Will Hide is kind enough to share with us what Ten of the best UK coffee shops (Guardian, September 25). Most are outside London which is good.
The author is very upfront as to where his java taste stands in the introduction to the Top Ten Pick:
"For coffee-lovers who want to avoid the ubiquitous chains swamping the UK, there are an increasing number of independent shops that will give you an infinitely tastier cup, and more than likely save you money to boot. Once you've had a creamy, full-flavored drink that actually tastes of coffee, it's hard to go back to a paper cup full of milky dishwater."
And they said only Frenchmen were opinionated.
Amongst these 10, I would definitely stop at Opposite which actually has 2 locations in Leeds, the first Opposite 2 across from Leeds University hence the name, I guess and the most recent one downtown in Victoria Quarter (pictured below).
I like what they stand for as spelled on their home page: "If you’re bored of ordinariness then try Opposite and be surprised. We stand for individuality, creativity, community, quality and enthusiasm."
In Wadebridge, Cornwall, Relish Food and Drink is about more than coffee even though they remind us that their star Barista Jack made it to 8th place in the UK Barista Championships 2009.
They offer some cheese, beer and wine too not to forget organic teas.
Breakfast is served from 9 to 11 AM (for late risers) then Lunch, check the Drink and Food Menu for details. It's the June edition so it might have changed quite a bit since then but it gives you an idea.
They are open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Note their Children Policy:
"We don't mind children, but we do mind parents who don't mind children!"
Another day, another story, more places I will have to visit.