I don’t tend to seek coffee outside of Aberdeen unless it is near a hiking route, which therefore needs to take into consideration weekend opening times. Alas, important business took me to Inverurie and left me car-less for a couple of hours – time which I knew I wouldn’t struggle filling.

A quick online search suggested a few cafes to visit in the largely walkable town, but I set my sights on a periphery one with an enticing name: the Dreamy Goat Coffee Co. It evoked images of creamy flavours and foamy moustaches – perfect for a rather dreich February day.

The cafe is easy to find, despite its offset location, as the outside picnic-style tables give is away; upon entry it becomes clear it is a converted house, with kitchen on one side of the door, and a small café area on the left, extended further by a conservatory hosting a few additional seats. This is where I plonked myself on one of the sofas once I ordered my mocha at the counter from the smiling server, and possibly the owner, as she carried herself with ease.

The place, while small, was certainly cute and done up with love and community spirit in mind. The most striking piece of otherwise modest but quaint decor is the mural – a pretty true representation of the interior on the other side of said wall.

There were a few comings and goings in the short time I waited for my coffee; sadly, a few of them left soon after sitting down, once they realised the food menu was limited to only two options, one of them being a granola pot bowl, the other a scrambled egg burrito. There were other , more traditional options in the display cabinet by the counter: bakes, energy balls – but not a huge selection.

I, however, came here with a clear mission, and was pleased with what I saw when my mocha arrived: it was adorned with a pretty latte art. Closer inspection suggested the foam might have been a bit artificial and upon the first few sips that proved somewhat true: there was a clear separation between the “head” and the liquidy part of the brew, rather than a consistently blended concoction.

That liquidy part also carried a higher level of acidity, which I suspected was due to the type of beans they used. The boards at the coffee machine, and my second brew that morning: a black Onyx, would confirm that (single origin, quite fruity and floral selection).

The mocha was also more on the hot side, but just drinkable. I didn’t really take long finishing it, as the follow-on filter coffee suggests.

Overall, I enjoyed my time in the cafe, which, while quite intimate, was a calm and pleasant place to work away while also watching some of the world go by through the conservatory’s windows. I imagine it turns into quite a hub of activity in better weather or over weekends, and rightly so. The staff are very pleasant and professional; the only thing they should improve on is their food selection to keep those visitors staying for more than just good cuppa!

To find out more about the Dreamy Goat Coffee Co. visit their website.