You may think I’m on a coffee crusade this year, if you look at the vigour I am putting into weaving a cafe visit into my every outing in Aberdeen – be it a power walk or shopping duties. I can assure you, it was not one of my New Year’s resolutions – rather, I’ve been inspired by the cafe scene that has been quietly growing on my doorstep without me knowing.

And the cycle perpetuates itself; last year I hardly ventured into the Granite City, with my schedule taking me outside its periferries more often than not. But having made a couple of circuits of the East and West sides which opened my eyes to some new cosy and classy venues around, I have now kept a more watchful look around me.

This one, however, found me by other means. I was having a rare browse through the cycle food delivery service when I spotted Resting Brunch Face – not a name you can casually scroll past. Further investigation identified it as a – surprise! – brunch venue located in the Trinity Centre.

I remembered that nugget of information when one rainy Sunday afternoon forced me out to the chemists prior to a flight the following morning. As happens to be the case pre-overseas travel, it was a busy day resulting in a lunch sacrifice, so come 3pm, running the back alleys of Union Street, my stomach was growling.

The coffee brain kicked in, calling for a wet late lunch – and upon seeing Trinity Centre, and having confirmed online Resting Brunch Face – RBF for short – was still open, I set my course.

Understandably, the place was pretty quiet (I mean the time, but it is Trinity after all – if you’re a local, you’ll know) ; the staff were busy tidying up, but I was greeted with a smile followed by a confirmation that they were still serving and I was welcome to sit down upon making my order. I did not feel rushed at all and I knew I would only be a minute, so I requested my mocha and took one of the benches by the wall. I ignored the cakes in the pasty case aware of my looming long haul, although it was the sourdough stacks and other savoury options on the menus that I found more tempting at that time. I resisted – especially that a grill-based order half an hour before closing might not have been greeted with another smile.

As I waited the short time for my coffee to be delivered, I observed the decor: bright, warm colours throughout and simple but uniform wooden furniture evoking a feeling of a modern American chain diner, but not in a bad way.

What I had also learnt from their website – which stayed open on my phone from when I was checking the opening times – is that they are affiliated with Watermelon Catering, who also own The Pier and Corner Tree Café among others – explaining the brunch focus, shared by all these venues.

When my mocha arrived, it was clear these guys weren’t just brunch obsessed – the skilful latte art attested to coffee credentials. I noted, however, that despite the crisp rosette shape, the milk top looked a bit fluffy, rather than a silky surface indicating a smooth texture.

Thankfully, this did not result in a poor consistency and the drink actually had a pleasant mouthfeel.

It was a bit disappointing on the flavour aspect, however. It was light on the coffee side, and it got sweeter – pretty much sickly so – close to the bottom of the mug. It was a big serving, so I only felt a little bad not finishing it.

The large size is proportionate to the price (albeit surrounding fast food frequenters would beg to differ) and makes a decent brunch package with the food option – by which I mean one that should have you running on high revs (from the calories and sugar if not caffeine) until supper time.

I deposited my cup on the counter to signal my departure and let the staff close shop. Outside, Trinity was lifeless – not helped by the late hour or miserable weather outside – but I wonder if the bright orange of RBF attracts a bit more footfall to the mall. Because if that doesn’t work, I doubt anything will help it!

To find out more about Resting Brunch Face, visit their website.