Category Archives: Cafe Review

The heat is on.

By James Hoffmann | Published: July 29, 2007

I know, I know - it wasn't as if no one said Tokyo was going to be this hot but still - every time I set outside I am a little amazed at the feeling walking into a wall of moist heat.
Getting over the jetlag now, and feeling ok.  Yesterday was a gentle introduction to [...]

Also posted in Barista Competition, Espresso, News | 4 Comments

The Roadtrip – San Francisco

By James Hoffmann | Published: June 17, 2007

Being on the road like this is far more draining than I expected. Dragging ourselves out of bed the next morning was difficult and we rolled into Ritual mid morning. They knew we were coming but we still ended up spending 5 minutes casting furtive glances across the room at Chris Baca who [...]

Also posted in Coffee, Espresso, News, Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Roadtrip – Seattle

By James Hoffmann | Published: June 13, 2007

With sadness we left Anette behind for a day as she had to collect her visa and the rest of us ventured down in the United States of the Americas.  It was nice there - warm, sunny and not as cold and mean/rainy as Vancouver had been.

We went up to Elysian Brewing for some beers [...]

Also posted in Coffee, Espresso, Latte Art, News, Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

UK Coffee Map

By James Hoffmann | Published: May 11, 2007

I started this map back in February last year, and then pretty much forgot about it until some folks at TMC brought it back to my attention.
Since then the same idea has been done in a bigger and better way in the US by EspressoMap but I wouldn't mind too much if people wanted to [...]

Also posted in Coffee, Espresso, News | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

A weekend in Dublin

By James Hoffmann | Published: April 9, 2007

For the Easter weekend Anette and I went over to Dublin to hang out with Stephen Morrissey and his girlfriend Jenny.
We were staying at his house and for the occasion he had blagged a Dalla Corte Mini to add to his coffee corner, as well as a Mazzer Mini E. Inevitably, what ensued was [...]

Also posted in Espresso, Opinion | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Cafe Review – Caffe Vergnano

By James Hoffmann | Published: November 9, 2006

Caffe Vergnano
62 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0BB
Map

Caffe Vergagno have become the coffee darlings of the mainstream press of late.  They have used interviews and articles to rant freely on what they think espresso is and what it should be.  Cappuccino should be served at 44.5C for example (I love they are specific to [...]

Posted in Cafe Review | 5 Comments

Cafe Review – Bar Italia

By James Hoffmann | Published: November 9, 2006

Bar Italia
22 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4RF
Map

When I started in espresso Bar Italia was quite an inspiring place.  I was working for Gaggia and they had a massive old 4 group Gaggia lever machine.   It seemed classic, with a lovely old cash register, and so very Italian. They just seemed to turn out hundreds [...]

Posted in Cafe Review | 6 Comments

Trieste

By James Hoffmann | Published: November 6, 2006

Just got back from Trieste yesterday, having been there for a tradeshow over the weekend.  The city is beautfiul, incredible architecture and a really nice feel to the place.  This is going to be a slightly disjointed post, but lots to cover.
The Show - triestespresso

This show alternates every year with the HOST show [...]

Also posted in Coffee, Espresso, News, Opinion | 8 Comments

Cafe Review: Flat White

By James Hoffmann | Published: November 2, 2006

Flat White
17 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0PT
Map

I've been visiting these guys since they opened, and make no secret of the fact that I get on well with them.  It is always nice to walk into a cafe, say hi and have a cup of coffee pushed into your hand with an enthusiastic "try [...]

Posted in Cafe Review | 9 Comments