Coffee#1 /

Here at Coffee #1 we like to think of ourselves as pioneers of the great coffee movement brewing across Wales and the West-Country. But every now and then we love nothing more than getting out into the big wide world to be inspired and energised by what’s going on in the wider echelons of coffee culture.

So to that end we packed off our top two coffee gurus, Liina and Jonno, on a quest to London to sample some of the finest coffee being served up in the capital today. Dedicated to the pursuit of coffee excellence, and armed with just a map of London’s top coffee joints, our intrepid explorers donned their trainers and backpacks and headed out East…

“We wanted to find out what London Coffee shops have to offer, experience the quality standards, atmosphere, and the coffee culture as a way of life within the big city” said Jono.

8:40am…

Their quest began at Taylor Street Baristas during the commuter rush in the city’s financial quarter, where they enjoyed sampling the range of brewed coffees and hearty homemade cakes.

This chain was founded by Aussie siblings who intended to raise the bar of coffee standards and introduce us Brits to the quality they’re used to down under.

10:35am…

A mid-morning coffee was in order, so heading away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the coffee gurus stopped at Taste of Bitter Love in London’s trendy Hoxton area.

A unique, boutique coffee shop tapping into a delicate balance of great coffee and fantastic food served with a vintage twist and lashings of creative flourish.

Using the same La Marzocca espresso machine as Coffee#1, Taste of Bitter Love served up  stunning latte art on smooth and creamy flat whites, with all the skill and passion of champion baristas!

11:50am…

Before the lunchtime rush, Jono and Liina wanted to check out the finely tuned instruments of Prufrock’s coffee-laboratory in Clerkenwell… a pure blend of science and art – the ultimate coffee geek’s experience!

This was a momentous occasion for Liina as she relished the best espresso she’d ever had! “It was like the perfect espresso rollercoaster of flavour on the tongue, full bodied and heavy with waves of different flavours from fruity through to a smoky finish. It also worked well with milk as a flat white”.

2:00pm…

The pair stopped for a spot of lunch in Monmouth Coffee amidst London’s bustling Borough Market. Confronted by a huge queue snaking out of the door and round the corner, it was evident that the great reputation of this London stalwart continues to grow and grow.

Monmouth Coffee has become a bit of a local celebrity, impressing the clued up and discerning crowd with its popular specialist brew-bar and open retail bean deli. When coffee is this good, it’s always worth the wait!

4:20pm…

Amongst the winding streets of the thriving Soho district lies Fernandez & Wells, a café inspired by the growth of farmer’s markets and the Slow Food Movement.

“It’s a far cry from the fast-paced frenzy of many of the capital’s coffee houses!” said Liina.

With a friendly, laid back environment, our coffee gurus were able to fully appreciate and relish the passion and craftsmanship of the baristas at work. With manually adjustable settings, and one of the first of its’ kind to be used in the UK, the Fernandez and Wells espresso machine is one to separate the men from the boys! After a play on this fabulous machine, Jonno and Liina were united in their respect for these talented Soho baristas!

Jono rated Fernandez and Well’s latte one of the best he’s ever tasted…

“It was vibrant, sweet and well balanced… all the qualities a good espresso should have!”

Our baristas made many friends along their journey, skill-sharing, tasting and discussing the intricacies of blends with fellow coffee enthusiasts! They also had the opportunity to experiment with some of the latest equipment in the industry!

Liina’s highlight was savouring ‘the best espresso she ever tasted’ in Prufrock.

Mission accomplished!

Jono and Liina were impressed by the baristas’ level of skill and coffee knowledge and passion for what they do. Latte art came as standard everywhere they visited.

Our coffee gurus returned to us, buzzing with caffeine and full of fresh ideas and inspiration.

We were eager to hear their adventures infuse the diversity and innovation of the London coffee scene with our own rich and vibrant blend of creative coffee wisdom.