Roam Espresso Bar, Hertford

Unit 16a, Dicker Mill, Hertford SG13 7AA

The likelihood of finding me in a gym is slim to none, so when my friends over at coffeefiltered.com asked me if I could drop off some leaflets at a local CrossFit gym I was sceptical of what I’d find there. Slightly out of town, on a trading estate by the river, there’s no exterior sign that hints there may be speciality coffee hidden away here (although, something is apparently in the works for that) but I plough on armed with the knowledge of a secretive hideaway that should give me all the energy I need without having to lift a finger.

Step in via the front door and you’re greeted by a room of equipment and exercise enthusiasts but, you can creep around the edge of the training mat, so as not to bother them, and ascend the stairs set to one side to discover a landing area that overlooks all of this strenuous activity. Here you’ll find a green bar beset with protein powders and creatine but the chrome machine and piled high paper cups hint at its true purpose- an espresso bar. Despite all the hustle and bustle below the bar has a sort of elegant feel to it in the chic style it puts forth. Dark, calming tones make it ideal as a place to escape to if you need a quiet coffee that’s out of the way.
Serving coffee from Ninth Roasters in Saffron Walden, Essex, you get a strong, smoky coffee that has hints of hazelnut to it and I opt for a rich and creamy oat latte that complements the beans well. The whole experience hasn’t quite convinced me to sign up for a gym membership just yet but I may well visit again when I’m down by the river.