Colonna & Small’s
Served in small sky-blue cups that will make you believe in heaven
In Bath, UK, I found the very unpretentious Colonna & Small's. It could ironically be the lack of high-and-mighty attitude that places this coffeeshop both very high. I would venture to say in a league of its own. Here every barista is deeply passionate about their coffee, but also deeply involved in the process of sourcing that coffee. Each week you can sample a small selection of the finest, most delichious beans, new types of coffee you’ve not tried before, handpicked by the staff. It's amazing.
The only other coffee shop I have seen flexing so much craftsmanship-muscle was Kontakt in Budapest. At C&S you'll see coffee art beyond the normal heart and fern shapes. You'll taste the smoothest milk. Swivel the most well-balanced acidity around in your mouth and get such tastes that you’ll almost want to cry thinking about having to swallow it. The only thing that will take away the longing is another cup. And another. Served in small sky-blue cups that will make you believe in heaven.
I walk between their rustic tables towards a corner facing the windows. I place my brownie on the table, get my book out and nussle in between bags of beans and potted coffee plants. Many of the regulars sit for hours, drinking and working on their computers. It's a place for reading and philosophizing. You'll want to try all the types of beans when you're there, since they will change soon, so you can end up with sizable espresso-shakes by the end of it.
Go there! Be mesmerized! Fall in love! Just be careful you don't end up as part of the furniture. It's easy.
Final verdict: 6 — I had to add a new level for this one. 1-5 are normal scores, but 6 —oh baby— the 6’s will change your life!
