Caffe Vergnano 1882

This place is fantastic.
The whole concept is amazing. I can’t believe I found it without even looking for it. They are serious about their coffee and have been since 1882. Their espresso blend is comprised of seven different single origin beans from around the world including the highly sought after Nicaraguan Maragogype which is more expensive to cultivate than the famous Blue Mountain. It is a joy.

They have an extensive espresso menu alone which I have to include here because it is truly impressive.

Espresso 1882
Espresso 1882 Macchiato
Espresso 1882 Con panne – whipped cream
Espresso 1882 Corretto - amaretto
Espresso 1882 Gianduja – chocolate and whipped cream
Espresso 1882 Gia Cometta – meringue, whipped cream and crushed hazelnut

Honestly!
They also offer a coffee guide on their website for the true coffee veterans such as myself to read and enjoy. You should check it out.
The presentation of every single shot extracted from the stunning Elektra Belle Époque is enough to make me weak at the knees. The taste! Oh the taste, truly perfect espresso is served here and I am in heaven to have it. It is short and strong and served with a small bitter chocolate and shot of water on the side to expand every mouthful of coffee. It is all about complimenting the coffee here. Caffe Vergnano has, for three generations, been working in London and are now winning awards for their signature 1882 blend. They grow, they roast, they brew, they serve and I'm sure they indulge also. They have 2 coffee bars in London. Southbank Centre and in Charring Cross road, which is where I have found them today. Ahh the Italians! Got to love their dedication and passion for the grand things in life.

Taylor St Baristas

So this place is another Australian owned dream. I don’t mean to find all these Australians but it seems we know our stuff. The quality that comes out of this place is really consistent too; I’ve been to Taylor St in Richmond several times. The staff are all very keen on coffee and genuinely nice people so I do like to go back often.
This time, I noticed that they have changed the blend that they are using which I was truly excited about. It's called Bright Note espresso and it's a combination of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans. Described to have a chocolate taste. And too right it did. My flat white was delicious as usual and I really truly tasted the chocolate notes on the espresso. It was a joy.
These guys pride themselves on their latte art which is just so pleasing in a beautiful coffee and I love coming time after time. They are located inside Source Food Store, which is interesting enough in itself, a great place to stop and grab some fresh delicious lunch, to go or to stay and have the treasure of Taylor St Baristas tucked in the back waiting for you. They always have a copy of Bean Scene lying around for you to read and their loyalty card…buy four get the fifth free! Such a treat. They source their fair trade, 100% Arabica beans from union coffee roasters and the care starts at the beginning all the way to this delicious flat white sitting in front of me.

Taylor St Baristas, finely crafted coffee for serious coffee drinkers.
Taylor St was founded by 3 Australians who couldn’t find a good coffee in London. There are 3 locations so far. This one in Richmond, another in New street purely for the foot locals and directly across from a massive Starbucks which I know for a fact they all find amusing. Also, in Brighton, where I am yet to venture too but will certainly visit soon.

The barista’s at Taylor St go through some serious work to be able to stand behind their machines, there is an exam that they work really hard to pass before they are even considered apprentice standard. It delves into the science and not just the art of coffee making and it is an important level they set for all the staff to be able to keep their quality across the board. It certainly pays off!