Coffee houses

[french frank]

Going a little off topic - one of the things that amazed me when I moved to Bristol in 1967 was the shear number of shops roasting (and grinding) coffee on site. There were at least three within 500 yards of where I first lived. Besides those, Cowardines had a string of shops all over the city which roasted and ground a very wide range of coffee beans on site at each shop and also sold a very wide range of teas - all of which they imported.

Very sadly, that has all totally disappeared. Such a pity!

Within walking distance of you is Twodays on St Michael's Hill, roasting daily. Brian Wogan supplies many of the local shops, and is Bristol-based, and Martin Carwardine now runs the family business down on the Mendips, near Burrington.

I agree, though, the days when Carwardines had their coffee roasting in the shops are over - though Twodays seem pretty much the same idea. I'm not sure which bit of St Michael's Hill they're on.

[johnb]

Within walking distance of you is Twodays on St Michael's Hill, roasting daily. Brian Wogan supplies many of the local shops, and is Bristol-based, and Martin Carwardine now runs the family business down on the Mendips, near Burrington.

I agree, though, the days when Carwardines had their coffee roasting in the shops are over - though Twodays seem pretty much the same idea. I'm not sure which bit of St Michael's Hill they're on.

Thanks for the information about Twodays. That makes one shop still remaining from the countless number in the 60s. (I don't think Brian Wogan is really comparable.)

I've wondered whether the decline of onsite roasting (often in the front window with the outlet onto the pavement - giving that wonderful aroma as you walked by) might have had something to do with Health and Safety restrictions.

[MrGongGong]

Stokes in Lincoln still does onsite roasting
as does this wonderful little place

http://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk/shops/bermondsey

[PatrickOD]

If you're ever in Dublin and you fancy an outrageously sticky bun and a cup of coffee try Bewleys in Grafton Street.

http://bewleys.com/bewleys-grafton-street-cafe

[Flosshilde]

Ask them to make it not too hot. Nine times out of ten, these places make the coffee far too hot - as

Really? Usually it's the other way round - the coffee is served up barely lukewarm. They're all scared of people suing if it's the slightest bit hot - the poor dears might feel a little discomfort.

[Flosshilde]

First find your Waitrose, nearest over 50 miles away!

The biggest waitrose in Scotland is just down the road from me (Actually, I think there's only about 3 Waitroses in Scotland). It's in Newton Mearns (& Scotty will know how significant that is).

But I'll still carry on buying Fairtrade coffee from the down-market supermarket.

[Pilchardman]

If you're ever in Dublin and you fancy an outrageously sticky bun and a cup of coffee try Bewleys in Grafton Street.

http://bewleys.com/bewleys-grafton-street-cafe

I love Bewley's in Grafton Street.

I have special affection for it, because it was in the toilet there that the Missus did a pregnancy test (bought from the Boots opposite) and discovered she was pregnant with our second daughter, after years of trying and late miscarriage in between our eldest and her. So yey for Bewley's.

[Nick Armstrong]

Did coffee drinkers spot this yesterday? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-15968515


This is a link to the report (you have to go through a free sign-up): http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/artic.../fo/c1fo10240k

[Alison]

Just off to Costa and am going to plan in some Ravel listening today !

[Nick Armstrong]

Just off to Costa and am going to plan in some Ravel listening today !

I just had an espresso listening to the first movement of the Ravel Piano Trio!!



Enjoy, Alison!

[Mr Pee]

Somewhat off topic, but at home I am a great fan of the Nespresso system. Perfect espresso every time with minimum fuss.

I agree- an excellent and fuss-free way to get great coffee at home!!

[amateur51]

I just had an espresso listening to the first movement of the Ravel Piano Trio!!



Enjoy, Alison!

That music is currently spinning around in my head, the Previn version

[Mr Pee]

The biggest waitrose in Scotland is just down the road from me (Actually, I think there's only about 3 Waitroses in Scotland). It's in Newton Mearns (& Scotty will know how significant that is).

But I'll still carry on buying Fairtrade coffee from the down-market supermarket.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/health/scotland-%27needs-another-waitrose%27-201111034502/

[barber olly]

Ravel and a decent cup of coffee - Sonatine, Introduction & Allegro and the Pavane (piano version) sounds about the right mix.

[Alison]

An all day breakfast roll and a medium gingerbread latte.

Has anyone ever heard drinks being ordered using the Costa-speak sizes ?