The Perfect Coffee

Article by Amanda Hohenberg

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Coffee

Why would you write a whole article about a beverage? Well, first of all it is the most wonderful, ingenious little beverage ever created. It keeps you warm in winter and refreshes you in summer. It smells good. It can be served in the prettiest cups. After you procrastinated for weeks, it is the only thing that keeps you awake in the night before that important exam. "Erm…Do you…wanna meet for a coffee sometime?" is THE casual-yet-cool pick-up line for that flame of yours. "Erm…do you wanna… come up and have a coffee?" is THE subtle-yet-never-misunderstood cue to get him or her into your room after you had your little date.

Coffee is the one and only hangover cure. Jim Jarmusch made a pretty movie about people drinking coffee.

And then you know. It's just SO yummy. If it's good coffee. IF.

I've been searching for the perfect brew for very long now. It's been a long way but I found 'em – mostly at places where you wouldn't necessarily expect to get coffee at all. Here are my top picks, which you should check out even if you don't like coffee (cause I heard those people exist too).

1. Broadway market

Open on Saturdays, Broadway market is a safe bet if you want to spent a beautiful noon in London. Organic food, delicious cakes, incredibly talented street musicians and surprisingly economical vintage clothing. But of course, that's not what you came for: you want your coffee. And you'll get your coffee. There are many nice little coffee shops spread around the market, however, you’ll get the best brew from a little stall right at the Regent's canal entrance, called "Roasted Bean". Get a cappuccino, go down to the riverbank, have a look around the floating Boat shops, have a sit and enjoy your beautiful bean. Oh life is good, innit.

2. Departure Art-Cafe

Departure is a real gem of east London. Situated in Limehouse, it is an entirely volunteer-run local community centre, dedicated to artsy things. It hosts many fab events, from poetry talks to painting classes to music jam sessions. The staff is lovely and the building is full of beautiful photography, artwork, mismatched furniture and second-hand books, that can be bought for a price that you suggest yourself.

They have a daily-changing selection of nice and super affordable food and on top of all – you might have guessed it – AWESOME coffee. Could you ask for more? No. Except for another cappuccino.

3. Rough Trade (East)

It is well known for hosting gigs and signings and for its huge record selection but – BOY! – They make a coffee, so good, as if it was the only thing they'd ever done!

Rough trade is a treat for the taste (the coffee obviously BUT they also make ridiculously nice home-made chocolate brownies. Is this really a record shop?!), ears (listen to the staff's favourite records and get to know some great knew artists) AND eyes (what can I say, the barista is really pretty). I know, too much to take it all in. There is even a little photo booth for you to capture this beautiful moment.

Go there on Sunday to enjoy the best of Brick lane market too!

Noodles, vegetables and seafood in a coffee broth, available at a little cafe hidden deep in the suburbs of Tokyo. Image by Joe Jones.

Enjoy your coffee!