Arnett's (visit #2)

A quick review following a quick coffee today at Arnett's Cosy Kitchen in Clevedon. I enjoyed a double macchiato.
Served with their customary shortbread biscuit this was a a delicious espresso base with a small amount of milk foam. Keeping to the coffee there was no trace of bitterness. Now despite what Nestle have to say "Bitterness is an essential part of the overall taste of coffee" coffee does not have to be bitter (an opinion shared at Bruce's Brew). This was a bright and fresh espresso with a rich and developing flavour. The best part was a fruit kick like blueberry at the end of the profile. Clearly fresh coffee, allowing the flavours to come through and one of the best in town.
Rated 9/10

Tiffin

There are a lot of good things to be said about Tiffin, including a great sea front location, a genuine interest and communication about the source of its products, excellent service and good food.  Now that’s said on to the coffee.Tiffin do have something to say about their coffee. This is from their website: 
“Our coffee is made using a handbuilt Italian espresso machine, using fine Brazilian beans, supplied by our own roasters just along the road in Clifton. For coffee connoisseurs, try the coffee dripper filter with our aromatic single estate coffee of the season.” 

Ah, now I must be a connoisseur, mustn’t I? Well maybe not but I was tempted into ordering the coffee dripper filter with aromatic single estate coffee. My only concern was that they maybe don’t sell enough of it to keep it fresh. 
When it arrived I asked what the coffee was. The waitress found out and reported it was a Kenyan Gatomboya. I was told to let it brew for a few minutes before placing on my cup.
This I did. First thing I noticed was that the cup wasn’t big enough to hold all the coffee from the filter. So after filling the cup I put the filter back onto its base.

First taste.. An initial bright and fruity flavour followed by more depth. An enjoyable coffee.
What started well did go downhill as the remaining coffee in the filter over-brewed and became increasing bitter, muddy and un-pleasant. I couldn’t drink it quick enough to stop it continuing to brew and in the end had to leave it.

In the interests of research I have looked at brewing guides for using the Clever Dripper, a well respected device, including one from Clifton Coffee, Tiffin’s own supplier. 
http://www.cliftoncoffee.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BREW-Guide-04.pdf 
They all share the view that several minutes brewing should be followed by placing the filter on a mug that is big enough for all the coffee. So a good attempt from Tiffin to offer quality coffee let down by the logistics.

Scores: first sip 8/10 followed by 4/10 giving an overall score of 6/10

Corrister & White, Hill Rd, Clevedon

Corrister & White is a rather fashionable looking coffee and cake establishment.  1 shot of espresso is added to the small Americano and 2 to the large so I went for the large.... obviously.  The photo above was taken immediately on serving, as you can see, there is a complete lack of any crema and there was a slightly odd film on the coffee.  So, a bad start, but the most important aspect is always taste.... and there wasn't any.  I can honestly say that the instant freeze dried coffee I sometimes drink at home is better than this.  Yes, it tasted a bit of coffee, but that's all I can say about it.  This place might be strong on style, but it's completely lacking in substance... as is their coffee.

Jim's Americano 2/10