The Coffee Hatch, Bermondsey, South London, UK

Another gem found thanks to the London's Best Coffee app however it took me 4 attempts to buy a coffee from The Hatch in London's Bermondsey street. The first two times I couldn't find it, the third it was shut but the forth time I got my man, I mean coffee.

It literally is a hatch on the corner of Bemondsey and St. Thomas' street and is open only in the mornings and will close at various times. This slender opening window makes it ideal for commuters or die hard coffee fans.

I had been warned that the coffee from here could take its time to arrive (see below) but I found it took no longer than I expected for a quality brew.

As a take away only venue I was disappointed not to see any heat protection (extra sleeve, double cup) so walked to my office switching hands along the way to avoid burning. 

By the time I arrived, it being quite out of my way, I found the coffee to be at a good gulping temperature. 

There was not a strong aroma coming from the cup with its fine yellowish crema. However on tasting my immediate positive reaction was to the smoothness of the coffee, beyond silky.

It was generally sweet and each sip had a little cheeky cherry tang at the end. It also had some warmer tannin notes that dried the palette and over all had a good rounded flavour. 

It was sweet and clean throughout the finish and always remained smooth. This Americano wasn't packing that much strength but not too little either, just the right amount to let the beans sing. 

I was not at all disappointed. 

• Black Americano, take away
• £2.00
• Medium strength
• Sweet and smooth with a cherry bite
• Fine light crema
• Small size - 8oz
• Beans: Square mile
• Machine La Marzocco Linea
• Grinder: Anfim

Sometimes there is not much to say about a great coffee. This is a great coffee and well worth the time trying to get it. Of medium strength, a lovely smooth and sweet flavoured beverage with the gentlest of sharp cherry nibbles.

Map

Dedication to real coffee from The Coffee Hatch - http://twitpic.com/7j35g9

Village East, Bermondsey, South London, UK

Village East is one of the relatively new restaurants that have sprung up along Bermondsey Street in South London. Often full, a pleasant vibe and nice decor what sets this place apart is the staff and the management of that staff.

Every single staff member will say hello as you walk through. Everyone is friendly and jovial to talk to. Whoever takes your order does not matter as the person who serves you will know exactly what you ordered. They don't hover but wine and water will be kept well stocked. 

It lifts a good evening into a great one and makes the food and drink just that little more enjoyable.

We worked our way through the Prawn risotto, mint and pea ravioli, pan fried mullet and a pork fillet. The food was great and we washed it down with one of the cheaper (£20) bottles of wine on the menu, a Spanish Verdejo Nair. The food was great and actually quite reasonably priced at £7/8 for a starter £18 for a main special.

This was all then swiftly followed by a couple of glasses of deliciously sweet and fruity Masia Pairal dessert wine and then of course the coffee.

A smoothly scented, rich sweet aroma emanated from the cup that had just a light wisp of crema covering the surface. On drinking a pleasing cherry tart tang was discovered, it filled the front and middle of the mouth without dominating too strongly. 

This was then accompanied by a medium bodied, well balanced flavour. It was sweet and lightly creamy as the coffee neared the end.

Although smooth throughout the finish was a little fuzzy, a touch of ash and bitterness was left over here but not enough to despoil the experience.

• Black Americano, drink in
• £2.90
• Medium strength
• Medium bodied with a little cherry 
• Light Crema
• Medium size

A good easy drinking black coffee which had a dearth of flavours to enjoy without being overly complex or overpowering.

Map

www.VillageEast.co.uk

info@villageeast.co.uk