Damn Fine Joe - Coffee reviews and Cafe culture: February 2012

Brixton Market has changed incredibly in recent times, ok not all of it, you can still get your fish heads but a huge part is now a gastronomic wonder land of tiny restaurants, grocers and coffee houses. I was blown away when I visited the other week and I wanted to get sampling as my tummy rumbled.

I was visiting Federation Coffee who I had reliably been informed do the best coffee in Brixton. The small cafe has a few seats on the inside and then the sides of the building are lined with benches, chairs and tables.

Inside although busy and a hive of activity was kept light and airy by the surrounding large windows. Outside offered a little more action with the market bustling around so that is where we camped down.

Apparently they have 4 Barristas always on to keep things moving in the market and this is supported by my Americano arriving quickly & smartly. It had a light swirly crema and my first sip gave me some lightly soured notes of cherry with a good broad strength without overpowering things. The cherry faded into a warmer, sweeter flavour, a heavy coffee taste with cinnamon tones. Although no bitterness was found there was just a trace of fur at the end.

The coffee was so good I moved onto a Double Mac (£1.80) which I took with a chocolate and orange cake. The Mac was super thick, super strong and not made with much froth, it was like a giant layer of crema. It was very good but with no lunch in me and two coffee's down I certainly could feel it.

Update: Federation had at the time of writing opened a roastery in Brixton and the coffees were all made with their own espresso blend; Contraband.