Starbucks Reserve (redux)

*update - like all good things, the 'bucks bean counters obviously feel that offering something of genuine quality to a somewhat niche crowd is not worth doing.  Vigo street no longer offers this option...hopefully this is isn't repeated in the only other location but I am not holding my breath.  

A response from the big corporate to the increasingly discerning public and the growing trend to independent cafes and roasters, which in some respects they were a catalyst for.

As a move against the indys, the empire has struck back, and how. Generally offering three guest roasts that rotate surprisingly often, one can order an individually roasted and brewed coffee in their 'clover' machine.

So to the question - is it any good? The answer for me is a resounding yes, my recent choice was a Bolivian roast which certainly competes with some of the best I've had anywhere.


My frustration is there are so few - I have only found two in London, which given how many outlets there are, is akin to finding a golden ticket in a chocolate bar. There seem slightly more in the US but probably only in some of the more affluent areas. Also the staff themselves seem surprised when I order one, and even have forgotten to make it at times (not a unique trait at the 'bucks). I want to see them make more of this offering, which is a genuine contender and far better than many so-called 'specialist' options out there who don't even know what a filter is.

★★★★★★★★★☆
Vigo Street, London

https://www.starbucks.co.uk/store-locator/store/2888/vigo-street-6-a-vigo-street-london-eng-w-1-s-3-hf-gb

Starbucks

So here it is.  The Beast.  The Big Bitch.  The physical embodiment of globalist nightmares and a corporate black hole into which we, as free-thinking individuals, should pour our loathing.  Why do we set foot in such a place?

Readers should know I'm not entertaining the myriad of milk/sugar based candy drinks that masquerade as coffee in these establishments.  

And yet here is the thing.  While it can often be orphaned behind the baristas too busy to care, a freshly brewed cup of Pike Place still hits the spot for me.  In the UK at least, they one of only a couple of major chains that understands the difference between filter and an americano that is delivered at the press of a button. On one occasion when it had run out,  I once overheard an American visitor asking where the next branch was so he could get a 'real coffee'.  If only more people showed such integrity perhaps there would be no conflict in the world.

Haters can and probably should continue to hate.   But while there is a drip on offer, you will still find me helping to enable the neoliberal agenda.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Everywhere

https://www.starbucks.co.uk/

For those old enough to remember, a special nod to The Seattle Coffee Company, who in the UK were effectively a trojan horse for Starbucks to enter, but for a short time in the mid 90's were even better than the real thing.

Department of Coffee and Social Affairs

This chain has been building over the past few years. While this is often a bad sign and can lead to a dilution of the original ideas, I can say I have not encountered this here.

I have visited several sites but this recommendation is dedicated to the Soho branch in Sherwood St.  Always two filter options available with an explanation of the roasts.  I have tried a few varieties so far, with a fondness for a Kenyan roast at the moment.

The staff are nearly always engaging and knowledgeable, and often ask for an opinion on their roast variety. Tiny venue so hardly viable for sitting in, which is a pity because there is often a pleasantly surprising mix of gangster rap playing, both modern and classic.  stay keeping it real.

★★★★★★★★★☆

15 Sherwood St.
Regent Street Quadrant

London, W1F 7ED

https://departmentofcoffee.com/ 

Nordic Bakery (Soho)

A few of these have emerged in London in the past few years.  Smart outfits with a very good collection of Scandinavian cakes and baked goods, which clearly seems to be their focus.

Their cup of Nordic noir is a decent enough effort, with little information about their roast I find it pleasantly strong but not worth a special visit.


http://nordicbakery.com/locations/golden-square/

14a Golden Square
Soho, London W1F 9JG
★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Soho Grind

A small outfit on Beak Street, apparently with a cocktail bar in the basement.

In my opinion it doesn't quite live up to the aura given off by the marketing.  They offer a solid brew without it being particularly memorable, but worth a visit if you can find a space to actually sit in the very thin seating area.

http://grind.co.uk/sohogrind/
19 Beak Street, Soho, London W1F 9RP ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Guy Gold

Part coffee house, part osteopath, representing one of the most unusual combinations of café I have come across.

The dual nature of the offering means the space available for the café is tiny, with one or two tables to sit at.

The coffee appears to be carefully selected, they offer beans from ‘The Baron’ Espresso, Daterra Estate, Brazil.

I have tried them several times and personally always underwhelmed by the taste,  Very hot and excessively bitter even for my brutal palate.  They also have a tendency to only offer filter in the morning, I'm sure its all very purist but it further reduces my motivation to visit during the afternoon.

http://guygolds.com/

85 Jamestown Road
London

NW1 7DB

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Mikel Coffee

'Finally in London!' proclaims the electronic ticker outside the cafe, this being the first from this Greek-based chain.  "Maybe Its Knowledge Entering Life' goes their tagline.  Maybe its even more profound in Greek.

This appears to be a very welcome addition, as whenever I have observed it the place seems very busy.
Four filter options are available, and a very friendly attendant took the time to explain each one and give me a taste.  The guest single origin roasts were from Brazil and Ethiopia, with a light and strong blend available of each as well.

I was given a glass of water with my drink which is a nice touch and shows their continental roots, as this is something I cant remember seeing in London.

The environment is pleasant, although the seating area fairly small and packed with millennials on various forms of laptop.  It didn't strike me as a place conducive to do any work, I'd be interested to know what they are all producing.  Nearly everyone in there seemed to be Italian which is rarely a bad thing.  I think a few Greeks were also present.

If it was for the service, this place would possibly gain the highest score of anywhere I've rated thus far.  However, I'm rating for the filter coffee, and while ok it was actually unexceptional.  Overall though, I would recommend giving it a look. 

mikelcoffee.com
93 Tottenham Court Rd, London
★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Workshop - Fitzrovia Coffee Shop

I have enjoyed their coffee for quite some time, much of it from their sadly missed HQ on Clerkenwell Road.

A choice of three filters on offer, each explained by a knowledgeable and courteous barista.  I opted for the Colombian guest which was as described (caramel/chocolate notes).

The interior seating area is rather like a dentist waiting room, and a bit strange, but the coffee is some of the best on offer.

https://workshopcoffee.com/pages/fitzrovia-coffeebar

80A Mortimer Street
Fitzrovia
W1W 7FE

★★★★★★★★★☆

Coco Di Mamma (Tottenham Street W1)

"The Best Coffee in the City", proclaims the boards outside these cafes.  Something City AM has suggested, so I'm keen to test out the worthiness of such an outrageous claim.

No real gourmet option on offer, so no filter, just standard machine oriented Americano selection.  Based on this I was assuming a forgettable experience, however it must be said, it was indeed outstanding.  The roast they use is excellent, its a strong and flavourful taste, albeit too hot. If they introduced a filter option they would be even more memorable.

I don't endorse the claims of the city publication, but they appear to be on to something.

For what its worth I can highly recommend the pasta, as some of the best on offer from a chain.


http://www.cocodimama.co.uk/
★★★★★★★★☆☆

The Black Penny

Stumbled onto this one recently.  Somewhat larger than it first looks, with seating at the back.  An interesting mix of food and pastries on offer.

Now onto the coffee - an order for filter and they bring my own private mini-carafe. Now this is talking my language!  Excellent roast on offer, friendly staff and a very pleasant environment. Basically everything was alright - looked around and not a Mac in sight.  I have to say today was a good day.

★★★★★★★★★☆

http://www.theblackpenny.com/
34 Great Queen Street

Foyles (Charing Cross Road)

In an era of zombie capitalism, the death of retail and the expansion of Amazon into every walk of life, its great to see Foyles still making a stand for the physical.

The café on the 5th floor is elegant, bright and serves some excellent food.  It always appears to be very busy which is good, although one should be prepared to fight for any empty chair that may present itself.

A pity then, the coffee resembles one of the least impressive I've tasted in recent years.  I feared the worst when the server automatically converted my filter order to an 'americano' - hardly a unique failing but you would expect a literary ground zero such as Foyles to be capable of correct definitions.

Fairly tasteless, lukewarm Americano from a machine then. I preferred it when it had better coffee (and jazz) in the old location.

http://www.foyles.co.uk/bookstore-charing-cross
107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT
★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆