Atkinsons & The Hall

Lancaster Trip

I had wanted to try this coffeeshop 'The Hall' for a while on the recommendation of some friends so yesterday, I tied the trip in with some Christmas shopping!

Atkinsons, which is a family run business are based in Lancaster and have a fantastic little shop next door to the cafe. They try and source from family farms and businesses wherever possible to support companies like themselves. 

Since creating my blog, I had seen a lot of talk and interaction around Atkinsons and the 'Coffeehopper' (their social media account) with places in Preston and Manchester, as well as it's hometown in Lancaster so I couldn't wait to try it out. 

I chose the gluten free lemon cake and a latte, and my partner chose the chocolate brownie and a latte. Both delicious- the lemon cake was absolutely melt in the mouth. Perfectly gooey and sweet, just the best complimentary treat to have with my latte. Which was equally as delicious, not only was the coffee great; you got to see the baristas hard at work with the percolators and coffee gadgets. It was ace. 

The decor was earthly and homey, with wooden benches and high wooden tables and stools, and there was a real mix of clientele; families, students with laptops, young couples. It accommodates everyone. I would recommend on a Sunday getting there early, as we arrived at about three, and there was only one sandwich left!

I love this place- and the great news is.....I have just got a new job and the office is PRACTICALLY next door! I am most definitely going to be a regular.

          

         

PS, even the toilets are nice!

Roman Holiday

When in Rome...

When my Rome holiday was creeping closer, I was looking forward to seeing all the iconic landmarks and tourist-y places, however I was MOSTLY looking forward to the food and coffee!

And I was not disappointed. I have visited Italy before and I love it, but I've never been to Rome before and it was just the most perfect place!

Our hotel was located near the Trevi Fountain, so we were in walking distance of nearly all the main landmarks apart from the Vatican. Our hotel provided breakfast but I was keen to get out and experience  all the local coffeeshops and eateries. 

So being the eager coffeeshop hunter/researcher I am, I decided that Sant Eustachio il Caffe was on my list to visit.

The cafe has been there since 1938, and there are so many great reviews and information about this place online. Typical of a lot of amazing Roman coffeeshops, it doesn't look that spectacular from the outside but once I entered and saw the mountains of coffee, the crowds of customers and the buzzing baristas, I knew it was going to be good.

I went for a Monachella- Sant Eustachio coffee with chocolate and whipped cream, I was dying to get a Sfogliatella (italian pastry) but I had been overdosing on them all day so decided against it. All the cakes and pastries looked amazing, and I am sure they tasted as good as they looked.

The Monachella was DIVINE- so rich and warming, and the coffee was still so strong through the thick chocolate. The best coffee I had in Rome!We chose to sit outside so we could watch the visitors go in and out of the buzzing cafe, and it was lovely to see the locals and the tourists sharing a coffee alike!

Definitely worth a visit, and get the Monachella!!

Coffee and Cocoa

York Cocoa House 

I chose York for a little weekend break not long ago, as I had never been and had heard really good reviews on the hotels, restaurants and shopping so decided to give it a go!

We walked into the highstreet and stumbled across York Cocoa House, and being a self-confessed chocoholic, decided that would be my coffee stop for the day. It was like going back in time to an old sweet shop! With baskets of chocolate buttons and rows and rows of different chocolate gifts and treats. They provide you with a little booklet and menu where you can read about their up and coming events and their chocolate masterclasses and lessons that they regularly hold. 

The coffee and hot chocolate options were endless! Salted Caramel, Gingerbread, Peanut and even Bergamot! I went for a salted caramel latte and a cocoa butter flapjack- divine. The coffee was great and complimented so well with their homemade cakes and that extra chocolate-y naughtiness!

They had a gorgeous selection of cakes, it took me about 10 minutes to come to a decision! And sandwiches and soups too. They had loads of little gifts and treats in their shop which were great for little gifts....or just to eat by yourself when you need that chocolate fix!

(Photo from the York Cocoa House website- http://www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk)

Close to Home at Homeground

A Home from Home

When in the Lake district, there is nothing I want more than a quick coffee and cake break in between the exploring and outdooring. With an abundance of sweet, independent shops, and local restaurants it is the perfect place for a relaxed weekend break to recharge. 

After a recommendation, I decided to try Homeground Coffee and Kitchen for breakfast and a morning coffee- and what a treat it was!

The wooden tables, with people sat around on their laptops and iPads give it a welcoming feel as soon as you walk in and it's obvious that the cafe gets a lot of regulars. 

The real point of interest for me was the amazing, homemade cakes which looked absolutely amazing and were displayed in a large glass counter by the till. The smell of fresh coffee combined with these cakes was just perfect- and I quickly took a seat (last available table!) and ordered. I had Eggs Benedict and a latte, which was also delicious. I think, according to Homeground's instagram they use J.Atkinson and Co Coffee- a 'vintage artisan coffee roasters' based in Lancaster. 

(Yes, Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Tiffin..)

Follow their Instagram to see their coffee skills!

https://www.instagram.com/homegroundcafe/

Perfect cafe for you to visit if you're out and about in Windermere, and it is surrounded by some really nice little shops and not far from Lake Windermere if you fancy yourself a boat ride after your coffee and cake!!

Venice and the oldest coffeehouse in the WORLD

Caffe Florian- The oldest coffeehouse in the world.

(photos: http://www.caffeflorian.com)

Walking the tiny, cobbled streets of Venice you come across quaint, Italian coffee shops on almost every corner, with windows full of pastries and cakes, so choosing one is never difficult as you really are spoilt for choice. 

However, if you are going to Venice, Caffe Florian should definitely be on your lis to visit. It is the oldest coffee-house in the world, and has been standing since 1710. With a front row view of St Mark's Square, you are immersed in true Italian history. 

It isn't just about the amazing coffee and mouth-watering food- it's the whole experience. The waiters dressed in traditional white suits and black bow ties serve your order to you on silver platters, whilst you listen to Italian Orchestral music and soak in the breathtaking decor of the small little cafe. 

I chose the Caffe Del Doge and the Cannellone di melanzane con crema di Crescenza. 

The Caffe Del Doge was a small coffee, typical of the european coffee sizes, and was mixed with Gianduja spread, hazelnut cream and milk. The coffee of dreams- what is better than coffee AND chocolate?! It was to die for, and I was spoilt for choice: there was coffees with mint cream, coffees with Sicilian blood orange liqueur and their Barley coffee. Heaven. 

The Cannelloni di Melanzane was a delicious dish of aubergines filled with Creszenza cheese, Mozzarella and Parmesan (so light on the cheese.....) and finished with fresh pesto and basil leaves. Again, so divine and the perfect small, light accompaniment for my coffee. 

Caffe Florian is 100% worth  visit- a magical Italian gem with the most beautiful decor and even better coffee. 

Depresso- The Feeling You Get When You Run Out of Coffee

I like nothing better than to head out at a weekend and find a new coffee shop, with nice cakes, soft music and strong coffee. 

My research into these perfect little hideaways has taken me across the country and around the globe and I have found some true little gems in and amongst the hustle and bustle of every day life. 

Queen Caffeine- A one stop shop for reviews and recommendations. And suggestions, DEFINITELY suggestions welcome!