One of my first addresses in Aberdeen was on George Street and if you know, you know – it’s not the most attractive part of the city – so I don’t miss it much or venture there regularly. The area is a host to some specialist outdoor shops, however, and it was that special need that got me revisiting the old block. Since it was a glorious Saturday afternoon, I decided to make the most of it and researched any new coffee shops in the area – filo popped up immediately.

I liked their website which indicated a hip and trendy spot – not something I grew accustomed to around George Street but it’s been a while and things might have changed.

I did a double take when Google Maps took me to a church and instantly second-guessed my choice: was a spiritual community café really going to be any good? My previous experiences dictated otherwise (even under the patronage of such house names as Cognito) but then I remembered the website and decided there was no harm in giving it a go. And I’m glad I did!

The large, open-space interior was instantly welcoming: warm, with a low buzz of many taken tables enjoying a casual lunchtime catchup and smiles all around – especially from behind the counter, manned – literally – by an all-male crew of 4. They were gents off all ages, and all busy doing something productive: making coffee, washing up, cleaning up, prepping food.

The ordering and paying process was a breeze and I took a seat at one of the smaller tables, still basking in the spring sunshine pouring through the open double doors. A look around suggested this was, indeed, a community space, big enough for gigs (which must be commonplace as there was a fully set up bandstand at the back of the room); but it had no charity feel about it, with a simple but tasteful decor throughout.

I wasn’t surprised by the lack of latte art on my mocha when it arrived and didn’t hold huge expectations of the substantial drink which visually resembled a hot cocoa. And it was, indeed, pretty sweet – definitely biased towards the chocolate remit of the brew; despite that, it was still a nice drink and of right temperature to blissfully sip away my short time in the venue.

When I got up to leave, one of apron-clad gents who had been speaking to a patron at the next-door table effortlessly checked on my experience, with a disarming smile and gentle demeanour.

While the mocha wasn’t top of the pops, the feel I was left with was right up there and all I could think of: what a gem of a place. They must be brining a lot of good vibes to the area and I hope they’re successful – in their mission and as a business.

P.S. Later I read that filo is indeed part of the evangelical Catalyst church, but nothing indicated that during my visit so don’t let your denomination put you off a nice experience!

Learn more about filo coffee house on the Catalyst website.