Free coffee at Waitrose

It's not in Clevedon and this is the first time we've got a review of a coffee that isn't. I expect it won't be the last time!

What's the reason for including this? It's interesting from the point of view that this coffee is free. As part of the myWaitrose scheme, members can get a free tea or coffee daily and it's free to join.

I was away with work for a couple of days, working in Horley, South of London. I didn't find a promising coffee shop first thing in the morning so popped into Waitrose each morning and had a free single espresso.

Things seem to be different depending on which Waitrose you go to. At this one I could only have a single espresso, not a double, which was fine with me. They used an automatic, push the button and get the coffee, machine rather than a proper espresso machine.

The coffee was acceptable, a rounded flavour, nothing distinctive but good enough for a morning stop. This wouldn't be a memorable coffee moment, nor a characterful coffee. For me it's a useful and pleasant pause on the day without costing a penny.

Rated 6/10

Arnett's Cosy Kitchen - Espresso for Jim

I went back to Arnett's this week and went for a double espresso just to make a change from my usual Americano.  No sugar this time in order to get the un-tarnished flavour.  It's true that we know the owner, but this is clearly the best coffee in the area.  It tastes so fresh and has bags of flavour.  I get a whole mixture of fruitiness, chocolate, bitterness and richness all in perfect harmony.  If you want a coffee in Clevedon, I urge you to try this place.

Jim's Double Espresso - 9/10

Hill Rd Market, Clevedon

Today’s post is a review of a takeaway espresso from the coffee shop in the Hill Road Market.  They serve coffee from Martin Cowardine roasters based in Somerset and were happy to tell me it is the “Luxury” espresso blend.

Enjoyed back at my desk this coffee has a rich and mellow flavour with well balanced acidity and bitterness. I expect this is an excellent base for Americanos and lattes and would probably be a great place to go if that’s what you enjoy. As an espresso it’s definitely satisfying and drinkable. I personally enjoy a more fruit flavour in the mix and that’s the only thing that I would ask for.

Rated 7/10. Recommended.

Tiffin Espresso

After the previous experience of the filter coffee at Tiffin (see Tiffin) I had set in my mind to go back and try the espresso, confident that I would have a better experience.

Today was that day, sun shining, wandering down the Clevedon seafront with no fixed agenda and the opportunity for a takeaway espresso was clear. Tiffin was very busy, clearly a popular place, and the staff rushed. This didn't stop them giving me a good service.

So to the coffee. Initial observations, rich aroma, thin crema, looked and smelled good. First taste, bright and acidic. On the second and third sips the acidity developed into something similar to grapefruit juice and finally became more sour and vinegar like. I didn't finish it.

Has anyone reading this visited there and how did you find the coffee? Are there any venues in the area you recommend?

Rated 4/10