Full of beans
Posted on 8/4/09 by Abi Siri (1 comment)
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Now, from my previous post you may get the sense I'm slightly nostalgic for a 'Camden past' but with so many locally run, well established gems still nestling on our doorstep why not? I love the idea of old and new sitting alongside each other and here's another one to discover if you haven't already.
There’s been a coffee shop on this spot on Delancey Street since 1950 and local resident and coffee expert George, originally hailing from Cypress, has run this shop since 4th May 1978. He supplies local restaurants and residents alike and its no surprise either. Words cannot begin to describe the aromas and atmosphere that intoxicate you as you step through the door. The first thing that hits you is the amazing smell of freshly roasted coffee beans (George does all this himself on the premises).
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The second thing that strikes you is, to step into this tiny shop is to step back in time. All the equipment, still in perfect working order mind, looks likes its been working as had as George for the last 20 years as he rushes about roasting and grinding the wide variety of beans to demand.
[caption id="attachment_2698" align="aligncenter" width="438" caption="George roasting coffee beans"]
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The third thing you take in is the man himself! I’m greeted by a friendly smile in a place where time seems to stand still. There’s no rushing in a place like this and once the queue (there's a constant stream of people through the door) subsides, I happily admit my lack of coffee knowledge and before I know it, I’m trying to describe what I think I like in a good cup of coffee. Within moments George is chatting away to me while he creates my ‘perfect’ blend from freshly roasted beans, which he grinds to the right consistency for my caffetiere.
[caption id="attachment_2699" align="aligncenter" width="445" caption="George!"]
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As we chat away (covering everything from new restaurants opening to the upcoming Easter weekend) there’s a constant flow of people through the door who all are on first name terms with George. It becomes apparent that not only do people travel from all over London for his unique customer service, the shops fabulous atmosphere and, of course, the amazing coffee, he has customers spanning all corners of the UK. As I notice him packing up a large quantity of coffee and ask him who could possibly get through so much, he tells me of customers who have long since left the UK but continue to make the pilgrimage back to his shop to stock up on their favourite blend. I know that my dad (a huge fan of George's own 'Breakfast blend') has shopped here for over 20 years and always makes sure he's well stocked before a trip abroad.
I left the Camden Coffee shop not only excited about my new found blend of coffee but also perky after a good ol’ conversation with George and anyone else who happened to come through the door during my visit (I even found myself a new dentist!). In a world where we’re so often made to feel like just another customer and greeted with an impersonal approach, I implore you to take some time out and give this shop a visit (tell him we sent you!). Having written this aided by a steaming mug of George’s wonderful Ethiopian Mocha blend, I for one know I will be a customer for life!
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Camden Coffee shop, 11 Delancey Street, London NW1 7NL
T: 0207 387 4080
by Guest Editor Milly Cundall
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Member Comments (1)
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on 9/4/09 1. Abi Siri says:
Mmmmmm that coffee smell wafting up Delancey Street... |
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