All in all – considering the evident artisanship in the produce and use of ingredients such as chocolate flakes over powder – I don’t rate it as a bad experience, and there is tangible passion in the place that makes you leave with a smile on your face. I will certainly be back once normal service resumes.
Category: Coffee in COVID
Bonobo Café
The moment I took the lid off, I knew.
The surface of the drink – even though (beautifully) dusted with chocolate – looked silky smooth and shiny. I actually got excited for what was about to come next.
Blether
Indeed, there have always been queues to Blether whenever I’d drive by on a weekend, despite the Costa at the opposite end; even now, half an hour before closing, there were a few people waiting: some for their coffee, others for their food order. Lucky for me, everyone had already ordered so shortly after I arrived at the door I had my own order taken…
Coppa Coffee
En route I had decided to try Coppa first, since I bypassed it last time on my way to Orka – and I thought it would make for a good study – comparing two coffee shops, just a block apart. The site for Coppa used to house Rocksalt & Snails, which may be why I had weary feeling about it to this point. It wasn’t, however, until writing this post that I realised I had actually been to Coppa since they took over – and rated it better than its predecessor.
Orka Artisan Café
For this stroll out of the 3 aforementioned coffee shops I decided to try Orka – the one I had only heard of once recently, when a friend posted a photo on the ‘gram of their take-away cheese platter – I was intrigued. The description on their Facebook page reads: “Inspired by Orkney origins and many years abroad, Orka Artisan Café introduces the best in Scottish produce whilst being mindful of sustainable practices.”
The Pier
What an incredibly charming part of the city, and a great finish to a pleasant afternoon in Aberdeen. I’d recommend both – the village and a sweet Promenade treat. Only under one condition: you can’t be in a rush!
A Black Spot 