The Bean Espresso Bar, Beeston, Nottingham

The Nottingham suburb of Beeston is about three miles east of the city centre.  I happened to be passing through the area by train and have to admit to making a detour just to visit "The Bean" (bearing a heavy backpack). Perhaps it's worrying to think that coffee shops hold such sway over my travel plans.

Gladly, the visit was worth the effort.  This is a small place with a downstairs bar and a small room upstairs.  There is an array of coffees, freshly ground, including plenty of iced coffees.  The service is very friendly and efficient, with the baristas taking care over the preparation.  I plumped for a cappuccino, which came in a mighty big cup and was good value.  The silky smooth foam was particularly dreamy.
 

The interior is not hugely cosy, but The Bean is run by coffee people and is well suited for those of us who just like to sip a good mug and read the papers. There is food available if you happen to be peckish too.

Photo kindly provided by the Bean Espresso Bar. 

Some years ago (2002) a panel of coffee experts listed 50 coffee places in the UK and voted The Bean the best of the lot (click here to see the list). If a similar list was compiled today no doubt it would feature.

The Bean has a good website with menu, coffee brewing tips and staff profiles (http://www.coffee-beans.co.uk/).

The Bean Espresso Bar
1 Stoney Street
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9-2LA

Tel. 0115 967 7222

http://www.coffee-beans.co.uk/