Coffee is one of the few beverages that connects us globally. While you can find a Starbucks or Dunkin’ just about everywhere, some places take pride in their unique blend of coffee.
Whether it be a delightful cappuccino from Seattle, a robust espresso from Rome, or even a Piccolo latte from Melbourne; it’s reasonably evident that coffee is a staple beverage of the entire human race.
If aliens invaded Earth and demanded to see ten items that defined humanity, you can bet your socks that someone would be trying to get our extraterrestrial friends a cup of joe.
Coffee is so simple yet elegant in every way. It is one of those must-protect-at-all-costs kinds of commodities. Each continent has its style, but today let’s talk coffee from our friends across the pond.
London, England
There’s something about London that screams, “Amazing coffee here!” It’s probably the looming dreariness that sits over the city leading everyone to need the beverage to get through a day (same reason that Seattle has banging coffee).
That said, a great place to start with is “Ozone,” a coffee chain local to the area that has been proudly serving for 20 years.
Ozone is originally based out of New Zealand, yet in a short period, they’ve adopted England’s tastes and atmosphere while still delivering their unique twist. And if you’re hungry, you can treat yourself to a gourmet breakfast while you’re at it.
Another great spot in England is “Prufrock Coffee.”
There, you will be served by 2009 Barista world champion Gwilym Davies. Prufrock is an unconventional coffee locale and offers a lot of open space, bright colors on the walls, and of course, incredible coffee.
Barcelona and Madrid, Spain
Spanish made coffee is an entire league of its own. Coffee from this country is not only stronger than most usual blends, but the tastes redefine uniqueness. Starting in the Madrid area, one of the best places has to be “Ojalá.”
Located in Malasaña, Ojalá is one of those places that you must see to believe. The basement floor is decorated to be a retro-styled beach with sandy floors and neon signs. And the upstairs coffee shop is decorated with a blue-interior that’s complemented by contemporary decor that encapsulates Spanish ambiance. Sure, the decorations will captivate you, but the fantastic food and coffee will keep you coming back for years.
If you’re in Barcelona, then “Nomad” will satisfy all your coffee needs. It’s located down a mysterious alleyway that can only be matched by the crypticness of the actual shop. It’s one of the smallest shops on this list, so it gets quite cramped. However, you’ll find it’s very much worth it to squeeze into the joint for a delicious cup of joe.
Rome, Italy
Italians actually invented the word “coffee,” so you can’t mention European blends without addressing Italy. However, you’ll find in Italy that there’s a rigorous coffee etiquette that every local follows.
A few important things to remember while you’re in Italy:
- Cappuccinos and other milk-based beverages are out of the question past breakfast.
- Coffee is often served alongside a glass of water to cleanse your palate before and after.
- The whole routine is quick; many Italian locals have a few exchanges with the bartender and then dip
Italy doesn’t play around when it comes to coffee. This extends to all food in Italy as you’ll find that most locals have a fair amount of respect for what they consume. All this might sound scary, but it’s a testament to the quality of Italian food, especially when it comes to their coffee.
We’re going to be looking at Rome as it’s always fun to see the sites after a delicious cup. When in “the location mentioned above,” one of the first spots on your radar should be “Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè.” It’s a traditional cafe through and through but tends to serve less-touristy blends of coffee. So it’s perfect if you’re looking to get out of your coffee comfort zone.
And if you’re looking to try some of Italy’s famous espresso, then look no further than “La Casa Del Caffè Tazza D’oro.” This cafe roasts its beans and is quite renowned for its tasty espresso shots.
Final Thoughts
Coffee is a beverage of love. Every time I drink a cup I feel as though everything will be alright in the world. I’m not sure if that’s the caffeine addiction talking or if coffee does have the power to bring people together.
Whether you’re black or white; right or left-wing; or even if you’re one of those weirdos who pronounces it “GIF” and not “Jif,” coffee will not discriminate.
I suggest you go drink a cup right now. And if you ever find yourself in Europe, you’ll now have no excuse for being tired.
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