcttEeFsfmo4Rejih2S_hJwaNTKGHSq0OPN-F1nRe9JHPdOFIGXjje9M1AOlhTwv9dVcHJiBidew/s1600/DSC01242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEqEZd9EKEfYgkHk4GC0Zipgjz2pQ0q_TWs4LEtof3SUtI5u6m215V8zcgRkJqHHWcttEeFsfmo4Rejih2S_hJwaNTKGHSq0OPN-F1nRe9JHPdOFIGXjje9M1AOlhTwv9dVcHJiBidew/s320/DSC01242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-50146123024147415112011-05-25T07:34:00.001-07:002011-07-24T02:38:58.976-07:00Prufrock<div><div>Someone once asked if I ever get food envy, and admittedly I do from time to time... "that's because you experiment" she said and she's right, I love new and old flavours alike.</div><div><br /></div><div>That said I think its time I stepped outside my coffee comfort zone a little ... there are a myriad of ways to 'do coffee' yet I am a habitual consumer of only a few.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wandered in to Prufrock in Leather Lane recently. Took time out to sit in for a change, in their minimalistic coffee lab filled with experimentalists, students, professionals, local creatives (with macs in toe), consuming serious coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div>What struck me was how each and every one I observed had somehow taken the appreciation of the science that surrounded them to another level and appeared to be heavily engrossed in their own science of sorts, albeit conversation or online surfing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prufrock takes coffee seriously and I love the passion, science, and art its built on. Prufrock presents the complete Square Mile experience, from the magnetic aroma to a visual and taste sensation that pumps right through your veins. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.prufrockcoffee.com/">http://www.prufrockcoffee.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>There is nothing more satisfying than the comfort of a superb flat white first thing in the morning, but how ever will you discover anything above or beyond if you never venture past it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So go play in the ever expanding coffee playground, designed only to enhance, emphasize or simply experiment with every ounce of flavour the bean has to offer.</div></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-87699028592046659422011-05-11T07:32:00.001-07:002012-07-04T05:02:05.086-07:00st Ali<div>
It's a small world st Ali. </div>
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I know, given you know coffee, I like coffee, you just stepped off the plane from Melbourne, I stepped off a few months earlier, perhaps our paths would cross... but it seems these coffee circles we are moving in are definitely intertwined.</div>
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I heard you were in town, and was conveniently working in the area this week so popped in for my morning flat white today ... only to be greeted by one of your 'specially flown in' baristas whose face I knew from not st Ali, but from one of his earlier barista posts in melbourne. </div>
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somehow not so surprising, but yet strangely, familiar.</div>
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st ali. I like that there's still a bit of sawdust to sweep up, but you definitely have the pillars in place to build your home to the serious barista. </div>
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Your baristas on the frontline are armed with passion. I like it Ali. T'was well worth the walk down from Old Street Station (a dangerous place, you risk being robbed down that way) but I'll take the risk again for another of your flat whites again soon.<br />
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http://stali.co.uk/uk/</div>
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-69896812788128425992011-04-30T06:56:00.001-07:002012-06-27T15:12:19.758-07:00Look mum no hands!<div>
Look mum no hands. Now look mum, no phone :( </div>
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DAMN those little buggers that flew past me on bikes, snatching my phone from my loose grasp mid conversation and cycled off before my eyes ... I stood shellshocked. In disbelief at what just happened. Bit like a bird swooping or a friend sneaking up behind you. But different... </div>
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The irony is that I intentionally headed out to Old Street to check out a cafe / come cyclist hangout. Look Mum, No Hands is its name, coffee and cycling its game.</div>
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So my afternoon 'started' out perfectly. The boys at Look mum no hands were great hosts. I spent a blissful part of my afternoon lounging on one of their outdoor tables, making use of the free wifi surrounded by a bunch of bikes... and my anticipation for my first coffee of the day was sufficiently satisfied by my Square Mile flat white. Quite the haven for the cyclist.</div>
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If I wasn't a cyclist myself I might be a bit bitter towards cyclists after my trip back to the station, but I am a cyclist and places like Look mum no hands are a great haven for those of us who take equal pride in our coffee as we do our cycles and are hopefully more likely to use them for activities such as sport & leisure rather than low life theft.</div>
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Look mum no hands, a nice square mile coffee hit for the serious cyclist... something the criminal cyclist out there will probably never appreciate...<br />
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http://www.lookmumnohands.com/</div>
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-50825740381710905262011-04-26T06:03:00.000-07:002012-06-27T15:11:23.427-07:00Black Truffle52 Warren Street London. Tho more renowned for its fashion and accessories, let it be known Black Truffle's taste extends well beyond clothes, right down to my arena. coffee.<br />
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I felt a little overdressed in front of its Nude Espresso. Perfect in its simple, raw, bare, naked state. Hot, strong, and devilishly rich in its roasted flavours.</div>
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Nude is sexy. I like it and it was only our first encounter, found in an unassuming corner of london too. You just never know where your next coffee affair will appear.</div>
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I had all the care & attention from the house barista who has just as much style in his flat white as he does in the shop. </div>
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so in the name of fashion - keep the customers beautifully dressed, but keep your coffee beautifully nude I say.</div>
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http://www.blacktruffle.co.uk</div>
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<br /></div>annacforcoffeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940229898477763961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-659222985976741582.post-21247414966894191712011-04-18T12:50:00.000-07:002012-09-20T23:50:46.293-07:00Farm CollectiveWorking around Farringdon for the week called for a spot of research to find myself a local coffee spot guaranteed to get a satisfying hit each morning en route to the office.<br />
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well hello Farm Collective. so lovely to meet you, like your collective style, love your coffee, food looks great, I think we might get along just fine... </div>
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These guys (Craig & Dom) have definitely calculated what the 1 +1 is to equal the 2 good to miss as far as good food & coffee in london goes... it's looking like a perfect score. </div>
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First & foremost, I rate the coffee. The square mile flat white this morning was seamless (if you can describe coffee as being seamless) satisfyingly smooth; just superb. You know when it has you wanting just a little bit more ... like that!</div>
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Needless to say I will be seeing you again tomorrow.</div>
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http://www.farmcollective.com/ <br />
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