Matthew will soon be asking for royalties for his excellent cafe suggestions in Aberdeen, as this was one of his most recent ones – and no wonder, as it’s been only open since August.

It was a bit of a gloomy autumn Sunday when I was sorting out some “messages” in town (as the locals say). Having done a hike the day before, I knew I would be making a well-earned coffee pitstop somewhere, but rather than head to my backup destination (one that’s been on the to-do list for a while!), I decided to do the obligatory 10k around the city centre peripheries and see what might catch my eye.

I was completing a loop from the north back down to Union Street via Rosemount Viaduct when I literally stopped in my tracks when I noted my surroundings, reflecting Matthew’s words from just a few days prior: “Not far from The Noose & Monkey and up from The Bread Maker“. I had been sort of paying attention on my way down from South Mount Street but obviously not well enough – “or he was pulling my leg”, I thought, confirming my suspicion that, surely, there cannot be yet another great coffee shop in Rosemount?!

I retraced my steps and sure enough, finally stood at the door of a very busy cafe, which I had been warned about. No wonder I didn’t see it earlier though, as the signage is minuscule: just a stencilled window print below eye level (when one’s seeking an over-door banner…!)

Also as advised, the queue – relatively short in my case as I was third in line, but considerably longer in the ensuing half hour – moved quite fast; and despite the place feeling full and buzzing with animated conversations, there were still seats to choose from, and I picked mine in the corner, by the windowsill. Once settled, I scanned my surroundings to assess that the clientele was on the young side – within their 20s mostly – and collectively representing that “keep calm” hipster vibe; there was also a downstairs from which the food arrived and a quick review of the menu revealed it was 100% vegan. It all matched up.

My mocha was served quite quickly and Matthew’s appreciation was backed up by my own initial thoughts. The cup was small and the latte art wasn’t excuisite, yet there was something about it that spoke of coffee artistry.

First sip was on the hot side, but still drinkable; following that first sensation, the true flavour came through: very balanced, with the right mix of coffee and chocolate, moreish and not overpowering. There was one minus: the consistency was slightly on the watery side, lacking that luxurious thickness that makes a drink linger that little bit longer, tantalising the senses.

Despite that minor discrepancy – or maybe because of it- I finished my drink rather quickly and wasn’t really in a rush to leave, but felt an unexplained pressure to free up seats to anyone from the everlasting queue who may want them (even though there were options to choose from).

That queue speaks to the place’s popularity, confirming its hitting the mark with its target audience – and that’s despite an abundance of choice in Rosemount. From my perspective, it’s a minimalistic yet welcoming venue and I would not hesitate to make a return for another quality cuppa – but I’d prefer to do so when the crowds are less!

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