Full disclosure: 474 by Cup was the place that incited the idea to review some take-away coffee joints for a change. I had been walking past its closed door on Union Street for a couple of years but until I begun this quest, I had never enquired why it never seemed operational.

Then, as part of my research, I’ve learnt of its limited opening hours of Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm. Another tricky slot, but committed to my mission, I decided to sacrifice one of my WFH lunches for a stroll to this elusive pop-up.

Digressing a little, but I’m shocked to realise I cannot find a review for Cup proper on A Black Spot. It was a while ago in my early Aberdeen days that I’m certain I paid it a visit – albeit wasn’t wowed enough to plan a return (or write a review, it would seem).

But 474 had grabbed my eye with its quaint decor and that little shop full of promise. There are a handful of seats inside and you can grab yourself a decent-looking lunch here too, but I was set on a pop-in and go, so ordered my mocha, plus a pistachio cookie alongside it. Before leaving, I lifted the lid on the coffee for a quick pic snap and taste.

Unfortunately and unsurprisingly – but still disappointingly – the drink did not hit the right notes. It was very chocolatey, but not in a luxurious way (i.e. whenever I reference “Belgian chocolate” without actually knowing that is the ingredient!) – more like a Cadbury’s powder cocoa, intense with a heavy aftertaste. I honestly can’t comment on the caffeine content as I found the small concoction quite sickly… and the cookie matched it, making both inconsumable at that time.

It was a long awaited visit that did not warrant the anticipation – but that’s how it goes sometimes.

However, the staff were very polite and efficient and for a “pop-up” the cafe still seems to be going strong, so the clientele must be there – and I truly wish them all the best. It’s a tough market out there, particularly Aberdeen’s Union Street!

To learn more about 474 by Cup, visit their website.