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Runstraat 6, 1016 GK Amsterdam, Netherlands There is a certain irony in having a coffee in a city where 'coffee shop' is a euphemism for something entirely different but once inside this particular establishment there is no surprise as to why it made the list of the best. Perhaps I was initially drawn in by the name of 'Screaming Beans' but the interior itself is a sleek, modern thing of beauty that welcomes you into its impressive surroundings. Whilst travelling, I've noticed how, in different countries, you get presented with a little something that, more often than not, compliments the flavour of the blend. The traditional accompaniment is an Italian biscotti that offers an ultra sweet bite to contrast a strong, dark espresso. In Austria I found they serve a small praline chocolate to match the sweet nutty tones and in Amsterdam I received a tiny square of Brownie (just a regular one I'm afraid.) Rich, warm and chocolatey that went oh so well with the smooth creamy latte.
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Kárastígur 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland A surprisingly bright warm day, I had directed us to Reykjavik Roasters, an independent coffee roastery and cafe that I was eager to discover. Being a bit of a caffeine fiend, I was overwhelmed by this discovery and drank down the nutty, caramelesque latte with aplomb only to go back up once again and buy a bag of beans I could use with my own coffee machine at home. It is the little comforts of such things that make going home a joy but when you can take a little something of what you have experienced on such amazing trips like this one with you then perhaps you are luckier than you first thought. Vendersgade 6D, 1363 København, Denmark Coffee Collective is a speciality coffee micro roastery, with three coffee shops in Copenhagen, that was formed by a former world cup tasting champion, a master roaster, an architect and a former world barista champion. This combination alone means it is held in very high stead by coffee lovers alike and it is consistently ranked as one of the best coffee shops in the world and, given the opportunity, I just had to try a latte made by a former world champion barista. The one we settled upon was in the food market of Torvehallerne, a glassed-in area of artisan food and drink stalls, the finest organic produce and typical Danish fare next to international cuisine. In short, it is something akin to London's famous Borough Market but in a more upmarket setting. The coffee, by the way, was alright.  Thorshavnsgade 26, 2300 København, Denmark Whether to appease my mother's wanton bloodlust after I led her on a crippling walk the day before, or whether to appeal to my own sense of gluttony, I could not honestly say as it would take a psychologist of far greater qualifications than my own to divine my true intent. Whatever the case may be, the day's activities had been planned with careful consideration that started off with breakfast at one of Copenhagen's premier bakeries. It makes sense that the best Danish pastries would be found in Denmark and so I took my hypothesis and put it into practice with some careful research suggesting that the Andersen Bakery may be the place to be for sweet treats and, given its location being so very close to the hotel, it made for the perfect setting to fuel up for the day. Started up by a Japanese baker who had moved to Copenhagen, it served a selection of both Asian and Nordic baked goods; combining the best of traditions and methods of both cultures in its preparation of pastries. A selection of bread and pastries lined the immaculate front counter that led to much deliberation over what would serve as the best way to tickle the taste buds, so much so that the bakery has introduced a number system in order to manage the queuing system. I select a pastry that breaks away in great, flaky clumps of almost croissant-like texture with a raspberry jam centre and a pink icing topping. I can't remember what it was called (I did try to pronounce it but the Danish server just raised an eyebrow when I said it and had to clarify "The raspberry one?") but whatever the hell it was, it was darn good. What's more is, the coffee that came with it was great and served as a sort of dipping pot for me to soak my edible in as I perched by the front window that overlooked the central station main entrance and people-watched the busy commuters coming and going. I could dwindle my life away in moments like this (and arguably, I do just that) but today it was just a start on a series of stops around the city.  |
AuthorThe Mean Bean Machine (Vincent Wood) Archives
September 2025
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