THE VISIT… Every single building in Prague looks like touched by magic. The city mercilessly takes you to the old times when Prague was one of the most splendorous cities on the globe. Classical music, paintings and imposing architecture were its hallmarks. My friend was guiding me -astonished and caffeinated- to the next cafe. Dos Mundos -Two Worlds- is the name of our next halt. That is the cafe-showcase from one of the vigorous Czech Roasters which names it. Our journey took us round the twisting streets harassed by its haughty edifices. The city, coated by beauty and elegance, made me excited to explore its wonders. It is interesting to see the unique symbiosis resulted from all the different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, houses and palaces erected by Baroque and Renassaince’s hands. In this spectacular mosaic, a feeling of order and harmony accompanies even the most caffeinated…

THE VISIT… When I included myself in this adventure, I could have never imagined how wonderful it was going to be. Like Ulysses’ trip from Kavafis, one after another, Itaka was behind every corner of my journey. The improvised trips can often lead to discovering the completely inscrutable paths and wonderful destinations. The plane kidnapped me from beautiful Bologna – I swear, I still miss you – and bring me to a monumental city of Prague. I arrived at night, not the right time for coffee affairs. Instead, the next morning promised a true marathon, with the main course of the Prague Coffee Festival. I went to bed early to charge my batteries because I was going to need this electricity flowing. Waking up early pays off. Sometimes. I’m certainly not an early bird. However, that day was about dozens of adventures and I wasn’t going to miss a single…

THE VISIT… Poland is a country that has tight bonds with UK, as the story of Targowa taught us. This is the story of another coffee shop somewhat related to Bristol. Patryk is the owner of Rozrusznik, and has lived in Bristol with his friend… Filip. When he got back from his British adventure, he couldn’t resist but jump for the next: coffee adventure. However that adventure turned into multiple little adventures, from opening a coffee shop to roast coffee. Because of all that, I was happy to see his message. Another Bristolian awaiting in Wroclaw. Hence, not long after, I found myself walking zig-zags around the river banks, swinging from one coffee shop to the next. So, it was the moment to cross the river again, because Rozrusznik sits in a very calm and quiet area of the city, relatively far from the centre. There, you would discover…

THE VISIT… Address: Hala Targowa – Stoisko 11, Ul. Piaskowa 17, 50-158 Wrocław, Poland When I started texting coffee shops from Wroclaw to let them know I wanted to step by, I happened to receive two coincidently similar messages: “Bristol? I’ve lived in Bristol”! Let’s start with Targowa though. Patryk, another Bristol enthusiast, owner of Rozrusznik, is a friend of Filip, Targowa man. This could be the story of so many immigrants in the UK, or Bristol in particular. City that, being dynamic and friendly, became a serious receptor of immigrants. A lot of people know Filip – after winning the World Aeropress Championship, he has become a vindication of Polish quality coffee. Probably as much as Coffee Proficiency. How many times have we heard Polish coffee is incredible? Few? Never? What’s the reason? Well, not because of the the poor quality, it’s the lack of visibility to blame. We’ve…

THE VISIT… I Address: Benedykta Polaka 12, 50-379 Wrocław, Poland What’s beautiful about the independent coffee shops is their personality. Which we often come to know as soon as we cross the doorstep. Making up the first encounter, feeding our senses with the first impression, it lets us catch a glimpse of the owner himself. Like, when you visit Playground, you get to understand who Fabian and Lilly are, and when Kawalerka – I felt like I already know much about Marl, the barista. I am in Wroclaw, a Polish city overwhelmed with snow these days. I am finishing my first review, snuggling down at Gniazdo. My phone suddenly vibrates and I see a message from Kawalerka. They ask, when do I wish to pay them a visit. Sighing and blushing, I discover what they really think of my Polish, when they offer me an interpreter: taking what I’ve learnt…

THE VISIT… Address: Świdnicka 36, 11-400 Wrocław, Poland I have barely heard of this Silesian city on the Oder river, yet its spirit seduces me right away. Wroclaw enchants me with a thin layer of snow coating the old city’s cobblestones. Walking around like a fascinated kid watching the sparkling lights, I’m running away from an alien weather that makes my bones tremble. Snow has not been made for Mediterranean people, I find myself shivering, a wet cat. The logo of the next coffee shop catches my eyes instantly – Gniazdo – flashes at me through the foreign order of letters. Emerging like from behind the snow, the rows of neat coffee bean bags of Polish and Nordic roasters: from Coffee Proficiency and Czarny Descek to JB Kaffe and La Cabra. Few days later I am to discover that this lofty affair between Polish cafes and their Nordic partners…

THE VISIT… Address: 2 Cork St, Bath BA1 3BB I start my reviews about coffee shops in Bath with Repack Espresso. This is not a random election at all. Repack was, paradoxically, the last Speciality Coffee Shop I visited while working in Bath. I spent six months working in that tiny but beautiful city. There I was educated as a barista, made friends and perambulated from coffee shop to coffee shop learning from Baristas. Repack was the last stop. However may be the place where I learnt the most, thanks to Jonathan Prestidge. I would most certainly list it as one of the best coffee shops of the city and the South West.    The question coming is, why did it take me that long to visit Repack? Unfortunately, the coffee shop is not in the city centre, which looks like…

THE VISIT… Address: Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 10/d, 40126 Bologna, Italy The concept of Italy contains thousands of small words flying around, yes I will talk about the topics: Napolitan pizzas, southern gelatos, typical pasta recipes in every region, thousands-years-old stories and love for coffee. I am not going to argue about the Italian’s coffee tradition and the paths it took. I think it is the moment to highlight how deep-rooted this tradition is, being part of its culture. Looking for that love for coffee is how I got to Terzi. One email at 3 AM talking about the best coffee spots of Bologna knocked my door. One month later, it is 5 AM; my plane takes me from Bristol to Bologna. I wake up on my seat, and I head to the city by bus. The old doors of the city greet me, they call you to take a walk…

THE VISIT Address: 45 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1TP I can’t remember the first time I was at Playground. I was probably enjoying Saint Nicholas Market like a tourist. Always the same old story. After visiting the market you end up in Saint Nicholas St. and look for the way back to Corn Street. Little shops are packed in front of you: a bakery, a bagel shop, a cheesemonger, a cafe with swings … A cafe with swings? Call it Playground. Playground is not just a cafe with swings but that will be the first thing you will notice while walking by Saint Nicholas St. How many times have I seen people walking and stopping to look astonished the inside? You smile from the other side of the window and that smile is a participant in that sense of wonder and joy at seeing the swings. But Playground is more…