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In a world where you can find a coffee shop on every corner, deciding which one to visit is no easy feat. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, a remote worker seeking a co-working spot, or a busy shopper in need of a break, you’ll be surprised at the difference finding the right coffee shop can make.
With so many coffee shops out there, however, selecting which one to visit can be mind-boggling. Without knowing exactly what to look for, it’s hard to know what kind of coffee shop you might prefer visiting. So, what should you consider? Read on for a few tips on what to bear in mind when choosing a coffee shop to visit.
Coffee preferences
Begin by considering your personal coffee preferences. Think about what kind of flavour or depth you usually look for in a cup of coffee, whether you like to drink decaffeinated coffee, and whether you prefer plant-based milk over dairy milk.
Once you’re clear on what kind of coffee you like best, you can start searching for a coffee shop that will cater best to your needs. You may find that independent coffee shops offer a wider choice of coffee beans as opposed to chain coffee brands (although this isn’t always the case), for example.
Quality and variety
The quality of the coffee is closely related to your coffee preferences. Once you know what kind of coffee you like best, if you’re keen to drink the premium variety, it pays to hunt down a high-end coffee shop, where both quality and variety will be of prime focus. While they may still use a commercial coffee machine, the quality of their beans tend to put chain coffee shops to shame.
Don’t just consider the coffee shop, either; speak to your barisata or server, and ask them for their own specialities or recommendations, for a personal touch. No doubt they’ll enjoy chatting all things coffee with you and, who knows, maybe they’ll even treat you to a spot of latte art. Exploring these special touches can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your experience.
Atmosphere and ambience
When choosing a coffee shop, consider the ambiance that resonates with you; do you thrive in the hustle and bustle of a lively café, or do you prefer serene settings for focused work or relaxation?
Whether it’s the hum of conversations, relaxing background music, or the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, considering what kind of atmosphere you prefer can seriously elevate your coffee shop experience.
Location and accessibility
Location and accessibility are among the first factors we consider when choosing a coffee shop. No matter how good the coffee is, we’re unlikely to visit if it’s going to take us ages to get there.
This might seem like common sense, but it helps to have a few go-to coffee shops in mind for the different locations you find yourself visiting most often like home, work, your parents’ house, and so on. This way, you won’t find your mind going blank when you’re out and about, craving your caffeine fix.
For some (myself included), a coffee shop is more than merely a place to grab a cup of joe. If you’re used to working from home, you might look forward to escaping the house to visit a coffee shop for a few hours, while many find they work more productively from a coffee shop as opposed to from home.
To rank this up a little more, keep an eye out for coffee shops that host social events, promote local artists or creatives, or have communal tables to encourage social interaction, for example. This can be a wonderful way to turn your coffee break into an opportunity to socialist and connect with others.
Comfy, friendly space
If you’re planning to get some work done from your local coffee shop, prioritise comfortable seating and a work-friendly environment. Look for places with ample outlets; free Wi-Fi; and relatively low noise levels, conducive to productivity. Be mindful that some coffee shops operate a ‘no laptop’ policy to discourage customers from taking up space for long, while some actually go as far as to request that anyone working on a laptop must buy at least one coffee every hour.
Finding the perfect brew is about far more than simply coffee beans. Consider your own personal tastes, what kind of atmosphere you long to spend time in, whether you’ll need to work remotely, and whether you’re hoping to engage with others. This way, you’ll be more likely to find a coffee shop you’ll come back to again and again.
What do you look for in a coffee shop? Jot down your thoughts in the comment box below. I love reading your comments!
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