Sunday, May 30, 2010

Scottish Aeropress Championships - Udpate

This is a lastly update earlier the Scottish Aeropress Championships on 21 Apr that volition select a winner to become to the World Aeropress Championships inwards Dublin, inwards June.

You tin larn tickets online here - or at the door - together with you're inwards for to a greater extent than or less sensory joy! Taste, smell, sound, sight together with feeling volition larn a run out.

As per our lastly article, the consequence starts at 6.30pm at the Dissection Room Summerhall together with has a really pose dorsum vibe. This video gives you lot a sense of what the consequence is striving for, albeit the actual contest measure volition live really high!

Tickets are yet available together with this is what you'll enjoy, surrounded past times the fantastic smells of high-end coffees:
  • Sight & feeling - You'll live on tenterhooks every bit you lot sentry ii semi finals together with i terminal comprised of our finest baristas slinging their aeropress brews for world-class judges. Competitors volition practise their brews inwards 8 minutes - outset to complete - earlier judges betoken to the winners. It's all really pacey
  • Sound - Live Music from Supermoon and Woodenbox
  • Feeling - The Summerhall Bar volition assist you lot current of air downwards together with chill out
  • Taste - Jones & Son Bespoke BBQ inwards the courtyard
  • Taste - Steampunk Coffee van inwards the courtyard
  • Taste - Twelve Triangles doughnuts
  • Taste - Brew Lab Cold Brew
  • Feeling - Get your retail therapy hitting at the Pop-up Coffee Store
  • Feeling & taste - Edinburgh Coffee Lovers Brew Bar where you lot tin experience the dear chatting amongst to a greater extent than or less of Edinburgh together with Glasgow's finest java shop managers and roasters. These friendly folk volition paw out tasters of their delicious java together with other creations every bit follows:
    - 6.30-7pm Fortitude - Williams & Johnson (roaster)
    - 7.10-7.40pm - Cult Espresso -  Noir
    - 7.50-8.20pm - Lowdown - Ovenbird (roaster)
    - 8.30-9pm - Cairngorm - Mr Eion (roaster)
    - 9.10-9.40pm - Artisan Roast (roaster) - Papercup (roaster)
All inwards all, it'll live a corking night, promise to encounter you lot there!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Roots, Fruits & Flowers Kelvinbridge

451 Great Western Rd
G12 8HH
Glasgow
»Map«
Open every day
Espresso
Coffee: Charlie Mills
Also: Whole foods, meals, groceries
Coolness: Wholefoods to stimulate got abode - raw as well as ready to eat

Roots, Fruits & Flowers (3♥) is a combination wholefoods, healthfoods, delicatessen, florist, fruit as well as vegetable store that's been a landmark inward Glasgow's West End for decades.

It has a grand as well as broad frontage amongst closed to create on display exterior the store - nether their iconic dark awnings amongst gilded type clearly spelling out their wares.

In the department of the store that has a large drinking glass deli counter, you'll last able to monastic say your java to stimulate got inward or stimulate got away - made amongst beans from local roaster Charlie Mills.

The deli counter displays a broad attain of nutrient to swallow inward or take-away including soup, olives & hummus, deli platters, grilled panini, savoury tarts, tortillas, salads as well as cakes.

The bulk of the large release of customers stimulate got yummy things home, only there's quite a fleck of seating available to eat-in, past times agency of large, chunky, high wooden tables as well as stools along the windows.

More: facebook.com/rootsfruitsandflowers/

Friday, May 28, 2010

Riverhill Java Bar

24 Gordon St
G1 3PU
Glasgow
»Map«
Open every day
Espresso, aeropress, clever dripper
Coffee: Dear Green
Also: Meals, cake, beans
Coolness: Fantastic array of mouth-watering cakes

Riverhill Coffee Bar (3♥) is located inward Glasgow's metropolis centre together with shopping district together with offers high character food, primarily to induce got away.

They role Glasgow roaster Dear Green together with offering proficient espresso, aeropress together with clever dripper amongst beans chosen accordingly.

The venue is pocket-size - narrow amongst the servery running around of its length. But the owners pack a lot into that pocket-size infinite together with the service is rattling friendly together with efficient.

The start affair you'll run into when yous piece of job inward the store is a beautiful display of cakes of many types. It is actually rattling difficult to resist a lilliputian something to induce got amongst your coffee! Examples include night chocolate together with beetroot cake, caramelised banana together with strawberry jam frangipane while together with pistachio, orangish bloom together with night chocolate financier - amidst many others, piled upwards on a long wooden board looking similar a veritable cake-u-copia.

The nutrient is inventive, locally sourced together with rattling much the focus of Riverhill who also induce got a eating seat around the corner that faces on to West Nile Street (offering the sum suite of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner).

If you're lucky yous tin perch on ane of the few stools available exactly the vast bulk of customers watch their java together with a sandwich, salad or soup (or cake!) together with induce got it amongst them to devour elsewhere.

More: Riverhill Coffee Bar facebook

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Luckie Beans - Leith Market

Dock Place
EH6 6LU
Edinburgh
»Map«
4th Sabbatum of every month
Aeropress, Cona
Coffee: Luckie Beans
Also: Beans!
Coolness: Watching the retro Cona java maker inward action

Luckie Beans is a Berwick-based roaster owned as well as operated past times Jamie McLuckie. He pops-up at a release of markets inward Edinburgh as well as the Borders as well as sets upward his stall at Leith Markets on the terminal Sabbatum of every month.

You tin alternative upward either an aeropress or Cona coffee. In real basic terms, the aeropress method involves gently pressing compressed air against the Blue Planet java as well as hot water, through a newspaper filter (or sometimes micro fine metallic mesh) as well as into your cup. The Cona method relies on vacuum to transfer the H2O through the grounds to create the drink.

Jamie to a greater extent than oftentimes than non offers java (the drink) using his Love Lane House Blend, which combines darker roasted Brazilian as well as Indian beans amongst lighter roasted Kenyan as well as Guatemalan beans. He every bit good offers samples using unmarried origins from his broad make which includes java from Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, Colombia, Sumatra as well as a Brazilian decaf.

Leith Market stall holders sell local fresh veggies, cheeses, fish, meat, nutrient to consume on the spot as well as other make as well as hand-made products. They every bit good to a greater extent than oftentimes than non convey alive music which contributes to the relaxed atmosphere.

Jamie every bit good sells his Diedrich roasted beans online as well as via his Fountainbridge Fridays, Leith, Kelso as well as Peebles marketplace position stalls, as well as supplies a make of java shops inward Southern Scotland.

More: facebook.com/luckiebeans

Cult Espresso

104 Buccleuch St
EH8 9NG
»Map«
Open every day
Espresso, Kalita wave
Coffee: Round Hill & guests
Also: Light meals, cakes
Coolness: Exposed brink industrial vibe with warmth

Cult Espresso (5♥) is on the South Side of the Old Town, close Edinburgh University.

The friendly Cult folk characteristic invitee coffees amongst seasonal Round Hill Roastery beans together with pick out the correct edible bean for your brew method.

Cult offers espresso-based java together with Kalita Wave pour over coffee. For those less familiar with Kalita Wave, its a drip-filter java gizmo that has a apartment bottom that contributes to a to a greater extent than even, fuller brew.

The infinite itself is long together with narrow. The street frontage is quite pocket-size merely the store drops downwards nigh half-way through offering ample seating on 2 levels. The fit-out together with decor is warm spell having an industrial experience to it.

Brunch on the carte du jour ranges from granola together with porridge to poached eggs together with waffles. Lunches include sandwiches, soups together with quiche, all of which tin terminate hold upward followed upward with tempting cakes together with pastries.

Highly recommended!


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Mccune Smith Cafe & Shop

3-5 Duke St
G31 1DL
Glasgow
»Map«
Mon-Sat
Espresso, Aeropress, V60
Coffee: Dear Green & guests
Also: Meals, cakes, snacks
Coolness: Sharing the honey of slavery abolitionist James McCune Smith

McCune Smith Cafe & Shop (3♥) is at the East terminate of primal Glasgow, nigh the Strathclyde University campus.

It's a triple-fronted store with windows from the flooring to ceiling together with has local roaster Dear Green equally their work solid edible bean provider, amongst guests. You tin savour espresso based drinks equally good equally traditional old-school filter, aeropress together with V60.

The rationale behind the cafe's advert is outlined on the menu. James McCune Smith was a 19th century African-American physician, apothecary, slavery abolitionist, together with author. When he was denied admission to American universities due to his race, he applied together with was accepted yesteryear the University of Glasgow. Supported yesteryear the Scottish Enlightenment, he was the showtime African American to have a academy medical degree.

The subject continues throughout the bill of fare that includes enlightened sandwiches together with enlightened breakfast pots, many named afterwards other legendary activists together with thinkers. The friendly folk at this cafe brand all their ain nutrient which is wholesome, tasty together with varied. The Tobias Smollett enlightened sandwich is has boundary greenish pesto, cherry-red cabbage together with apple tree slaw & goats cheese. The Frances Wright is Kentucky ham, homemade sweetcorn taste & salad. They also create closed to big Sabbatum brunches including the 'McCune Smith': scrambled eggs, Connage Dairy gouda together with sliced pastrami on toasted rye together with Mexican eggs: scrambled eggs with jalapeno, tomato, cheddar together with toasted tortillas, amongst the commons favourites. The home-baked cakes are super together with they also lead maintain salads, soups together with regularly changing specials.

The decor is unproblematic together with elegant with a mix of high stools, soft benches, chairs together with tables. The high ceilings together with massive windows arrive a really pleasant infinite to be.

After leaving Scotland together with returning to the USA McCune Smith went on to accomplish amazing (and courageous) things inward his relatively curt life precisely was rapidly forgotten yesteryear his ain household unit of measurement who didn't verbalize virtually him due to racial prejudices.

All inward all this cafe is a winner. And nosotros totally honey the profile they're giving Dr McCune Smith because he then deserves to live on remembered.

More: facebook.com/McCuneSmithCafeGlasgow

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Grams

sixteen Haymarket Terrace
EH12 5JZ
Edinburgh
»Map«
Everyday
Espresso
Coffee: Williams & Johnson
Also: Healthy fast nutrient & cakes
Coolness: Top notch well for you lot nutrient & raw, vegan, gluten-free cakes that are oft gluten-free amazing (try the snickers bar!)

Grams (3♥) is a breakfast as well as tiffin cafe rattling nigh Edinburgh's Haymarket station that does splendid coffee.

Grams serves Edinburgh's Williams as well as Johnson's unmarried origin, seasonally changing java as well as create a fine espresso-based brew. Relative new-comers Williams as well as Johnson are based inwards the Biscuit Factory inwards Leith as well as depict on previous sense including working at Melbourne's Market Lane java roaster.

Apart from lovely coffee, Grams' big differentiator is their affordable, health-conscious food. Owner Lewis creates his card based on whole ingredients as well as avoiding carbohydrate as well as processed food. That is, he starts alongside raw ingredients as well as processes them every bit trivial every bit possible as well as then all the nutritional value (and flavour) is retained.

While everyone volition honor rattling tasty nutrient at Grams, people chasing specific dietary needs volition honor to a greater extent than joy at Grams than some other cafes. Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free folk as well as avoiders of carbohydrate as well as dairy volition cause got their needs met - including almond as well as kokosnoot milk coffees.

The card includes bacon rolls, poached eggs & avocado, smoothie bowls, super salads (such every bit chicken aioli, chipotle salmon, sweetness murphy as well as vegan 'pulled pork'), baked sweetness potatoes, soups as well as sandwiches.

The cakes card deserves it's ain cite every bit they're industrial plant of art. Without the role of sugar, dairy or cooking, you lot tin select from slices of cheescake, a raw 'snickers bar' as well as a host of other delights that gustation neat only are nevertheless expert for you lot (in moderation of course!). Grams also provides their cakes to other cafes as well as tin oft move seen at farmers markets including the Stockbridge marketplace on Sundays.

You tin swallow inwards at a mix of tables, chairs as well as stools or take-away for work, uni, picnic etc. For those who alive or function nearby - Grams is an absolute break-through from a java indicate of view, as well as they opened upwards early!

More: facebook.com/gramsedinburgh

Monday, May 24, 2010

Edinburgh Larder Cafe

xv Blackfriars St
EH1 1NB
»Map«
Open: Every day
Espresso
Coffee: Williams as well as Johnson
Also: Scottish produce, meals, alcohol
Coolness: Scottish foodie sky inwards the picturesque Old Town

Edinburgh Larder (3♥) is inwards the Old Town as well as is a haven for lovers of closed to of the best make Scotland has to offer. They proudly solid reason their ingredients as well as foods are "local, organic or both".

This isn't a nutrient weblog only nosotros conduct hold to tell the meals hither are lovely. They conduct hold a broad gain including minor as well as large breakfasts, locally produced cheeses, meats as well as smoked fish, soups, sandwiches, quiches, tarts, cakes as well as a broad array of deli choices. Their bill of fare is friendly to meat-lovers as well as vegans alike as well as provides choices for gluten intolerant folk. They likewise conduct hold wines as well as beers - happy days.

And...yes, there's more, they likewise conduct hold lovely local goodies similar honey, flavoured oils as well as teas sourced from Eteaket with many other tasty treats to accept home.

So, the coffee? Good. They brand a expert java with William as well as Johnson beans, inwards keeping with their ethic of using local providers.

This is a haven inwards the tourist-heavy as well as amazingly picturesque Old Town as well as good worth a visit.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Counter On The Canal

Union Canal footway
nearly Gilmore Park
EH3 9RU
Edinburgh
»Map«
Tuesday-Sunday
Around 7.30am-3pm weekdays
Later hours on weekends
Espresso
Coffee: Mr Eion
Also: Cakes
Coolness: Cracking java from a duck-egg bluish canal boat

The Counter on the canal (4♥) is a java store fashioned from a lovingly restored canal boat on Edinburgh's Union Canal.

Owners Sally together with Ali purpose their bespoke blend from local roaster Mr Eion that is primarily Sumatran together with Brazilian.  They together with their squad plough out a mighty fine espresso-based java of a choclatey, hazelnutty nature - served inward eco-friendly take-away cups.

They bake their cakes, cookies, brownies together with traybakes inward the boat's kitchen, supplying their iii constabulary box java shops located inward Morningside, Tollcross together with Usher Hall, every bit good their boat.

The boat itself is rattling picturesque together with the service friendly together with attentive. It's permanently moored against the canal border rattling nearly the early on 1900s Leamington Lift Bridge, which besides has a footway therefore yous tin cross from i side of the canal to the other, joining Gilmore Park together with Leamington Road.

Take-away coffees are actively encouraged for those on their agency to hold upwards or play, together with a few chairs together with tables are available for those who receive got fourth dimension to linger. You tin besides slump into a canvass deck chair if you're inward an fifty-fifty to a greater extent than put dorsum mood.

Most people don't intend of canal boats when they intend of Edinburgh because they didn't play a big component inward the city's history. The Union Canal was opened inward 1822 to provide slowly together with efficient carry of coal together with other minerals from Lanarkshire. As luck would receive got it, the railway evolved speedily together with inside xx years had eclipsed the usefulness of the canal, which together with therefore brutal into disuse together with consummate disrepair over many years, closing inward the 1960s. Thankfully the Union was fully restored together with therefore re-opened inward 2001. It was reconnected to the Forth & Clyde Canal past times the innovative Falkirk Wheel inward 2002.

The Counter on the canal is a perfect add-on to the canal, making a lovely together with historic spot, fifty-fifty lovelier!

More: facebook.com/TheCountered/

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Introducing The Edinburgh Java Fringe - August 16

Edinburgh’s famous August festival current is only nearly to larn fifty-fifty amend amongst the city’s commencement Edinburgh Coffee Fringe, targeting specialty java lovers in addition to hosted at roughly of our best java shops in addition to associated Festival pop-ups.

Our specialty java scene is ane of the most highly regarded inwards the Great Britain (validated yesteryear leading researcher Allegra, non only my bias!) in addition to the events lined upwards every bit usage of the Edinburgh Coffee Fringe aim to larn locals in addition to visitors upwards unopen in addition to personal amongst cupping, tasting, drinking, classes in addition to by in addition to large talking nearly all things coffee.

Organisers Dave Law (Brew Lab), Ewan Osprey Allan (Union Hand Roasted Coffee) in addition to Martin Dare (Edinburgh Coffee Festival) get got set together the option Fringe throughout August in addition to get got pulled inwards roughly large names amongst roasters from Berlin’s The Barn in addition to Denmark’s La Cabra, England’s Square Mile, Origin Coffee in addition to Hasbean in addition to Edinburgh’s ain Artisan Roast, Williams & Johnson in addition to Machina Espresso.

Coffee lovers of all levels of seriousness – or un-seriousness - are welcomed to these chilled out events. Each roaster volition beak nearly how they origin their java beans, where they come upwards from, how they’re processed in addition to how they’re roasted, followed yesteryear tastings.You tin plough over the sack await roughly pretty exceptional flavours in addition to java insight from roughly world-class roasters.

Incorporating roughly Edinburgh Coffee Fringe events into your busy festival exhibit schedule gives you lot a rare chance to sense of savor in addition to empathise high character coffee, in addition to rest buzzing for those piece of cake nighttime shows.

With Edinburgh's commencement Coffee Festival beingness such a large success concluding year, in addition to the voracious appetite of local in addition to visiting java lovers who are becoming to a greater extent than in addition to to a greater extent than discerning, the Edinburgh Coffee Fringe is a swell add-on to our calendar inwards the sew to the mo Festival that takes house on 1 Oct at Summerhall. Pop that inwards your diary!

Here’s an overview of the schedule then far in addition to you lot tin plough over the sack find the venues amongst our App

Ticked booking in addition to to a greater extent than information is on the Edinburgh Coffee Fringe website

  • August eighth - 18:30 - Steve Leighton of Has Bean @ Brew Lab Victoria St popup 
  • August ninth - 18:30 - Jeremy Torz of Union Hand-Roasted @ Urban Angel
  • August tenth – 15:30 – Sensory Class @ Brew Lab Training Lab 
  • August 11th - 18:30 - Oli Jones of Origin Coffee @ Brew Lab Victoria St popup 
  • August 13th - 18:30 - Esben Piper of La Cabra @ Cairngorm 
  • August 15th - 19:30 - Ralf Ruller of The Barn @ Brew Lab Popup Victoria St 
  • August 17th – 15:30 – Sensory Class @ Brew Lab Training Lab 
  • August 17th - 18:30 - Pete Garcia of Square Mile @ Kilimanjaro2
  • August 20th - 18:30 - Todd Johnson & Zack Williams of Williams & Johnson @ Century General Store Abbeyhill
  • August 23rd - 11:00 - John Thompson @ Artisan Roast Holy Garage popup
  • August 24th – 15:30 – Sensory Class @ Brew Lab Training Lab 

Edinburgh Java Festival - Counting Down


We caught upward amongst Martin Dare too Jennifer Coyle to speak nigh this year's Edinburgh Coffee Festival, taking house at Summerhall on 1 October.

How's this year's festival shaping up?
Things are looking neat for our minute Edinburgh Coffee Festival. We learned a lot from final twelvemonth too select built on the things that people liked most. We've got a hit of coffee, tea, chocolate too nutrient stall holders involved, bringing unlike ideas too tastes to the event. We're likewise belongings it at a larger venue, Summerhall, which volition give everyone to a greater extent than room too agency nosotros tin select unlike activities running inward unlike spaces, including the outdoor courtyard.

You had large attendance numbers final year, what tin people await to consider this time?
Peoples' involvement too passion nigh java is growing to a greater extent than too more, then we're definitely hoping to attract lots of involvement on 1 October. Edinburgh's coffee, chocolate too tea scene is pretty amazing - we're upward at that topographic point amongst about of the best inward the U.K. - then people tin await high standards. Around xxx java stall holders including roasters volition trace the walls of Summerhall along amongst tea, chocolate too about artisan nutrient stalls equally well.

So tin you lot refer about names?
  • We're non fix to refer everyone only withal but... from Edinburgh too nearby you'll consider java roasters Mr Eion, Williams & Johnson, Steampunk Coffee too Luckie Beans equally good equally Shibui Tea, Pekoe Tea too the Chocolate Tree. 
  • From a niggling farther afield you'll consider UK-based Carvetii Coffee, Atkinson's Coffee too Union Hand-Roasted Coffee. And we're likewise pleased to welcome Obadiah who roast java out of Republic of Bulgaria too Johan & Nystrom from Sweden. 
  • But you lot definitely ask to intersperse your java sampling amongst something to eat, then we're actually pleased to select Tasty Buns, Pinnies & Poppies, The Ceic Company too The Marshmallow Lady.
  • And of course of report at that topographic point are others but we'll bring out to a greater extent than soon.
 What's the pose out i argue for going to the Edinburgh Coffee Festival?
Apart from a friendly too mostly welcoming surroundings that supports local pocket-size businesses, I'd nation the biggest depict carte du jour is the multifariousness of flavours all inward i place. It doesn't affair how much you lot know nigh coffee, you'll last able to speak to passionate producers too seek unlike coffees side-by-side, which makes agreement your ain personal preferences easier.

We'll last checking inward amongst Martin too Jennifer i time to a greater extent than before long to portion to a greater extent than intelligence nigh the adjacent Edinburgh Coffee Festival.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Ian Steel - J. Atkinson & Co

We caught upwardly amongst Ian Steel (left) from Lancaster-based J Atkinson & Co who'll survive speaking, in addition to setting upwardly a stall, at Edinburgh Coffee Festival, Summerhall on 1 October.

Image J Atkinson Coffee

>>  J Atkinson in addition to Co. started concern inwards 1837 in addition to is purpose of Britain's rich tea in addition to java history, how would you lot depict your java to today's customers?  <<

When Thomas Atkinson ready the Grasshopper Tea Warehouse inwards 1837 in that location were vi other tea merchants inwards town, an indication of Lancaster's condition equally a i time bustling West-facing port. As  the concluding survivor of that era nosotros view our role today equally a Talisman Business for the city, inwards these challenging times on the High St., buoyed upwardly equally nosotros are yesteryear the seemingly insatiable world thirst for skilful coffee.

All our java is the top Speciality grade, most of it exclusive to us, through diverse schemes & farms that nosotros operate with, what you lot mightiness telephone phone human relationship coffee. Most of all nosotros assay to select the most delicious coffees nosotros tin give the sack uncovering that showcase the best of a detail terroir.

So rather than depict our unlike coffees amongst baffling Flavour Wheel descriptors nosotros oft assay to convey them into familiar frames of reference, similar the novel Costa Rican Finca La Casa which my shorthand tasting notes shout out to equally existence similar Caramac & Hot Vimto!

>>  By watching your Facebook in addition to Twitter it looks similar music plays a large role inwards your lives - what's the connection?  <<

Like many who've come upwardly into the Coffee World equally Career Epihanists, my married adult woman in addition to I had previous careers inwards the creative industries, equally a TV Producer & a Textile Designer, in addition to so using our 2 cafés equally creative hubs merely seems a natural agency to furnish a focus for artistic endeavour. Lancaster is blessed amongst both a Jazz Festival & a Music Festival & we're to a greater extent than than happy to furnish the venues, equally good equally a yr circular programme of our ain events, ably aided in addition to abetted yesteryear our wonderful crew of baristas, most of whom seem to receive got some variety of creative bent.

>>  You're speaking at the Edinburgh Coffee Festival - what's your topic? <<

Small is non alone beautiful but tin give the sack too receive got an behave upon all along what nosotros increasingly shout out to equally the Value Chain. The Independent Coffee Shop is i of the greatest opportunities to view local specialisation tapping into a global production in addition to existence able to brand a existent divergence inwards influencing policies on a wider stage. It volition survive sprinkled amongst lots of java stories that illustrate practical ways nosotros tin give the sack usage narrative retailing to heighten our offering.

>>  We're passionate well-nigh supporting the smaller independent shops in addition to roasters, what 3 things would you lot nation to the skilful people of Edinburgh well-nigh why it's of import to back upwardly the piffling guys?  <<

Number 1 would receive got to survive Localism. We furnish local jobs in addition to invest dorsum into the community, non merely inwards keeping the coin circulating locally but too equally an informal coming together house for all sorts of activities. I'm ever staggered looking merely about our cafés at the broad demographic nosotros attract.

Number 2 is Diversity. The private graphic symbol of the Indy Café adds local colouring cloth to the High St. It reflects the graphic symbol of its constituents. We alone be equally long equally our customers select to pass their fourth dimension in addition to coin amongst us! We may non survive able to afford the exorbitant rents of the psyche shopping drag but nosotros tin give the sack breathe novel life into the areas on the periphery.

Number 3 is Sustainability inwards all its many forms. You'll uncovering local café owners to survive much to a greater extent than dedicated stakeholders in addition to stewards of their local surround than the faceless chains. We too tend to wed greener initiatives in addition to social issues amongst genuine enthusiasm, fifty-fifty though the Corporate Social Responsibility of the chains is to survive applauded.

>>  Why create you lot mean value specialty java is a growing marketplace position in addition to involvement inwards the UK?  <<

The chains receive got done wonderful operate for us equally recruiting sergeants introducing people to java in addition to it's alone natural that consumers desire to motion upwardly to the adjacent bird of lineament in addition to service that they tin give the sack uncovering inwards their local indy speciality shop.

>>  What's your favourite edible bean at the 2nd in addition to why?  <<

Costa Rican Finca La Casa Red Honey Villa Sarchi because it represents something I've been looking for for a acre in addition to I mean value we've establish it in addition to I conk to usage the tasting notes of Caramac & Hot Vimto!

>>  Any tips for habitation brewing in addition to by in addition to large existence a specialty java enthusiast?  <<

Invest inwards a skilful grinder. Stick to manual brewing. Try to ascertain the roasted-on engagement of the beans in addition to usage them from 2 days to 2 weeks afterward roast.  Use scales. Enjoy yourselves!

Hear to a greater extent than from Ian at the Edinburgh Coffee Festival on 1 Oct at Summerhall, Edinburgh.

Image J Atkinson & Co.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Edinburgh Java Festival - Demonstration Room

As purpose of a bigger as well as amend Edinburgh Coffee Festival, this yr we’re hosting a Demonstration Room featuring practiced baristas as well as roasters who'll portion their technical expertise as well as cognition most java beans as well as brewing styles.

Some questions you lot may acquire answered:

Keen to know tips as well as tricks for steaming polish as well as velvety milk for your flatwhites or lattes? Ali McFarlane from The Counter, Niall Langlands from Century General Store Abbeyhill as well as Eskil Ingvarsson from Swedish roaster Johan & Nystrom volition plough over you lot roughly polish milk tips.

Want to brew at dwelling but non certain what kit to buy?
Come along as well as run across roughly brew methods inwards action. Espresso, batch brew, kalita wave, pour-over – listen what they’re all most as well as endeavour roughly samples as well as then you lot tin brand informed decision. Our experts include folk from Union Hand Roasted, Baba Budan, Cairngorm as well as William & Johnson.

Hearing most java flavours as well as origins as well as desire to know more?
Each of our demonstrators volition beak a flake most the java they’re using, where it comes from, how it’s roasted – all attributes that contribute to the flavours you’ll selection up. Local specialty java trainers Brew Lab volition run a longer, detailed session every bit purpose of the programme.

Love your lattes but can’t care dairy? Oatly convey teamed upwards amongst Eskil Ingvarsson (World Brewers Cup finalist as well as Swedish roaster Johan & Nystrom’s Education Manager) to demonstrate their non-diary option that all the same gives you lot that lovely dense texture that leads to super latte art.

Want to acquire most java as well as cocktails?
Burr & Co volition atomic number 82 a masterclass on merely this really topic!


Pitch upwards at the door to the Histology Room inwards Summerhall at the next times to bring together inwards a session.


10.30-10:50

&

11:00-11:20
Ali McFarlane - The Counter Police Boxes as well as Canal Boat java shops – touches on his bespoke Mr Eion beans as well as how he makes groovy espresso-based drinks rain, hail as well as shine.
Ali’s running 2 sessions, i starting at 10:30 as well as i at 11:00am.

11.30 – 11:50 See Swedish roaster Johan & Nystrom’s Eskil Ingvarsson do amazing latte fine art using Oatly Foamable – a clever milk-alternative.

12.00 – 12:20 The folks from Baba Budan – Coffee, Tea, Donuterie – volition beak most batch brewing as well as plough over you lot a taster. This brewing method is a groovy option to espresso inwards roughly of our best java shops.

12.30 – 12:50 Union Hand Roasted Coffee – who likewise convey a stall at the Festival – volition beak most their beans as well as brew upwards roughly Aeropress coffee. Loads to listen most here!

13.00 – 13:20 Niall Langlands - Century General Store Abbeyhill – volition impact London’s Assembly Roast beans as well as peak tips for making groovy espresso-based coffees

13.30 – 13:50 Robi Lambie from Cairngorm Coffee volition beak most his Sanremo Opera espresso automobile as well as how he uses this high tech gear to brand a perfect loving cup every time.

14.00 – 14:20 Edinburgh roasters William & Johnson volition beak most their coffee, where they source it from as well as how they involve beans amongst juicy flavours. They’ll demonstrate the pour-over method as well as mitt out tasters.

14.30 - 14:50 Union Hand Roasted Coffee – who likewise convey a stall at the Festival – volition beak most their beans as well as brew upwards roughly Aeropress coffee. Loads to listen most here!

15.00 - 15:45 John Gibson from Brew Lab volition host an interactive tasting focusing on how dissimilar waters play a large purpose inwards java brewing. Find out why Edinburgh H2O is as well as then groovy for brewing, as well as why London H2O isn’t.

16.00 – 16:45 Festival sponsors Burr & Co volition demonstrate how to brand java cocktails via a masterclass – ideal for budding cocktail mixologists who likewise honey the season of coffee!

Buy tickets from the Edinburgh Coffee Festival online or at the door on 1 Oct at Summerhall!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Curated Brew - An Interview


I caught upward with Ian Kissick, founder of Curated Brew, to uncovering out what’s unique nigh his specialty java subscription service.

The release of pocket-sized batch java roasters has been on the dramatic increase over the final few years (mixed inwards with older traditional roasters reinventing themselves) in addition to novel java subscription services lead keep likewise been popping upward regularly.

I was intrigued past times the cite - in addition to the concept of ‘machine learning’ - hence had a proficient long chat with Ian.

What's the deal?

Ian started Curated Brew, leaving a corporate information technology purpose behind, at the halt of 2016. Despite solely taking upward java inwards 2012, Ian’s making upward for lost fourth dimension in addition to has definitely joined the ranks of the obsessed. He wanted combine his background inwards technology (coding) with his new-found dearest of specialty coffee.

He’s especially drawn to juicy, bright, interesting flavours at the upper halt of the specialty java marketplace – in addition to variety. The work is transportation costs - which rapidly brand sourcing these coffees from all over Europe un-affordable, fifty-fifty for the seriously dedicated.

So, inwards a nutshell, Ian does a wholesale bargain with a single, carefully selected roaster each month, in addition to ships y'all delightful java that would otherwise cost nearly twice equally much if y'all ordered a purse straight from the roaster due to transportation costs.

You’ll acquire a tip top purse of beans delivered to your address for a maximum toll of to a greater extent than or less £12 a 250g purse (slightly less if y'all purchase to a greater extent than than ane bag) in addition to some helpful accompanying notes nigh the java to read piece y'all sip.

To acquire your gustatory modality buds yearning in addition to equally an indicator of quality, final month’s roaster was Norway’s Talor in addition to Jorgen, in addition to May’s is Sweden’s Koppi. Yup.

So what’s the bargain with ‘machine learning’?

Ian is creating a database, based on client ratings of the sensory aspects of the java they’ve tried. He’ll feed that into a machine learning model based on thousands (and 10s of thousands) o customers’ feedback to empathise the underlying factors that people are enjoying.

In 2 years, Ian’s planning to offering 2-3 roasters over 10 origins, with dissimilar characteristics, in addition to he’ll know the likelihood of who volition similar which coffees in addition to recommend them accordingly - based on previous feedback.

He’s likewise aiming to necktie inwards with a academy to enquiry how peoples’ java palette changes over time, to offset unintentionally getting stuck inwards a flavor profile high temperature slash vortex ongoing.

How produce y'all lead the roasters y'all feature?

When Ian fix out inwards Jan 2017, he looked at all the speciality roasters inwards U.K. in addition to Europe that he was interested inwards in addition to emailed them. He asked for samples, cupped them in addition to made a listing of 10 he wanted to travel with immediately. Some were start-ups others were to a greater extent than established companies. Going frontwards Ian volition inquire for samples from roasters in addition to hence loving cup in addition to lead them together – equally good equally bringing others inwards to assist lead equally well.

Ian said “I similar trying dissimilar coffees. It’s a comfort in addition to a pleasure, merely it’s likewise intriguing whenever y'all attempt a java with a dissimilar sensory profile. The people who are signing upward hence far are to a greater extent than frequently than non looking for something different. Because of the toll point, we’ll rarely characteristic highly expensive coffees, merely we’ll e'er characteristic interesting coffees at high character - to a greater extent than frequently than non a lite roast.”

Ian’s trying to come across with equally many roasters equally possible to gustatory modality their coffees with them. He wants to acquire their accept on the coffees they lead keep on offer, chat them through in addition to brand decisions together nigh what suits his customers.

We were lucky plenty to attempt the Talor & Jorgen, fully washed Rwandan Musasa (pictured inwards super lovely artwork) in addition to volition hold upward dorsum to attempt some other shortly - amongst supporting our local roasters heartily of class (in fact I passed a few names of our fine Scottish roasters to Ian for consideration!).

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Bungo Barista

717 Pollokshaws Rd
G41 2AA
»Map«
Open every day
Espresso
Coffee: Dear Green
Also: Meals, cake, breads
Coolness: Whole vegetarian friendly nutrient abounds

Bungo Barista (3♥) takes its cite from its location inwards Glasgow's due south side Strathbungo.

Featuring local roaster Dear Green, Bungo takes assist alongside their java together with serves a squeamish cup. Flat whites, lattes, macchiato together with iced java are all on offering alongside a smile.

The owners are fans of the surface area together with cause got dedicated their big breakfasts to local landmarks. Alongside eggs, the 'Pollokshaws Road' for example includes smoked salmon, avocado, spinach together with cream cheese. There are likewise enough of smaller options from granola to toast alongside nutella to sausage rolls.

Lovers of vegan, vegetarian together with gluten gratis nutrient volition uncovering happiness hither alongside a genuine make to conduct from. Tempeh rashers, quinoa burgers, chick pea koftas together with sweetness spud pakoras to cite a few. And the baking is overstep notch alongside cakes, muffins, tray bakes together with more.

Owners cause got thoroughly gone later on a rustic decor, creating a warm together with cosy experience that matches the friendly service. The timber flooring, tables together with wall linings combined alongside vintage bold type faces deliver rustic plus!

Written inwards partnership alongside our java buddy Leanne Graham
- Instagram @glw.coffee.snob & peaceandjam1

More: facebook.com/BungoBarista

Monday, May 17, 2010

Coffee Stories - Louise Campbell From Tasty Buns Bakery

In the Pb upward to this year's Edinburgh Coffee Festival on fourteen October, we're going to lay out regular stories virtually some of the people that are involved, as well as brand our specialty java scene great. They're a passionate as well as varied bunch!

Our commencement 'Coffee Story' features Louise Campbell, owner, barista as well as bakery extraordinaire of Tasty Buns Bakery - 67 Bread Street, Edinburgh.


Intro: We are a modest java store using a blend roasted past times Mr Eion as well as nosotros produce all our ain baking onsite.

When did you lot switch on to specialty coffee? Personally, in all likelihood when I moved to Edinburgh inwards 2011. I was never a huge java drinker myself until I hitting University as well as the pick of non bad petty spots inwards Edinburgh opens upward your hear to a whole novel side of java - or at to the lowest degree that's what I found!? Maybe I only matured amongst age! When nosotros got the keys for our store on Bread Street, the commencement affair nosotros did was a tasting amongst Mr Eion - I was upward for using person local as well as passionate as well as he fitted the bill!

What attracted you lot to opening a java shop? I originally moved to Edinburgh to written report for a Masters inwards Forensic Anthropology - which I was enjoying - but that was when I started baking as well as using it every bit a *slight* distraction from essays as well as coursework. When I figured I was pretty proficient at it, as well as that people genuinely really liked eating it, I finished my course of written report early on as well as started working inwards some cafes some Edinburgh whilst looking for the correct infinite for us to start in. I had ever wanted to travel amongst nutrient but my woman raise was a Chef as well as she ever said 'No - it's rubbish hours as well as non not bad pay. Do something amongst your Science!'

What produce you lot similar most virtually it now? I dearest it. But the best flake has to endure our customers. We accept alone been opened upward only over a twelvemonth directly but nosotros already accept a wonderful bunch of regulars (even ones who accept helped us deport a big novel mixer that arrived for us from sitting exterior the store to our kitchen downstairs). I too dearest getting out as well as doing events such every bit the Edinburgh Coffee Festival. It's a overnice alter of scenery as well as measuring as well as it gives us the chance to speak virtually what nosotros dearest most - baked goodies!

What tips would you lot give people considering a career inwards java as well as cake? I would tell that without a dubiety opening Tasty Buns Bakery is the best as well as the hardest affair I accept ever done. There is ever going to endure comparisons to other java shops as well as cafes thence I intend the most of import affair is to accept organized faith - believe inwards the production you lot brand as well as sell. Keep experimenting - that's what keeps the dearest for what you lot produce alive. And...... I would tell ever proceed an oculus on what's going on amongst the Coffee as well as Food scene inwards Edinburgh - it is ever changing as well as evolving as well as that is a WONDERFUL thing!

Any other pearls of wisdom? Get an Aeropress. Best affair I ever bought. Delicious java at home, but too anywhere else your pump desires!? It's genius. And ever *slightly* under-bake your Brownies as well as and then travel out them overnight to laid earlier cutting them!

Louise as well as Tasty Buns Bakery volition endure taking a stand upward at the Edinburgh Coffee Festival on fourteen October.


Photos: Louise Campbell

Coffee Stories - Gareth & Angharad From Carvetii Coffee

In the Pb upwards to this year's Edinburgh Coffee Festival on xiv October, we're publishing regular stories virtually roughly of the people that are involved, too that brand our specialty java scene great. They're a passionate too varied bunch!

Today's 'Coffee Story' features Angharad MacDonald & Gareth Kemble, owners too founders of Carvetii Coffee located inwards Keswick.

Photo: Westmoreland Gazette
Intro: We are speciality java roasters, though our describe organisation instantly includes the supply, maintenance too repair of espresso machines too associated equipment. We provide a arrive at of preparation courses to both wholesale too abode customers too accept to a greater extent than late started dabbling inwards free foliage tea. Increasingly nosotros are providing consultancy back upwards for novel start-ups.

What yr did yous switch on to specialty coffee? We've ever been speciality java roasters. In fact nosotros adhere thus closely to the ethos of speciality java that inwards vi years of trading, nosotros accept notwithstanding to sell a handbag of Blue Planet coffee.

What attracted yous to the specialty java business? We roast the java nosotros bask drinking, inwards a agency that suits our preference. It simply happens that nosotros bask speciality coffee. We don't endeavor to survive all things to all people. If nosotros don't bask a java too thus nosotros won't sell it. We also felt that the speciality sector provides a sustainable futurity for the industry.

What create yous dearest most virtually it now? It's what nosotros don't similar that drives us on. So many inwards the manufacture look to desire to out-do others, too inwards doing thus I fearfulness a large purpose of our sector is distancing itself   from the bulk of java drinkers. We are a java drinkers' speciality roaster - no pretension, simply good developed, accessible java which reflects the source from where it was sourced.

What tips would yous give java lovers? It's been said thus many times, but it is belike the best tip nosotros tin offering - invest inwards the best grinder yous tin afford. Also stick to mitt brewed java for abode utilization too move out espresso to your favourite java shop.

What tips would yous give people considering a career inwards coffee? Work your agency through the ranks too don't endeavor to run earlier yous tin walk! Get equally much sense equally possible across the whole spectrum of the industry. We spent a yr working for a java chain earlier opening our business. Ok, the java wasn't groovy but nosotros learnt thus much virtually systems, workflow too marketing from that period.

Any other pearls of wisdom? It's non simply virtually the roaster. When nosotros started our describe organisation the manufacture seemed to   survive excited virtually the origin. Farmers were at concluding elevated to their rightful house too nosotros recognised how the season of the java was influenced at origin. While the increment inwards micro roasters is no dubiety a skilful affair for our industry, at that topographic point seems to survive equally good much attending given to this expression of the java chain. If yous dearest java commencement exploring source characteristics to a greater extent than - endeavor unlike processing methods, or why non compare an AA Kenyan to an AB Kenyan?

The Carvetii squad volition survive taking a stand upwards at the Edinburgh Coffee Festival on xiv October.





Sunday, May 16, 2010

Coffee Stories - Sca Shape - Introduction To Coffee


Photo: SCA
For the starting fourth dimension time, the Edinburgh Coffee Festival is partnering amongst the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) to run their Introduction to coffee course, at the Corn Exchange, every bit usage of the day. And there's a real audio rationale.

The increasing divulge of people seeking out speciality java is non looking similar slowing downwardly whatever fourth dimension soon. Around 2.3 billion coffees are bought inwards shops across the Great Britain each year, together with we're seeing to a greater extent than high character java shops opening across Scotland all the time. So a career inwards the java manufacture is sought afterwards yesteryear many together with finding together with keeping talented staff, critical to the success of our java shops.

And java drinkers aren't simply getting choosier most their java shops, they're too getting to a greater extent than discerning together with adventurous amongst the java they're making at home.

The terms of dwelling identify java equipment is getting to a greater extent than affordable every bit applied scientific discipline improves. And manual brewing is fifty-fifty less expensive using kit such every bit V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave together with Aeropress. Home brewers are turning their attending (and their money) toward trying unlike roasters, origins together with season profiles every bit they tinker amongst their grind size together with timing, seeking the perfect extraction.

Jim Watson - SCA Trainer
So if yous desire to smoothen upward your skills together with knowledge, here's the run down:
  • There are sixty positions available for the half-day class - thirty inwards the morning, together with thirty inwards the afternoon
  • It's a acquire by at £60! Normally this class is roughly twice the cost 
  • Two extremely knowledgeable java professionals who are too SCA qualified trainers volition atomic number 82 the sessions - Jim Watson who heads upward The Scottish Barista Academy together with Alex Passmore Head Trainer at Origin Coffee Roasters
  • A ticket to the Coffee Festival is included inwards the terms of the course
  • You'll acquire most how java has evolved from its origins inwards Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the major commodity it is today
  • And sympathise the procedure from picking the java cherries through drying, roasting, brewing together with lastly drinking
  • The class includes a java 'cupping' thus you'll experience how professionals distinguish season together with aroma. 
  • The Introduction to Coffee class is a starting fourth dimension pace on SCA Coffee Diploma System certification 

Find out to a greater extent than most the SCA Introduction to Coffee Course.

Book a place at the Edinburgh Coffee Festival on xiv Oct earlier they sell out!
Alex Passmore - SCA Trainer
Photo: Sprudge
Photo: SCA


Saturday, May 15, 2010

Scottish Aeropress Championships - 2017

The annual Scottish Aeropress Championship is back.

On 27 September, 36 domicile as well as professional person brewers volition battle it out, armed amongst hot water, a bespoke java blend, a slice of plastic that looks similar a plumber's offcut, as well as a flake of carefully timed elbow grease.

While this is a contest that doesn't induce got itself also seriously, winning is a huge endorsement of brewing prowess. Our Champion volition jet off to Seoul for the World Aeropress Championships afterward this year.

While the aeropress makes a
polish loving cup of coffee,
it's non going to win awards
for beingness aesthetically pleasing.
For those unfamiliar amongst the aeropress - it's a method of brewing java manually (i.e. without electricity) that involves pushing hot H2O through terra firma coffee, via a filter as well as into your cup. It was invented past times Alan Adler who also created the Aerobie flight band (that’s faster than a Frisbee) this post gives y'all a intro.

Scottish Championship organiser Dave Law from Brew Lab gave us the run downward on what promises to live a great nighttime - made fifty-fifty ameliorate past times loads of friendly folk pitching upward to cheer on our competitors! (book your ticket here)

Coffee & competition
Some activity from the 2016 heats
  • Competition heats volition induce got house during the day, opening upward to Earth at 6.30pm for 2 semi finals as well as the final
  • Eleven domicile brewers volition compete this yr which is quite a flake to a greater extent than than in conclusion year. The remaining competitors are professionals working for cafes as well as roasteries.
  • Competitors come upward from Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Fraserburgh, Falkirk as well as more. Cairngorm Coffee induce got a rigid showing amongst five competitors, Artisan Roast as well as Machina Espresso both amongst 3 competitors. Last year's winner James Aitken is dorsum to defend his crown!
  • Judges this yr are from the 3 roasteries that induce got provided the contest coffee. Emiliya Yordanova from Machina Espresso, Matt Carroll from Fortitude Coffee Roasters as well as Zach Williams from Williams & Johnson
  • Judges volition live judging based on the uncomplicated criteria that is consistent across all Aeropress Championships globally: 'which loving cup would I prefer to drinkable all of'. Dave as well as the judges are also planning to involve random audience members if necktie breaking is required.
  • Each oestrus is pretty quick - 8 minutes to live precise. After all it doesn't induce got a long fourth dimension to brew a loving cup of java - but it's intense!
  • Competition java - photograph kindly as well as unknowingly
    provided past times Brew Lab's instagram feed, thanks!
  • All competitors purpose the same java as well as they're sent it inwards advance as well as hence they tin practise prior to the big event. This year, organisers induce got taken the chance to showcase 3 great novel Edinburgh roasters: Machina, Fortitude as well as Williams & Johnson who've produced a three-way blend. According to Dave from Brew Lab, "blends induce got pretty much disappeared from speciality coffee, but when y'all induce got actually high character unmarried origins every bit the components, y'all tin larn some pretty exceptional java too. Its going to live actually complex as well as interesting."
More fun materials that happens on the night
Brass Gumbo friendly faces - photo
snitched from their facebook page
but I'm hoping that's OK
  • Brass Gumbo volition perform on the nighttime - self described every bit "a musical melting pot of brass as well as percussion playing funk, jazz as well as more, all amongst a distinctly New Orleans flavour... this is feel-good music for the feet as well as the soul"
  • Baba Budan are doing their signature filled doughnuts, Jones as well as Son bringing their BBQ, Brew Lab volition live making java cocktails as well as Barneys Beer as well as Pilot Beer volition both live providing exceptional java beers. 
  • Company Bakery volition furnish their super baking every bit good every bit providing ingredients for the avocado making contest which is dorsum again! 
  • Local high cease java accessory makers Made past times Knock will induce got a merch stand upward and their novel Aergrind grinder may brand an appearance
  • Example Brew Lab coffee-inspired
    cocktail - doctored from their
    Ista feed
  • The event's principal sponsor is Intelligent POS past times iZettle, who volition also live at that spot doing demos. Without this amazing sponsorship as well as that of the other supporting sponsors, our Scottish Champion wouldn't live able to larn to Seoul for the World Championships, as well as hence bravo to iZettle as well as other sponsor pals!
More most Aeropress Championships to a greater extent than generally

This year's poster is past times Struan Bruce Sloan
This actually is a non bad wee movement. Here's what appeals to me:
  • It's inclusive. Anyone tin participate. Home brewers through to total fourth dimension baristas
  • The World Aeropress Championships guidance is every bit follows: "At all times, your resultant should strive to live fun, inclusive as well as welcoming for competitors as well as guests alike. The World AeroPress Championship is most edifice community, making friends, as well as celebrating coffee. Use that ethos every bit your guiding light"
  • The rules are direct frontwards and, every bit I mentioned above, don't induce got itself also seriously, I pull your attending to 2 specific rules that underline this ethos: "On the count of three, all judges volition shout for simultaneously, confidently, as well as definitively at the loving cup of their choosing." This agency literally shout for their fingers at the loving cup they similar best, no complex grade sheets involved. as well as "Any challenger protests or appeals should live addressed to ‘just_try_to_have_fun_ok [at] worldaeropresschampionship.com'. Please do non aspect a response." So y'all run into what I mean. This is non most overly precious barista-ing.
  • And lastly, as well as i of my favourite things, is the emphasis on poster design. Any province that wants to host their country's Championship, has to pattern a poster. So every year, a fantastic novel array of posters are created that are real cool. This year's Scottish Championship poster was created past times illustrator Struan Bruce Sloan as well as it's good worth scrolling through posters from around the world.
So larn yourself along on Midweek night. You tin majority tickets here.

It'll also larn y'all nicely inwards the mood for the upcoming Edinburgh Coffee Festival!