Tag Archives: coffee

Hot on the Highstreet Week 246

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Ever wondered where those colourful cups are from that are found in London’s best coffee shops? I have always admired the sky blue cups and saucers, and have at last discovered the brand that makes these simple classic crockery.

Acme & Co manufactures robust and beautiful cups for the specialty coffee market. Acme & Co is based in NZ and owned and run by a team of individuals with a long history in specialty coffee. The Acme & Co cup range features an extensive colour range; elegant and easy to hold handles; cups sold separately from saucers; plus cappuccino, tulip and flat white cups all use the same size saucer.

Now you can recreate you favourite coffee shop at home, and practise your pouring so you can have the perfect flat white from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Caravan Coffee Roasters is the only UK distributor of Acme & Co, more information here.

Story Coffee, Battersea

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Slowly but surely Battersea and I are becoming friends. My latest South London discovery is a small independent café, with great design and easily the best coffee in the area. Story opened a few months ago and is already a popular neighbourhood spot. I found it to be particularly lovely mid-afternoon when the venue is quiet and calm, with a few customers working, reading and enjoying their warming drinks.

Located on a charming corner of St John’s Hill Road, with a weather-worn historic sign above the door, advertising Peterkin Custard, the modern look of Story is striking and welcoming. Inside the décor is very minimalist and functional, with bespoke wooden furniture and plenty of natural light thanks to the big windows. The thick brown floorboards add a warm homely feel to the small café. I loved the colourful assortment of roses and jars of brown sugar on each table and I decided there and then to recreate these delightful bunches at home.

Story use Square Mile’s Red Brick espresso blend and milk from Goodwood Farm in Sussex, these fine quality components make the ultimate creamy coffee. My flat white was velvety and rich, petite in size and expertly poured. The baristas also offer filter and Aeropress coffee, tea is from Lanani & Co and Chocolate is by Kokoa Collection. Delectable edible treats sit tempting visitors at the bar. I’ve heard they offer avocado on toast for breakfast, so am already planning to return to try that!

The Story crew seem passionate about bringing good coffee to Battersea and they are definitely succeeding in their mission.

More information here: www.storycoffee.co.uk

Things to do in Warsaw

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Poland is not a top tourist destination and the capital city Warsaw is always in the shadow of the more architecturally attractive Krakow. Recently though this industrial setting has become home to many culturally ambitious and successful projects. The city has been destroyed more than once and the proud and patient Poles have rebuilt a glorious new “old town” for whimsical wandering. The landmarks are sparse and yet explore a little deeper and you will find cool contemporary art collections, trendy and cheap underground bars, design focussed concept stores, and daring and delicious eateries. Even after three days in Warsaw there was more to do and see, and discovering this lesser known city brought me great joy and excitement.

To stay

H15 Boutique Hotel – the only design hotel in Warsaw starts from just £50 a night. Housed within a transformed 19th century building just south of the city centre it has 46 spacious rooms and suites imaginatively designed by Mariola Tomczak.

To eat

Salto – this is the creative venture from Argentinean-born Martin Gimenez Castro, winner of the 2013 edition of Poland’s ‘Top Chef’ competition. Passionate and innovative, Martin has thoughtfully designed every aspect of the venue. The food, though intricate is full of bold flavour combinations and unusual cooking techniques.

Concept 13 – found on the fifth floor of the smart Vitkac shopping centre, this stylish restaurant offers panoramic views of the city. The food lives up to the luxurious location with indulgent international dishes including foie gras with quince and sichuan pepper, and tagliatelle with truffles. The service and atmosphere are lovely ensuring you will have a special evening.

Kraken Rum Bar – just across the street from our hotel Kraken provided us with a hearty lunch in Warsaw. Wonderfully fresh fish dishes are available, and next door at Beirut Hummus bar you can feast on Middle Eastern delicacies. Kraken is a lively evening venue too, filled with young locals.

Warszawa Wschodnia – one of the places I discovered in the Soho Factory area of Warsaw. Chef Mateusz Gessler offers a delicious three course lunch for the equivalent of £4. Sit at the bar and enjoy the show from the open kitchen.

To drink

Ministry of Coffee – arguably the best coffee in town, this café serves coffee from Sweden’s Koppi and is also the host of the Polish AeroPress Championship. I had a smooth and tasty Flat White here after arriving off the flight from London.

Pies Czy Suka – a little design shop with an in-house bar. We tried the unusual molecular foam cocktails one night before going on to dinner, and the classics looked good too.

Café 6/12 – this sophisticated venue has a grand marble floor and high ceiling, and with 76 types of smoothies it is the ideal stop for breakfast. I had a punchy freshly squeezed juice here in between shopping stints.

Filtry Café – a 10 minute tram ride from the city centre, this speciality coffee shop was the first of its kind in Poland. Filtry opened in 2007 (apparently the first venue to serve brewed coffee) and has had many renowned Polish baristas behind the bar. It is a charming café serving a variety of seasonal blends and the Kofi brand.

To do

Palace of Culture and Science – built in 1955 this impressive building is the tallest in Poland. Travel up in the lift to the terrace on the 30th floor to see amazing views over the whole city.

Museum of Modern Art – we wandered around the intriguing building on New Year’s Day and saw a great architecture exhibition. Offering temporary thought-provoking shows it is definitely worth checking out whilst in the city.

Wilanow Palace – this royal residence was built in the 17th Century. As well as the impressive palace building itself, the accompanying gardens are worth seeing (in either sun or snow!)

To see

Neon Museum – based in the Soho Factory complex, the Neon Museum displays a huge collection of cold war neon signs. These important signs which were used to glamorise consumerism in the mid-century slump and illuminated the cityscape.

Poster Museum – Opened in June 1966, The Poster Museum is the oldest institution of its kind in the world, and has a collection of over 55,000 posters.

Fotoplastikon Warsaw – A Fotoplastikon allows viewers to watch changing three-dimensional images. Built in the early 20th century, The Warsaw Fotoplastikon is one of only a few in the world still in working condition.

To shop

Galilu Olfactory – this airy and bright little shop stocks a wide range of wonderful perfumes. The sophisticated scents are from unique brands all over the world and the staff will give you expert help choosing the right bottle for you.

Horn & More – a seductive girl’s boutique stocking fine underwear, statement jewellery and aromatic scented candles. It is a treat for all the senses.

Magazyn Praga – Located in a former glue warehouse this little shop features relics from its industrial past that mix with their high-profile selection of new and vintage fashion and furniture. There are irresistible design items everywhere, I wanted it all!

Wedel – this renowned Polish confectioner is the ultimate chocolate emporium. Leave the chilly streets and head inside for the creamiest cup of hot chocolate, or a taste of the famous handmade torte with layers of wafer and chocolate. We returned several times for more.