Cosy Coffee Shops

Opposite Café, Leeds

2008-09-23T14:00:00Z

Opposite Leeds University is Opposite, a buzzing café with excellent coffee.

]]> The young owner Lou Henry opened Opposite a little over three years ago. Since then the café has done well for itself, twice winning the northern heat of the UK Barista Championships.

Lou got in touch and rashly offered a tour behind the scenes. A few months later I took full advantage (on a particularly busy day, sorry Lou!). It was a rare treat and a perk I wouldn't have envisaged when I set up this meagre blog two or so years ago.

Lou making coffee

I also freely admit that I know none of the intricacies of tasting good coffee, and even less about making it (and shame on me if I ever pretend that I do). So it was an eye-opener, and now I know a little more about what to look out for.

It was freshers' week at the University and Opposite was bubbling over with students. But there was plenty of room, from a comfy sofa and a couple dozen cubes to tables on the sunny fore-court.

The atmosphere is great. The walls are decked with art, it's well laid out and the service is very friendly.

The coffee is Fairtrade and the milk is organic and local (from a dairy in Dewsbury). It's superb.

A slight downside is that much of the coffee (except espressos and machiatos) comes in cardboard cups, which are less comforting than the good old fashioned sort. The reason is the student tendancy to nick things; Lou once lost all her china mugs in one week!

As well as the delicious coffee my companion and I tried a crumble and a brownie; both were wonderful. There are plenty other sweet and savoury treats on offer, all displayed enticingly.

Although filled mostly with students, Opposite is a fine place for anyone.

I may have been beguiled by Lou's hospitality but Opposite is, nevertheless, one of the best places around for relaxing in comfort with a smashing coffee, and easily deserves Cosy Coffee Shops' "top notch" status.

Opposite Café
26 Blenheim Terrace
Leeds
LS2 9HD

Website: http://www.oppositeleedsuniversity.co.uk/

Beans Coffee Stop, Stamford

2008-08-14T12:20:00Z

The Beans Coffee Stop is a small chain of five. So not exactly independent, but rightly squeezing its way into this blog.

]]> The branches are found more or less between Peterborough, Northampton and Leicester, at Oundle, Stamford, Higham Ferrers, Oakham and Olney.

I popped in to the Stamford branch, up a windy alley off High Street, and parked myself by the map of the world (world maps are one of my weaknesses).

The usual coffee options are available, plus a range of hot chocolates and iced coffees. I enjoyed a generous cappuccino with lovely thick froth.

It's a friendly, welcoming place with plenty of room and more than enough tables for a leisurely mug of coffee. All coffee is Fairtrade. Daily papers are available.

I'm glad to see it hitting the spot with the Stamford locals. It was bustling this Thursday lunchtime, with most clientele enjoying the sunshine outside (there are a handful of tables in the small, well kept courtyard).

With a sixth branch on the way at Uppingham, how long can Beans resist the world of impersonal chains? In the meantime, this is very much a local coffee shop with its own character. Highly recommended.

Beans Coffee Stop (Stamford),
8-10 Silver Lane,
Stamford,
Lincolnshire,
PE9 2B

Tel. 01780 757373

Open: Mon - Sat, 8am to 5.30pm
Sun, 10am to 4pm

Website (a very good one): http://www.beanscoffeestop.co.uk/

The Bottle Kiln, West Hallam

2008-08-10T15:30:00Z

The Bottle Kiln is a beautifully restored building in West Hallam, between Nottingham and Derby. Visit for shops, a garden and a much lauded café.

]]> Look no further for predigious coffee pedegree. The Bottle Kiln café was joint recipient of the 2007 BSA Best Beverage Experience Award, a surefire sign of a terrific mug of coffee (the wonderful Leoni in Malton won the year before).

The café's Maxine Beadsmore is a seasoned and successful competitor at the UK Barista Championships, with a colleague, Emma Chapman, joining her at the event in 2008. Emma is the reigning UK SCAE "Coffee In Good Spirits" champion, with yet another member of Bottle Kiln's skilled staff, Shane Newton, pipped into second. Emma represented the UK on European soil earlier in the year.

So I was naturally looking forward to the visit. What a shame I arrived too late.... it was 4:35pm and the coffee maching had been turned off. I had to settle for a caffetiere (mistakenly called a filter coffee), which was very nice, but not a representation of the skills on offer. Hopefully I will have an opportunity one day to pop back and try something more worthy; I'm sure it will be delicious!

The building is beautiful; carefully restored and pristinely kept. There are a handful of colourful shops under the same roof, and a gallery. There are plenty of tables for sipping coffee inside. It reminded my companion a little of a motorway service station... I think because the tables are quite tightly packed together. Perhaps she was being harsh; is snug a better word? Certainly the ornaments, lighting, artwork, colour and so forth make for pleasant surroundings.

The best part is the tranquil garden (a "tea garden", so called, but just as good for coffee). It's a peaceful place and without doubt the nicest spot for a drink, assuming the sun is out. The most memorable setting in any coffee shop I've seen.

I was unlucky on the day but still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. A super place.

The Bottle Kiln,
West Hallam,
Derbyshire,
DE7 6HP

Open 10 - 5, Tue - Sun.

Website: http://www.bottlekiln.co.uk/

BSA Best Beverage Experience Award 2007: http://www.beverageserviceassociation.com/awards.asp.

Read a little about Maxine and Emma here:

http://mentness.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/uk-barista-championship-bristol-heat/

The Dolphin Café, Towcester

2008-08-10T13:15:00Z

The Dolphin Café is a cheery place in the midst of Towcester, Northamptonshire.

]]> I spent a couple of days calling the town "Tow-ses-ter". It took a while to click that this is the one and only "Toaster", like Worcester and Bicester (but usually not Cirencester). It's a little confusing, but yes I am an idiot.

Coffees are top of the drinks menu at Dolphin, but perhaps a little less of a feature than the food. Still, there are lots of coffee options and this is a spacious, comortable place for a good strong brew (I had a cappuccino).

Inside is a hotchpotch of rustic chairs and farmhouse tables, a bit of bunting, a Christmassy colour scheme, and one very comfy sofa. Outside is a small patch of garden with a few chairs and tables for sunny days.

All in all, full of charm and character, and a really good spot for sitting with a nice mug of coffee.

Dolphin Café,
175 Watling St West,
Towcester,
NN12 6BX

Read a little more here: http://www.thebestof.co.uk/towcester/43369/1/1/the_best_of.aspx

Workhouse Coffee Company, Reading

2008-08-09T10:30:00Z

Reading isn't even a city but it finds space for a handful of great indie coffee shops. The Workhouse Coffee Company was my third stop in what is arguably England's largest town, and it's yet another smashing place.

]]> "Workhouse" is an appropriate name for this spartan, no frills coffee house. It is charmingly unpretentious, with scratched old tables and murky bar stools.

And what's this? A map of the world. I always thought I'd have one of those in my coffee shop, if I ever decide to set one up (chances are I will prefer to stay a customer). I am enamoured instantly by touches like this, and to the sunken pot of scrabble letters in the middle of my table.

These little extras, and the barren interior, are welcomingly unique. It is the antithesis of chain coffee houses.

But best of all is the coffee, which is excellent (I had a machiato, strong and tasty). There is a big range, and the baristas take great care in their preparation.

The counter service is friendly and there are tasty fresh pastries on offer (a perfect compliment to a strong cuppa). Bags of freshly ground coffee are on sale, and I wonder why more places don't offer the same.

Somehow they occasionally fit live music into this fairly small room.

A down-to-earth place that is all about the coffee, and unexpectedly brilliant.

Well done Reading; a haven for independent coffee shops.

Workhouse Coffee Company
335 Oxford Rd
Reading
Berkshire
RG30 1AY

Website: http://www.workhousecoffee.co.uk/

Moondogs Art Stop Café, Reading

2008-08-09T10:00:00Z

Moondogs is a terrific little coffee shop and art gallery; an unexpected oasis of colour on Reading's Oxford Road.

]]> I asked the friendly chap (Craig) if I could take photos and mentioned my hobby coffee house site. I was stunned when he said he'd heard of me... it's humbling to think that I am becomming "known".

So of course I was instantly beguiled by Moondogs and must therefore try hard to be objective.

In fact, Moondogs is a truly beguiling place.

It is, quite simply, a small, photogenic gallery and coffee shop. The artwork is striking (and for sale), with jewellery on the side. My coffee was really good, and the hot drinks are at least an equal draw as the eye-catching displays. There are a fair few options, all of which are FairTrade.

The cube seats are comfy, and the low tables and sugar jars a nice touch. Sunken from the road and away from traffic, this is a perfect place for therapy of coffee and colour. There is surely nowhere with a more chilled atmosphere.

This is a delightful place. A simple pleasure that may just brighten your day!

Moondogs Art Stop Café,
167 Oxford Road,
Reading

Here's a first, a YouTube video created by Moondogs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp6hRLeg8sI

Picnic, Reading

2008-08-09T09:30:00Z

I nearly walked right on past because Picnic is not ostensibly a coffee shop, at least not in the usual sense of this blog. But even though coffee is not top of the menu, it's still a great place to sit with a good strong cuppa.

]]> Most of its trade is in food, but the chalkboard with customer votes for the "best coffee in town" was a good sign, as were the recommendations I've had from readers.

With Costa and Starbucks no more than 5 metres away, and other famous brands nearby, Picnic does well to stand out. Folks at the adjacent generic chains don't know what they're missing.

It's a smashing little place and the coffee is really good (the machiato I had was gorgeously smooth). It's also ethically sourced.

The atmosphere is warm, the service is as friendly as possible, and the decor is fun (e.g. flowery cushions and retro stools). It's perfectly ok just to have a coffee, though you may not want to take up valuable space at lunchtimes (I imagine it gets busy).

There are daily papers and outdoor seating.

I love finding places like this; I'm just surprised it's amongst the hustle and bustle of central Reading.

Picnic
5 Butter Market
Reading
RG1 2DP

Read another review here: http://readingroars.com/picnic-coffee-with-a-conscience/

Combibos, Oxford

2008-08-09T08:00:00Z

As I was passing through Oxford I had to stop at Combibos. The friendly folks claim to serve "probably the best coffee" in town, and, as far as I can tell, they are probably right.

]]> Combibos is at Gloucester Green, by the bus stop... not the most scenic part of this beautiful town. But inside and out, it's a lovely place, and popular. It was already bustling by 9 a.m. on this sunny Saturday.

The interior is sumptuous, and the seats are comfy. It has a nice atmosphere. There are daily papers, and also plenty to read on the walls (quotes on canvas from film and song).

My flat white was excellent. Combibos uses Union coffee, which I happen to be quite partial to (sorry for the product placement -- rest assured I'm not getting paid!). Everything is ethically sourced and the baristas take pride in their work The drinks are beautifully presented, and don't expect to receive them particularly quickly; an excellent sign that some care is being taken.

There are plenty of seats outside and plenty of space inside. I would be surprised if there is a nicer coffee shop in Oxford.

Combibos
93 Gloucester Green
Oxford
OX1 2BU

Monday - Friday 7am-6.30pm

Sat, Sunday 9am-6pm

http://www.combibos.co.uk/ (the website is excellent)

The Bean Espresso Bar, Beeston, Nottingham

2008-07-06T11:45:00Z

Head for the Sainsbury's in Beeston and you'll be delighted to stumble upon The Bean Espresso Bar, a terrific little coffee shop.

]]> 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 eponymous bees.

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/

Roasters Coffee Company, Scarborough

2008-06-22T09:00:00Z

I emerged early morning from a grey car park into the generic Brunswick Shopping Centre, and noticed it is the place to congregate for many Scarborough-ites, even when the shops are closed. So I was surprised and heartened to discover that a really good coffee shop, just around the corner, is equally popular.

]]> A starting point is the website (http://www.roasterscoffee.co.uk/) which I stumbled across before my visit. After reading the blurbs about ethical coffee sourcing and in-house roasting, I knew I'd like the place before I'd set foot inside.

Take a look at all those beans (above) and the coffee options (below, if you squint). No doubt some purists baulk at the idea of a cinnamon latte or vanilla mocha, but, personally, I don't mind them at all. I plumped for a conservative "red eye" cappuccino (an extra strong cappuccino) and it was pretty good.

The coffee-preparing pedigree is excellent. The proprietor Barry Lawrenson won the Northern Heat of the UK Barista Championships in 2008 and an employee finished sixth at the first attempt. Simon Robertson, barista at the wonderful Leoni in Malton, once helped train Mr Lawrenson.

There are other good things, including a room upstairs with comfy chairs.

On the day, it was perhaps not the best coffee shop experience I've ever had, partly due to a slightly grumpy barista (having a rare off-day, by all accounts) and mostly due to wind blowing damp tabloids onto our legs as we sat outside.

Most significantly, my companion and I had just spent the night being battered by a gale, in a tent, on a cliff, above Robin Hood's Bay, so we were showerless and more stinky than usual. And just as one should never shop for food on an empty stomach, maybe I should not describe coffee shops after an arduous night's camping.

But never mind my trials and tribulations; this is a really good, characterful and cosy coffee shop. I don't hesitate to recommend Roasters to anyone, and I look forward to going back when I'm in a bit more of a fit state.

Don't just take my word for it. Judges at the UK Barista Championships (no less) have remarked on this "inspirational" coffee shop. And the Scarborough public patronise Roasters so frequently that Mr Lawrenson felt confident enough to open a "Roasters 2" in May 2008, just a few weeks before my visit.

Below is the original (left) and the new branch (right), a few streets along.

And below is a shot of smashing Scarborough, which is not short on chips, arcades, donkeys, English quaintness, sand and at least two good coffee shops.

Roasters Coffee Company
8 Aberdeen Walk
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 1XP.

Phone: 07971 808549
Fax: 01723 361922

http://www.roasterscoffee.co.uk/

The Café Racer, Salthouse, Norfolk

2008-06-14T09:15:00Z

A special entry to mark this blog's 61st description of a cosy coffee shop (any excuse). This time - for the first time - it's not a coffee shop but a fabulous van.

]]> The Café Racer wanders the North Norfolk coast, but is found most days at Salthouse beach, near Cley. It is a beautiful Citroën 2CV, bought by the owner complete with gas-powered coffee machine. You must admit it's a romantic notion, especially on a sumptuously hot June Saturday.

This isn't a hobby (I am told by the driver/owner/barista), or an extra earner on Saturdays; it's a full-time job. Sitting on the beach working out how many cups this friendly chap has to sell to pay his way, I realised how deserving he is of an entry in this meagre blog. What a gutsy plan, and how pleased I am that little vans like this not only exist but thrive. Surely this kind of venture hasn't been possible since the days of blacksmiths and weavers?

In fact coffee vans (and carts) are popping up around the country, with a number of companies offering to turn ordinary vehicles into something that produces a good cuppa. This trend is, in itself, a solid reason for mentioning The Café Racer here.

Fair do's, I must admit that there are no chairs, and no typical café comforts of any kind. But what you do get is a friendly face, good hearty coffee freshly ground in the van (provided by local Norwich firm Wilkinsons) and, surely, the best view of any of the preceding 60 establishments listed here.

Café Racer
(no fixed abode, but regularly at Salthouse beach)
North Norfolk coast

Java, Whitby

2008-05-03T14:30:00Z

Java is a smashing coffee bar. It's in the heart of equally smashing Whitby, but easy to miss.

]]> A large chrome table stands in the centre of the room, with seats all around. Then there's a wooden bar round the sides. Everyone sits together, which makes for a jolly atmosphere.

The decor is gorgeous, with retro wallpaper, a huge clock, flowers (real ones), ornate menu boards and even a plasma screen. The swirly brown chairs go down a treat, and the coffee is not bad at all. There is the usual range, plus smoothies, steamers and a variety of hot chocolates. Takeaway is an option.

There is also food, a limited selection of beer and wine, cakes (on display) and a couple of computers for surfing the Internet. This is a great place; communal, friendly and relaxing. There is surely no better coffee shop in or around Whitby.

...which, by the way, looks a little bit like this...

Java
2A Flowergate
Whitby
North Yorkshire

The Floating Coffee Company, Birmingham

2008-04-13T09:30:00Z

The only coffee shop I've found which bobs up and down and wobbles from side to side. This is (of course) because it resides on one of Birmingham's many canals.

]]> The Floating Coffee Co. is a coffee-house-boat, I suppose. It is moored permanently (more or less) to Brindleyplace, adjacent to the International Convention Centre. This is one of Brum's nicer areas, on the picturesque canal route.

This is the sort of novelty I like to see in a coffee house. It makes for a memorable experience. The coffee isn't too bad either, although it is unlikely to impress the purist (not that I claim to be one of those). The usual range is available.

Notwithstanding the popular food menu, I'm fairly confident this is a good place to go just to sip a coffee and read the daily papers. Mind you, it's pretty small (as you might expect) and gets busy at lunchtimes. But when we visited (10:30 am, Sunday), it was barely half full.

It has a lovely atmosphere; everyone seems to enjoy their surroundings. As you can see from the photos above and below, it's pretty cosy, and about what you'd expect from the inside of a house boat. Also, the service is friendly, and the prices reasonable.

Don't worry, it doesn't wobble too much. But yes, you'll notice the ripples in your drink -- Jurassic Park-style -- when larger clientelle come aboard.

It's a smashing idea if you're spending a day or two in Brum.

The Floating Coffee Co.,
The Waters Edge,
Brindleyplace,
Birmimgham.
B1 2HL

Fernandez & Wells Coffee Bar, Soho, London

2008-04-06T09:00:00Z

Fernandez & Wells is a benedictine monastary of a coffee shop. Feel your troubles float away....

]]> We popped in on a snowy April morning. Inside was warmer than out, but no less white, and I was struck by the lack of background music and nattering customers. I half expected Randle Patrick McMurphy to walk in and liven things up (if you're not sure who I mean, see here).

We felt like a crossword and my companion asked the barista if there was a newsagents nearby. The customers overheard and offered suggestions, and one gave us his copy of the Observer... turns out they were a right old friendly bunch! I was much happier.

I waited patiently for my flat white as the barista applied her skills, and I felt a little sorry for a takeaway customer (who seemed to be in a bit of a rush) as the minutes ticked by. But when my coffee came it turned out it was well worth the wait. In fact (in my far-from-expert opinion) it was perfect; possibly the nicest mug of coffee I've ever had. And now I have a new-found interest in places that take a long time to prepare coffee.

The beans (by the way) are provided by the Monmouth Coffee Company as such are ethically sourced and top quality (click here to read about a nearby branch of Monmouth).

Seating is by way of long wooden bars facing the walls and window. This is a spot for quiet contemplation, not a group chin-wag.

There is fine-looking food on offer, which doubtless draws on the expertise of the owners and their renowned food and wine bar of the same name on Lexington Street. I noticed the barista carefully arrange the display when she had a spare moment; everything here is done to perfection.

Fernandez & Wells Coffee Bar
Beak Street
Soho
London
W1F 9SR

http://www.fernandezandwells.com/beak.php

Amended 26 August 2008

Bean 'n' Cup, Camden, London

2008-04-05T09:00:00Z

A few metres from the hub of Camden is Bean 'n' Cup, a highly recommended alternative to the nearby chains.

]]> I came to Bean n Cup to catch up with a couple of old friends, and as a result this entry might not be very detailed (I was quite distracted).

I can tell you that the usual coffee selection is available... it wasn't the best in the world, but perfectly ok. I can also tell you that there are comfy sofas - plenty of them - and lots of tables and chairs, allowing ample space for relaxing.

The place has a nice atmosphere; chilled and comfortable. It is also friendly (the waitresses smiled at us warmly on our departure).

I think my friends were pleasantly surprised to discover such a nice independent coffee shop just around the corner from Starbucks, Costa etc. They said they'd be coming back

This is a very nice spot. Next time I'm in London I might pop back and pay it some more attention; I'm sure it deserves it.

Bean 'n' Cup Coffee Co
104 Camden High St
London,
NW1 0LU