Square Mile Coffee Roasters opens for business

Just the thought of my daily hit of Monmouth espresso blend, served through the medium of a latte, is enough to get me crawling out of bed.  I love the ritual of it all, the smell of the shop, the beautiful layout of the pastries, the staff calling out my order.  And the best bit: my first sip, usually drunk somewhere close to Seven Dials.

I'm even setup for my Monmouth hit on the weekend.  I've got the grinder, the espresso machine and most importantly, a 250g bag of Monmouth espresso blend.  (I don't always have the milk, but I blame Silverbrowess for that.)  This is all a rather long-winded way of saying I really love Monmouth.

I admit it though, I've dabbled in the past with other coffees.  I turn my nose up at most of the crap that is on offer, but every once in a while I hit upon somewhere decent and enjoy what they have to offer.  Except they use Monmouth's espresso blend as well.  I can't escape the stuff.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm bored with Monmouth, heaven forfend, but I am loose with my patronage and I want to know what else is out there.

For sometime I've read James "World Champion Barista" Hoffman's blog, Jim Seven.  His obsession with the bean is impressive, as is his hold on the WBC title.  He eulogises about coffee the way some people do about wine.  I've never got it to that point of coffee obsession, I think it's because I can't help myself sniggering about cupping.   But I do admire him because I admire all other obsessives, or at least I feel a common bond.

I was intrigued when James recently announced the launch of Square Mile Coffee Roasters and today they have launched their online shop.  I haven't yet tried any of his gear, but will order some once I have drunk my current stash of Monmouth.  I'm guessing given his pedigree it's going to be good stuff.  I'd be interested to hear about any coffee aficionados out there who can verify that.

Comments

[James Hoffmann]

Let us know what you think if you do pick some up. Which Gaggia do you have? I couldn't get the link to work. I got my start in coffee selling domestic Gaggia machinery so I have a little soft spot for them!

As a side note Flat White and co haven't been using Monmouth for 3 or 4 weeks now. Monmouth do a great job though, and they have been ubiquitous in London for last few years for good reason.

[Anthony Silverbrow]

James - Thanks for the comment, interesting stuff and ta for the clarification. Do you know who is supplying Flat White?

I'll let you know what I think once I've tasted it, I'm sure it won't be too long.

As for the Gaggia, it was one of the old coffee machines, I've now fixed the link. I know it's not the greatest machine ever but I like it. I would like to increase the pressure a bit, but otherwise I'm more or less happy. I particularly enjoy its temprementality!

ta

Anthony

[James Hoffmann]

We are supplying Flat White and Milk Bar, but haven't really been shouting about it because we are trying to promote our customers over ourselves, until we get our retail site sorted out.

I think the coffee in there is tasting great right now, mostly because the baristas do such a great job.

Gaggia's are great little machines and very capable of pulling good shots. The thing I'd miss most if I went back to one would probably be the steaming on pro machines.

[Douglas Blyde]

I reckon I can detect Monmouth Coffee wherever it surfaces. For example, I smelt the warm, sturdy wafts of fabulous coffee at a rather curious 'vegetable' restaurant in Cley next the Sea, Norfolk and it turned out to be (you guessed it)...

[Anthony Silverbrow]

James, I agree, the steaming is no where near as good as the pro machines.

Douglas, you've clearly got a very keen nose.

[James Cronin]

I was introduced to Square Mile Coffee Roasters a couple of months ago via a lovely cafe called Bea's of Bloomsbury and have to say that their coffee is awesome.

I was also a fiercely loyal Monmouth Coffee espresso blend boy 'till now as well.

Try it!

J.

[Anthony Silverbrow]

James, thanks for the tip. I'm intrigued to try Bea's - always looking for decent cafes in town.

[espresso machines]

Thank you for the useful info. I love espresso coffee and i own a espresso machine at my home.