The menu was pure breakfast and brunch with hearty and healthier options, finished off with a confidence-inducing drink selection (all the staples with a few brunchy extras)…
Chocolaterie de Monaco
For the grandeur of the city, the chocolaterie was rather underwhelming; I was expecting Willy Wonka excitement, but got an average-sized speciality shop. The cafe at the back was even more surprising – it looked like a recent afterthought, with just a few simple tables and little warmth to the decor.
Tanzanian Coffee
“If you have been following me for a while, you may recall I had mentioned not being a fan of African coffees because of their inherent taste profile: fruity and floral, making them more acidic… You can imagine my surprise then, when I took the first sip – and loved it!”
Turkish coffee (and other delights)
The very first public place serving coffee in the world is reported to be in Istanbul, by the name Kiva Han, translating loosely into “coffee house” in Turkish. To this day, the dark brew remains an essential element of Turkish culture and lifestyle.
Grind Royal Exchange Bar and Cafe
I was still rather hopeful the coffee would save the brand – after all, it has been going strong for over a decade, so my expectations were reasonably high. When I received my cup (again, on the small side, despite the price – but, oh, hello London!) I was not impressed.
Boxcar Coffee & Yard
Once my mocha was finally called, I took an edge seat at one of the large campsite-style tables, occupied by two other couples, to conduct a proper assessment of my drink. It felt light as I picked it up and the froth under the lid seemed to confirm the concoction would be underwhelming. And so it was.
A Black Spot 