Why is it SO difficult to get a decent coffe in this city??
*there is no way of avoiding making myself sound like a coffee snob i'm afraid....im not...promise!I jus want a decent brew*

The number of places that know what they are doing i can count on one hand, whereas the number of places i can get a burnt, acidic, boiled to death latte is off the scale!!

are we REALLY getting all contentinental in our tastes and more knowledgeable about what we are eating and drinking or are we all buying into an image and just playing along, trying to look the part (with steaming latte in hand)??

If anyone suggests i try McStarbucks i will scream!!!!
A monkey can be trained to press four buttons and put a lid on a huge cup of hot milk that has been waived near a coffe bean! Im after proper espresso, made by a person!
Hats off to FOB & Forum but where else??? Help!

(just read that back and realised i might be becomming a bit like Tweak in SouthPark....Maybe rather than finding better coffee i should try & knock it on the head for a bit......?.........

Zooby's - just inside the winter gardens - are pretty good :)

not city center but cafe 9 in netheredge is very good, also airy fairy on london road...you could sit in the lovely garden at the back its great!

the place in West One is good

I have been for coffee with poimaster at cafe No.9 and can assure you he whinged and bitched about the coffee there as much as everywhere else!

What about that one on West St (opp Varsity) that was extended recently (can't remember its name). Not been in but it looks like they might know what they're doing.

Originally posted by Bilge
What about that one on West St (opp Varsity) that was extended recently (can't remember its name). Not been in but it looks like they might know what they're doing.

That's Cafe Moco - they do really nice coffee.

Ruskins on Tudor Square do great coffee's.

Perhaps you'd have more luck if you could spell the word "coffee" properly first? :hihi:

Originally posted by t020
Perhaps you'd have more luck if you could spell the word "coffee" properly first? :hihi:

Ccan't you just let something go just once T020?

*sighs heavily*


Anyway, back to topic... I Agree with the poor coffee thing generally in Sheffield. I enjoy mine most in Spain where I have a very strong Americano 'con un poco leche'... Bit drastic having to go over there when I need a decent cofffffeeee (sic) though.


EDIT - came back on to change my typo error 'Ccan't' then decided to leave it on just to be annoying to pedants.

The place in West One is good, I picked one up on the way into work this AM, cause the missus wasn't up to make me a drink :rant:

N

Originally posted by liencam
The place in West One is good, I picked one up on the way into work this AM, cause the missus wasn't up to make me a drink :rant:

N

Ever thought of making one yerself? :rolleyes:

Originally posted by msbehavin
Ever thought of making one yerself? :rolleyes:

Me? A MAN?!

Only jokin - jus couldn't be bothered this morning. I got up, showered, stroked the rabbit for a bit, and left for work.

Originally posted by liencam
Me? A MAN?!

Only jokin - jus couldn't be bothered this morning. I got up, showered, stroked the rabbit for a bit, and left for work.

Is the term 'stroked the rabbit for a bit' a euphemism for something else...? :hihi:

Originally posted by msbehavin
Is the term 'stroked the rabbit for a bit' a euphemism for something else...? :hihi:

Nooo!

Was meaning my li'l mate, Boogie Buny!

Starbucks is really average coffee - go with Cafe Moco, The Lounge (who produce quite excellent coffee), Nonas (sorry to the detractors but they still make good coffee)

poimaster, you know what they say about doing things yourself... if you can't find a decent coffee shop then why not open one yourself!! you will get a roaring trade, people will come from miles around because nobody can make coffee quite the same or as good as you, you will be the coffee junkies saviour of sheffield! ;)

Originally posted by poimaster
If anyone suggests i try McStarbucks i will scream!!!!
A monkey can be trained to press four buttons and put a lid on a huge cup of hot milk that has been waived near a coffe bean! Im after proper espresso, made by a person!
Hats off to FOB & Forum but where else??? Help!

Unfortunately Starbucks actually serves 'good' coffee Poimaster. Whilst people may disagree with their aggressive expansion policy and supposedly overpriced beverages nobody can deny that their espresso is really rather good.

As for your claims that any "monkey" can "press four buttons" - what does this refer to? The espresso based beverages are made using super-automatic espresso machines that grind and tamp the espresso. Far from being a bad thing this is actually good considering that espresso loses most of its flavour within 3 hours of grinding. That's why your espresso made by a 'person' (who presumably takes the stale espresso from a large grinder and tamps it themselves) tastes of pretty much nothing and Starbucks beans taste fresher. If I'm going to buy an espresso based beverage whilst out and about (which I rarely do as I own a Gaggia super automatic at home) I will always choose Starbucks as I like my espresso with a rich creme and fresh!

So the question is, "Do you want a fresh, well-brewed espresso with a rich creme or do you want to satisfy some half-baked moral quest?" I'll pick the Starbucks beverage anyday because with or without the caffeine I still sleep easy at night.

Originally posted by JonJParr
Unfortunately Starbucks actually serves 'good' coffee Poimaster. Whilst people may disagree with their aggressive expansion policy and supposedly overpriced beverages nobody can deny that their espresso is really rather good.

I can! When I've tried it I've found it unpleasent and watery - though I do quite like their muffins!

Remo's in Broomhill is reputed to make a fine cup of coffee - and it seems to be open longer hours now as well

Bragazzi's (think that's how you spell it) on London Road. The best coffee I've had in Sheffield by far.

Caf'e Ceres on Sharrowvale Road do fantastic coffee as do Remo's and Nonnas.

I think Sheffield needs a coffee house that opens late in the evening giving those who just want a late night caffeine hit rather than an alcoholic one.

Yada Yada Yada.....

If you catch them on a good day, Hercule in Crookes do the best coffee I've had in Sheffield. But I don't think the city is a coffee desert - you can get a drinkable cup in lots of places these days.

boasters at meadowhall. end of lanes opposite that funaholics. they do the nicest humapchinos ever!!!!

Remo's is the ONLy place to get coffee in Sheffield.

The quest for the perfect coffee ands there.

Utopia in West One is really good. Can get busy but well worth it -the frappe's and iced latte's are great for warmer days! :)

Originally posted by Eme1
Utopia in West One is really good. Can get busy but well worth it -the frappe's and iced latte's are great for warmer days! :)

....especially if you want to breathe some secondhand smoke at the same time. I prefer my double espresso without tar thanks.

No one has mentioned Coffee Revolution... fantastic coffee, and everything on the menu is fairtrade!

Two branches in Sheffield too, one on Ecclesall Road and one in the Students Union, it's where I go for my coffee, and I get to feel good about it too!

Originally posted by JonJParr
....especially if you want to breathe some secondhand smoke at the same time. I prefer my double espresso without tar thanks.

-on warmer days you can sit outside, they put plenty of tables out :cool:

No coffee chain can give you a good coffee. Go to Remo's, order a Cappo and see if you ever go back to the Revolution. I guarantee you wont!

Ray does make great coffee, providing you don't mind waiting or being embarrased by the leering club charging out onto the pavement to letch after High School sixth formers.

The coffee in Nonna's has just got better this last few weeks too, so that's back on the list - not that it ever went off. Some odd people do try hard to be seen to to hang out there sometimes though.

Cafe Moco is still the best at the moment for me, plus they do great food.

I have to agree about the garbage served up by chains or anywhere that puports to serve 'shoppers' such as Pollards.

It's true, they do like a look don't they!

Although at the moment it is big bro fever in there as his mate Roberto is on the show!

Good to hear Nonna's has improved, they never found a good replacement for Ray

Where is Moco?

Originally posted by Jimbhuna

Where is Moco?

West Street, opposite Varsity. I concur with the others; good coffee!

boring really but Pollards is the only place for real ground coffee & supplies. choice of strength always available, no fancy schmancy chocomochacappofrappe lite crap though.

Originally posted by Andy78
West Street, opposite Varsity. I concur with the others; good coffee!

I'll give it a go...cheers

Originally posted by Andy78
West Street, opposite Varsity. I concur with the others; good coffee!

Correction, I think it's opposite Tesco on West Street. Sorry, I haven't lived around those parts for a while.

Originally posted by Andy78
Correction, I think it's opposite Tesco on West Street. Sorry, I haven't lived around those parts for a while.

I concur with Andy's description of the location - spot on! However, I must emphatically disagree with your opinion of their coffee. The last time I visited said establishment the espresso was luke warm, stale with no crema and served in a cup more suited for serving tea! (espresso should be served in a vessel with thick walls so as to maintain the crema)

Definitely not good coffee in my opinion.

...but you do like Starbucks

Originally posted by mjlacey21
...but you do like Starbucks

It's quaffable but far from transcendent (Miles). The best espresso I've ever tried was at the Illy bar in Galleria (Via Del Corso, Rome) - now that was espresso....

Get to Remo's the lot of ya!

the only one who throws out espressos for not being up to standards!!

The best espresso I've ever tried was at the Illy bar in Galleria (Via Del Corso, Rome) - now that was espresso.... [/QUOTE]


....- that was irrelevant

Originally posted by mjlacey21
The best espresso I've ever tried was at the Illy bar in Galleria (Via Del Corso, Rome) - now that was espresso....

....- that was irrelelvant

Not entirely irrelevant. I was trying to illustrate that, in my opinion, Starbucks is not 'the best espresso I've ever tasted'. I was further trying to illustrate that the best espresso simply cannot be found in the UK and that it must be tasted in Italy, the birthplace of espresso.

Totally irrelevant, I think not.

Originally posted by JonJParr
I was further trying to illustrate that the best espresso simply cannot be found in the UK and that it must be tasted in Italy, the birthplace of espresso.

Errr, I think that's just coffee snobbery TBH.

Fair point, not totally irrelevant. Just pretty useless.

Originally posted by Tony
Errr, I think that's just coffee snobbery TBH.

I don't think so Tony - the point in question wasn't meant to ring of condescension it was merely an illustration of how espresso is best tasted in its birthplace close to wear many of the Arabica beans used to make espresso are grown (Lombardy).

Furthermore, I have already stated previously that the Starbucks coffee empire does not lend itself to freshness or indeed consistence. However, what you do find in Italy is that, on the whole, espresso is far better. It's natural really - think about it. The Italians drink it everyday as their staple, therefore they'll demand higher standards.

The same comparison can be drawn between many food varietals; sushi found in Japan is far better than that bought from M&S, Sainsburys or Waitrose!

*Tony thinks*

Nope... I still think you're talking cobblers IMHO.


Few people know or care about the difference between Lavazza Gold or Red. It's the same in Italy. Do the English have a better appreciation of Roast Beef? Of course not.

Originally posted by Tony
*Tony thinks*

Nope... I still think you're talking cobblers.

*Tony hasn't had time to think and certainly hasn't posted a response worthy of smashing the points JonJ raised just moments ago*

*JonJ thinks.... I'll have another espresso and wait for his reply*

Originally posted by Tony
*Tony thinks*

Nope... I still think you're talking cobblers IMHO.


Few people know or care about the difference between Lavazza Gold or Red. It's the same in Italy. Do the English have a better appreciation of Roast Beef? Of course not.

Indeed, the Italians prefer Illy anyway. However, put a badly cooked Roast Beef in front of an Englishman and he would be able to tell you how badly it's cooked. Conversely, put it in front a Chinese man and he probably wouldn't be able to tell you the finer points of cooking a joint of beef.

What we're talking about here is experience of the product. Some English people's only experience of espresso is Starbucks! How sad is that? But in Italy... they know what good espresso is and they know what standards are expected!

I think you're forgetting that the thread was about where good coffee is in Sheffield. It wasn't asking who has the most pretentious knowledge of coffee.

Oh dear. JonJParr misses the point that 99% of coffee houses use beans that are factory prepared and vacuum packed. These beans are quite happy traveling all over the world until the moment that the package of opened, subject to temperature. Such pre-ground beans provide consistency and profits to the manufacturers, reliability to the barrista, and enjoyable flavour to the consumer.

Proximity to the field is of no consequence. To suggest otherwise is merely to support some assertion that one knows more about coffee than someone else - snobbery in other words.

Now if you had said that the best coffee was somewhere where they select, roast, flavour, and grind their own beans before producing the 'perfect crema' then I might have been half convinced by you.

However, you choose to quote the best espresso as being at Illy - one of the worlds largest manufactirers of vacuum packed coffee supplied all over the world.

... smashed or ground?

PS... I agree about Starbucks though. :)

Originally posted by Tony
Oh dear. JonJParr misses the point that 99% of coffee houses use beans that are factory prepared and vacuum packed. These beans are quite happy traveling all over the world until the moment that the package of opened, subject to temperature. Such pre-ground beans provide consistency and profits to the manufacturers, reliability to the barrista, and enjoyable flavour to the consumer.

Proximity to the field is of no consequence. To suggest otherwise is merely to support some assertion that one knows more about coffee than someone else - snobbery in other words.

Now if you had said that the best coffee was somewhere where they select, roast, flavour, and grind their own beans before producing the 'perfect crema' then I might have been half convinced by you.

However, you choose to quote the best espresso as being at Illy - one of the worlds largest manufactirers of vacuum packed coffee supplied all over the world.

... smashed or ground?

I think the crux of my argument all along has been that the standard of espresso in Italy is consistently higher than that of in the rest of the world; not because the beans have to travel for I know, just as you do that vacuum packing beans prevents, to some degree, them from reaching their destination stale but because the baristas are more skilled and the Italian people demand higher standards.

I do not wish to come to blows with you Tony (it's a wonderful Friday afternoon after all) I think we might just have crossed wires somewhere across the virtual discussion.

Originally posted by JonJParr
...of how espresso is best tasted in its birthplace close to wear many of the Arabica beans used to make espresso are grown (Lombardy).

Arabica beans grown in Lombardy?
I guess it's high enough, but surely too cold?

A big thanks for all the suggestions as to WHERE (not wear) i can get a decent brew...looking forward to giving em all a whirl.

Quote: I don't think so Tony - the point in question wasn't meant to ring of condescension it was merely an illustration of how espresso is best tasted in its birthplace close to wear many of the Arabica beans used to make espresso are grown (Lombardy).
You WEAR coffee beans?? You must be very tiny! See how easy it is to ridicule a typo...not even breaking a sweat yet! Coffee beans can not be grown in Lombardy unless its been moved to the equator recently and no-one told me...they might have been roasted in Lombardy.

It seems to me that the reason its so difficult to get a decent cup of coffee is partly because of places like Starbucks. By devaluing the role of the barrista all the skill is handed over to a machine and the barrista is merely a button pressing cashiere.

Thankfully this isn't the case around the whole country. I have found that it is much easier to find good coffee in Scotland, mainly due to the Italian influence i suppose, but its hardly convenient is it!

The main reason IMHO the coffee is so bad is because consumers accept what is given to them,mainly because they know no better. Because the coffee industry being what it now is you can get the same beans here as you can in Itally. The same type of machine is used so the final drink should be as good here as it is in say....Lombardy. The reason it isn't is because in this country barristas are not barristas. They are usually students who work three shifts a week and have no particular enthusiasm for what they are doing because "its just a job". This is a generalisation I know but it is becomming more the case in all areas of not only the hospitality industry but all jobs. Skills are being lost because cheap, temporary, part time staff is chosen over full time experienced staff who care about their job.

I dont blame the staff, it is their & their manager's fault the coffe is bad but its our fault for being so English and not complaining.

Maybe a tread should be started to publically name & shame bad coffee shops in the hope that they buck their ideas up......?

Seriously...Get to Remo's! A true Barrista!


Originally posted by poimaster

The main reason IMHO the coffee is so bad is because consumers accept what is given to them,mainly because they know no better. Because the coffee industry being what it now is you can get the same beans here as you can in Itally. The same type of machine is used so the final drink should be as good here as it is in say....Lombardy. The reason it isn't is because in this country barristas are not barristas. They are usually students who work three shifts a week and have no particular enthusiasm for what they are doing because "its just a job". This is a generalisation I know but it is becomming more the case in all areas of not only the hospitality industry but all jobs. Skills are being lost because cheap, temporary, part time staff is chosen over full time experienced staff who care about their job.

FOB in Church Street is very good and you can read their free newspapers too and get a free bikki with your coffee and look at the art on the walls ...

What is the best coffee shop in town centre?

and which is the worst

What about the Costa in Waterstones, it's on the bearable side of awful.

I can't remember the name of it, but I actually got a really good coffee at a place in the train station once!

Originally posted by KookyKoo
I can't remember the name of it, but I actually got a really good coffee at a place in the train station once!
The name escapes me also, but I do recall it being very steep when the time came to stump up the cash.

Originally posted by Carmine
The name escapes me also, but I do recall it being very steep when the time came to stump up the cash.

I think it is called AMT, and I thought it was quite cheap!

Starbucks!!

*runs and hides*

Originally posted by pinkhat
I think it is called AMT, and I thought it was quite cheap!
It is called AMT - but they lie!! On the menu it says that they have soya milk and they never ever do - I make a point of asking them every time I am at the train station in the hope that they might eventually think that there's some demand for it and might actually get some! Hasn't worked yet obviously.

AMT that's it, I thought the price was average but the coffee above standard compared to most other places in town.

Is this thread about the best cup of coffee in Sheff town, or the best coffee shop? Because although I don't rate their java, I enjoy getting a Raspberry Tea Frappucino, a muffin and a paper and unwinding at Division St Starbucks of a Sunday morning. So I guess I'd say that's the best coffee shop, but not necessarily the best coffee. :loopy:

Originally posted by KookyKoo


Is this thread about the best cup of coffee in Sheff town, or the best coffee shop?

hiya,
Mmmm, good question. I think it is the best COFFEE SHOP

I'll give that one about McStarbucks kookykoo. They do make their shops very comfortable. But then again, for what you get and the price you pay I would expect it to be as comfortable as it is!
Jus to clear up the question.....i wanna find the best coffee not the best coffee shop.
For me FOB is still winning the race.

I'm not sure if I'm really allowed to post on this thread as I don't drink coffee! :o but I'll vote for FOB anyway!

They make WONDERFUL, sinfully wonderful, hot chocolate! :) And the atmosphere is great. :thumbsup:

StarSparkle

Where is the best place for a good relaxing coffee in nice surriundings in Sheffield? Nonna's seem to do coffee and seems the best I've found at the moment.

Any views?

Bragazzi - unarguably the best coffee in this city by a mile!

I would not have survived the move from London to Sheffield without Bragazzis Americanos! The best!

Bragazzi - unarguably the best coffee in this city by a mile!

Gets my vote!

Bragazzis - Amazing coffee. But amazingly cliquey service.

Not enough to put me off if I'm in the area but one of the staff was pretty feckin' sarcastic last time I was in when asked a simple question.

Never mind though - it gives me the opportunity to be a rude customer which I usually try and avoid :)

Also - it's not really in the city centre. I actually really like the Costa on Division street. I do like to explore independent coffee shops but this Costa has uniformly good service and is just a nice bright, airy place to sit with a drink after an afternoon's mooch round town!

If anyone needs a lot of coffee drop me a message!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120600051139&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

I'm not sure if I'm really allowed to post on this thread as I don't drink coffee! :o but I'll vote for FOB anyway!

They make WONDERFUL, sinfully wonderful, hot chocolate! :) And the atmosphere is great. :thumbsup:

StarSparkle

This place still open? Can't find it on the old Google maps.

EDIT - never mind, it appears to be Gusto Italiano now...

This place still open? Can't find it on the old Google maps.

EDIT - never mind, it appears to be Gusto Italiano now...


think this thread needs updating as most in the poll are not there anymore, FOB is now gusto and further up on Leopold st is Caffetteria which used to be cafeteria, they have a new coffee now "Cafe Vero" an italian brand very very nice!! good food and friendly too.