Week beginning October 12th - Smackdown - The Finals

It was about 7:10 pm when I got there, and Square Mile was already packed with ten deep at the bar and a very orderly and happy queue for the complimentary Kernel Brewery Beer. I would say the crowd was a mixture of those happy to be there and looking forward to the night, and possibly 16 baristas who were a little bit nervous and excited all at the same time.

Oli Bradshaw and the Square Mile team had done an amazing job of setting up the room, with the gleaming Victoria Arduino Black Eagle against the wall, and an old school desk set up for the baristas to pour the latte art on, with a Go Pro camera directly above and streaming onto the giant white wall.

The legend that is Billy Tahitis was dj'ing in the corner with old and new school rap classics and Ross Brown took over the mic for the evening as MC, whilst Kaffeine lead baristas Jakub and Sam dialled in the machine. We took polaroid photos of all the competitors so we could see who they were and by 7:45 we were ready to go. By now the room was packed with about 100 people, plus at least another 50 outside or at the bar.

AS per the heats, it was barista v barista, 2 cups of double shot espresso, steam your own milk and split your jugs, then pour the two cups and choose your best one. In the final though, we were also weighing the left over milk on the Acaia scales to add even more pressure.

Round one went like this
Edgar - Attendant
Zain - Harris and Hoole - Winner

Phil - Artisan
Helen - Lantana - Winner

So Yan - Attendant - Winner
Chloe - Kaffeine

Nico - Noble - Winner
Dean - Artisan

Laura - Curators
Heidi - Prufrock - Winner

Sam - Local hero - Winner
Piotr - Peanut Vendor

Jack - Origin - Winner
Will - Origin

Dhan - Caracoli - Winner
Alex - Origin

Round Two went like this

Zain - Harris and Hoole
Helen - Lantana - Winner

So Yan - Attendant
Nico - Noble - Winner

Heidi - Prufrock - Winner
Sam - Local Hero

Jack - Origin
Dhan - Caracoli - Winner

Then it was up to Round three
Helen - Lantana
Nico - Noble - Winner

Heidi - Prufrock
Dhan - Caracoli - Winner

And so we go to the finals - to determine third place we had
Heidi - Prufrock - Wins third place!
Helen - Lantana

Then in the final
Nico Halliday - Noble vs Dhan Tamang - Caracoli

In true Smackdown fashion, it was down to the very wire and the judges made the amazing discovery that the cups chosen to pour in were different sizes and so the call was made that we had to have a pour off!

So here we were, two baristas, one cup each, steam and pour at the same time. The cash was placed on the table, the music boomed and the crowd went wild. The judges deliberated, they conferred, they argued and finally we made the call 1, 2 , 3 and Nico Halliday is the 3rd annual winner!!!

A huge congratulations to Nico and to everyone, all 64 baristas who competed and put themselves forward. A massive thank you to the judges who donated their time especially lead judge and photographer Glenn Watson, as well as the amazing sponsors of the prizes and supporters of the entire concept, we are very, very appreciative.

Victoria Arduino
Square Mile Coffee
Coffee Hit
Minor Figures
Allegra Coffee Events

Please can I also say a huge thank you to the Kaffeine staff who once again made the event special and a success. Well done crew.

Here is the final album of photos by Glenn, check it out and we hope to see you again next year. Bring it on.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/albums/72157656043480153

Please enjoy the menu for this week. It is chocolate week, so we have a few extra special chocolate creations on for you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine

Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Baked apple, walnut, honey 2.50

Savoury Scones: Green pesto and manchego cheese 2.50

Friand: Lime, lemon, coconut  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, roasted chestnuts, saute mushroom, cheese fondue, baby spinach

Buffalo mozzarella, grilled minted aubergine, plum tomato, chilli pesto, rocket

Foccacias 5.50

Roasted chicken, brie cheese, puttanesca sauce, rocket

Grilled red pepper, roasted carrot, tzatiki dip, feta cheese, spinach 

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Grilled salmon salad with brown rice, edamame bean, fresh pea, broccoli, dill, spicy tomato sauce 

Pink grapefruit salad with black olive, sweetcorn, feta cheese, roasted walnut, alfalfa, radicchio and avocado dressing

Honey roasted purple carrot with tahini and yoghurt sauce and pumpkin seeds

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Tuna fish cake with sweet potato and mango salsa

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Paleo granola with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche with courgette omelette, spinach, gruyere cheese, mushrooms and tomato salsa  5.00

Smoked paprika brioche with treacle smoked back bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, scrambled egg, tomato, rocket 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant  2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Apple, vanilla, raisins and spices 2.50

Savoury - Courgette, cheese scrolls 2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70
Blueberry, banana and nut cake with vanilla icing  2.50
Gluten free and dairy free protein bar 2.50

Vanilla, popcorn and caramel tarts  2.90

Banana bread 2.50
ANZACS  2.00
White chocolate, oats and cranberry cookies  2.00
Portuguese tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch
Brioche 5.00

Smoked paprika Brioche with breaded smoked mozzarella, schiacciatta salami, rocket, red chillies and plum jam

Baguettes 5.30

Italian Coppa Cotta Ham, rocket, grilled fennel, goats curd, braised red onions and blackberries dressing.
Roasted aubergine, spinach, sweet peppers, fresh basil, pine nuts and saffron cream fraiche sauce.

Salads 5.50 / 7.00

Polenta dices, smoked pancetta, rocket, blue cheese, red chillies, fresh coriander, black beluga lentils & chilli oil dressing
Roasted butternut, mascarpone cheese, Parmesan shavings, rocket, dried blackcurrants & dark chocolate balsamic dressing.

Roasted romanesca, pine nuts, pomegranates, mix seeds and baba ganoush dressing.

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Mille feuille with earth mushrooms, jack Monterey cream pastry and mole chocolate savoury sauce

Week beginning October 5th - London Latte Art Smackdown - The Finals

Congratulations are in order. The final 16 baristas have made their way to the last week of the London Latte Art Smackdown and will be competing on Tuesday night at Square Mile Roastery in front of a mad, up for it crowd with some of the complete legends of the London Coffee scene as judges in the search for prizes, cash and glory and hopefully a pay rise from their employers (ha ha).

The four heats have seen some fantastic techniques and very high standards with some very close calls from the judges, so the final will be even closer with even more pressure, especially when you consider the prizes and we may even be trying to increase the pressure with an as yet unannounced extra test for all baristas.

£840 cash
Victoria Arduino 'Oscar' Single group espresso machine
Baratza Grinder
2 x Rhino grinders
Trophies courtesy of Square Mile and Victoria Arduino
Cases Minor Figures Cold Brew Coffee
Case of Kernel Brewery Beer

The finalists and the order of competition is as follows:

Edgar - Attendant
Zain - Harris and Hoole
Phil - Artisan
helen - Lantana
So Yan - Attendant
Chloe - Kaffeine
Nico - Noble
Dean - Artisan
Laura - Curators
Heidi - Prufrock
Sam - Freelance barista
Piotr - Peanut Vendor
Jack - Origin
Will - Origin
Dhan - Caracoli
Alex - Origin

Judges on the night include: Oli Bradshaw, Jeremy Challender, James (I won the 1st year) Bailey, Andrew Tolley, Ben Townsend, Phil Wain, Tim Williams, Claire Brice and David (I won last year) Urbinati with lead judge Glenn Watson.

Check out the photos from Glenn Watson of the last four heats to get an idea.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/albums/72157656043480153

I hope we get to see you there, please do say hello if you do. Doors open at 7 pm and we will try to get the heats started as close to 7:30 pm as possible.

So please enjoy the week ahead and enjoy our menus, as we will enjoy bringing them to you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine



Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Dark chocolate, coconut, banana 2.50

Savoury Scones: Cox apple, dijon, gruyere 2.50

Friand: Lime, lemon, coconut  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, apple butter, red onion, gherkin, manchego cheese, rocket 

Grilled halloumi cheese, zucchini, avocado, tomato chutney, baby spinach

Foccacias 5.50

Smoked salmon, mint  pea, cucumber, wasabi mayo, watercress

Crumbed butternut squash, roasted red onion, sweet chilli sauce, feta cheese, baby spinach

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Roasted curried lamb salad with red onion, new potato, parsnip, coconut,  jasmine rice and mint and yoghurt dressing

Slow roasted tomato salad with roasted mixed pepper, aubergine, buffalo mozzarella, anchovy dressing and rocket

Glass noodle salad with edamame bean, fresh chilli, spring onion, coriander, sesame seed and tamariand dressing

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Fresh fig, smoked bacon, thyme, goat's cheese

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Paleo granola with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche, calvados potato mash, medium baked egg, grilled courgette and onions with crème fraiche and chives  5.00

Smoked paprika brioche with bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli  5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, chopped egg, tomato and sprouts 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant  2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Blackberries   2.50

Savoury - Spice salami, vine tomatoes, mozzarella 2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70
Blueberry, banana and nut cake with vanilla icing  2.50
Gluten free and dairy free protein bar 2.50

Vanilla, popcorn and caramel tarts  2.90

Banana bread 2.50
ANZACS  2.00
White chocolate, oats and cranberry cookies  2.00
Portuguese tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch
Brioche 5.00
Smoked paprika brioche with Scottish smoked salmon, watercress, avocado, cucumber ribbons, plum tomatoes, mix seeds and horseradish cream sauce

Baguettes 5.30

Sourdough baguette with Ham, spinach, gherkins, Gruyere, tomatoes and Dijon mustard

Sourdough baguette with roasted tomatoes, candy red onions, Gorgonzola, rocket and peach Mayo

Salads 5.50 / 7.00

Prosciutto cotto Ham, Bibb lettuce, shredded red cabbage, mandarin oranges, raisins, sunflower seeds, desiccated coconut and poppy seed dressing
Fragrant Black rice, watercress, shredded carrots, beetroot, goat's curd, mix seeds and walnut oil dressing

Golden fluffy couscous, caramelised onions, mix nuts, dried black currants and roasted cherry tomatoes

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Smoked haddock fish cakes and honey aioli sauce

Week beginning September 28th - London Latte Art Smackdown - Heat 4

It is the last week. Heat four of the London Latte Art Smackdown before we head off to Square Mile for the final with the top 16 baristas competing for prizes, money, trophies and glory. This will be fantastic, with an amazing cross section of competitors form across the top London cafes competing for the last four places to get in amongst it.

Last week in heat three, we had Tim 'Styles' Williams, one of the true legends of the London Coffee scene alongside last years winner David Urbinati form Artisan Coffee as guest judges, with our usual lead Judge and photographer Glenn Watson assessing the quality of the pours.

We even had Giovanni Fucilli form Victoria Arduino in the crowd checking on the pours and also how the Black Eagle was performing under all the pressure of making shots and steaming milk. Considering it is the World Barista Competition Espresso machine, it performed very well.

In the end, it was these four who got through to the final at Square Mile on the 6th October.

Laura from Curators
Piotr from the Peanut Vendor
Sam - Freelance Barista
Heidi - Prufrock

This week we have baristas from the following:
Look Mum No Hands
Curators
Kaffeine
Origin
Soho House
Timberyard
Blighty Cafe
Prufrock
Baxter Storey
Gails and
Climpsons

Judges include Glenn Watson, Phil 'Bass player' Wain and Claire Brice manager of Kaffeine.
Heats start at 7:30 pm, entry is from 7 pm, beers are £2 each and you are welcome to come along and support your staff or check what is happening.

For more photos, check out the link below to Glenn's flickr account.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/sets/72157656043480153

In other news and linked to this, is that International Coffee Day has been announced as being on October 1st and is organised by our good friends at the International Coffee Organisation. They have a great video which promotes it, as well as a website/blog with all coffee events happening on the day.

http://internationalcoffeeday.org/


So please enjoy the week ahead and enjoy our menus, as we will enjoy bringing them to you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine



Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Mango and passion fruit 2.50

Savoury Scones: Red pesto with red cheddar cheese 2.50

Friand: Lime, lemon, coconut  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, fresh fig, sweet chilli sauce, goat cheese, rocket

Buffalo mozzarella, peri peri hummus, roasted red pepper, fried onion, baby spinach 

Foccacias 5.50

Crispy bacon, aioli, plum tomato, gruyere cheese, gem lettuce 

Sweetcorn and courgette fritters, tomato salsa, feta cheese, spinach 

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Molasses chicken salad with bulghur wheat, roasted red pepper, red onion, pomegranate seeds, zucchini and molasses dressing 

Fresh fig salad with grilled peached, shallots, roasted walnut, goat curd dressing and rocket

Roasted new potato, curried cauliflower, chickpea and tamarind and yoghurt dressing 

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Purple sprouting broccoli with blue cheese, garlic, chilli quiche

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Paleo granola with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche, calvados potato mash, medium baked egg, grilled courgette and onions with crème fraiche and chives  5.00

Smoked paprika brioche with bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli  5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, chopped egg, tomato and sprouts 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant  2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Banana & toffee 2.50

Savoury - Red pepper, olive tapenade, basil  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70
Blueberry, banana and nut cake with vanilla icing  2.50
Gluten free and dairy free protein bar 2.50

Vanilla, popcorn and caramel tarts  2.90

Banana bread 2.50
ANZACS  2.00
White chocolate, oats and cranberry cookies  2.00
Portuguese tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch
Brioche 5.00
Smoked paprika brioche with Prosciutto Cotto, gruyere, spiced mix olives, roasted vine tomatoes, spinach and oregano mayonnaise

Baguettes 5.30

Sourdough baguette with Trio of cheese, rocket , plum tomatoes, slow roasted pepper and french onion marmalade 

Sourdough baguette with baked beetroot, braised leeks, rocket, butternut hummus, roasted walnuts and pomegranate molasses

Salads 5.50 / 7.00

Fresh figs, goat's cheese and Parma ham parcels with rocket, crushed almonds, fresh basil, pop mustard seeds, roasted beetroot & honey olive oil dressing

Roasted aubergine, spinach, roasted walnuts, red chillies, coriander, spring onions, red pepper and balsamic dressing

Broccoli baked in a Dutch oven, roasted wine tomatoes, confit of garlic, almond flakes & chilli oil

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Courgette 3 ways, pecorino and honey tart

Week beginning September 21st - London Latte Art Smackdown - Heat Three

This week we move into heat three of the London Latte Art Smackdown and as expected, the pressure is rising each week as we witness the fitness (sorry) of the baristas of London and their skills, steady hands, passion, enthusiasm and care for their coffees and the coffee industry. It is brilliant to watch.

Last week in heat two, Eastcastle street was once again packed to the hanging lights with supporters all drinking our cheap beer and cheering on the competitors as they battled each other to get through to the finals. We had James Hoffman from Square Mile Coffee and the author of the World Coffee Atlas, Ben Townsend formerly of Espresso Room and our usual lead Judge and photographer Glenn Watson assessing the quality of the pours.

In the end, it was these four who got through to the final at Square Mile on the 6th October.

So Yan - Attendant
Chloe - Kaffeine
Dean - Artisan
Nico - Noble

We also had great news in that Victoria Arduino, the makers of the Black Eagle espresso machine, are also sponsoring the event with prizes and trophies as well as the crew from Minor Figures with supplies of the brilliant Cold Brew coffee.

This week we have baristas from the following:
Attendant
Curators
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs
Timberyard
Prufrock
Kaffeine
Gails
Store Street
Notes and
Piotr the Peanut Vendor

Judges for this week are Glenn Watson, last years winner from Artisan David Urbinati and someone formerly from St Ali and Seven Seeds in Melbourne who has seen the London Coffee scene since early 2005 when he was a barista at Flat White, then going onto Climpson and Sons, then in key roles at Intelligentsia in Los Angeles, Square Mile in London and then Workshop, now with his own company in coffee sourcing, Tim 'Styles' Williams.

Heats start at 7:30 pm, entry is from 7 pm, beers are £2 each and you are welcome to come along and support your staff or check what is happening.

For more photos, check out the link below to Glenn's flickr account.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/albums/72157656043480153

In other news and linked to this, is that International Coffee Day has been announced as being on October 1st and is organised by our good friends at the International Coffee Organisation. They have a great video which promotes it, as well as a website/blog with all coffee events happening on the day.

http://internationalcoffeeday.org/


So please enjoy the week ahead and enjoy our menus, as we will enjoy bringing them to you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine



Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit (v, gf) 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Blackcurrant and peanut butter(v, cereals, milk, nuts)  2.50

Savoury Scones: Curried pea with grated cheddar (cereals, milk, v)  2.50

Friand: Lime, lemon, coconut (v, gf, milk, nut)  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50 (v, gf)

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, red onion relish, sweet pickled cucumber, brie, rocket (cereals, milk, vinegar) 

Red leicester, slow roasted tomato, red onion, red pepper pesto, radicchio (cereals, v, milk, nuts)

Foccacias 5.50

Bresaola, plum tomato, avocado, herbed ricotta, rocket (cereals, milk)

Grilled halloumi, lime mayo, crumbed aubergine, red pepper, spinach (cereals, v, milk, egg)

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Slow roasted beef salad with roasted new potato, red onion, broccoli, saute savoy cabbage and horseradish dressing (gf, milk, mustard)

Poached nectarines, plum tomato, shallots, buffalo mozzarella, savoury granola and balsamic dressing (gf, v, milk, nuts)

Roasted crown prince squash with yoghurt and coriander sauce and pumpkin seeds ( gf, v, milk, seeds)

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Herbed chickpea falafel with spicy hummus and tabouli (v, cereals, milk) 

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Paleo granola with with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (gf, ve, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit (gf, v) 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche, calvados potato mash, medium baked egg, grilled courgette and onions with crème fraiche and chives (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Smoked paprika brioche, with bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, chopped egg, tomato and sprouts (cereal, milk, egg, mustard) 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant (milk) 2.00

Pain au chocolat (milk) 2.50

Almond croissant (milk, almonds) 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Blackcurrant   2.50

Savoury - Courgette, broad beans, peas, goat's cheese (egg, cereal, milk) 2.50

Chocolate brownies 2.70
Blueberry, banana, nuts cake & vanilla icing (v, cereal,milk,egg)   £2.50
Gluten free and dairy free protein bar ( gf, df, v)  £2.50

Ladybird tarts 2.90

Banana bread 2.50
ANZACS  2.00
White chocolate, oats and cranberry cookies  2.00
Portuguese tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch
Brioche 5.00
Smoked paprika brioche with Coppa Cotto Ham, grilled courgette, Brie, roasted almonds and dark chocolate sauce (cereal, egg, milk)

Baguettes 5.30

Sourdough baguette with Scottish smoked salmon, rocket , crushed peas, red onions , baked eggs, and mint cream sauce  (cereal, egg,milk)

Sourdough baguette with shredded carrots, avocado, wine tomatoes, kirby cucumber, alfalfa sprouts and spiced hummus (cereal, egg, chilli, milk)

Salads 5.50 / 7.00

Smoked paprika chicken thigh, white jasmine rice, crispy vermicelli, caramelised onions, black beluga lentils, fresh parsley & garlic turmeric oil dressing. (Gf, df,mild chillies )

Baked cauliflower, celery, roasted hazelnuts, fresh parsley, pomegranate & chinese five spices and cinnamon dressing.(Gf,v,df, nuts)

Blanched green beans  roasted sweet red peppers, spring onions, red smoked chillies & garlic, cumin and coriander seeds dressing.

(Gf, df, v, chilli)

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Beef roll stuffed with spicy schiacciata salami.

(cereal, egg, milk,)

Week beginning September 14th - London Latte Art Smackdown - Heat Two

What a great night the first heat was. 16 baristas, three world class judges, probably the best espresso machine in the world, £840 in cash to win plus prizes from Square Mile, Coffee Hit, Minor Figures and Victoria Arduino as well as the simple, stunning glory that comes with winning. The pressure was on, and this was just to get into the finals.

Eastcastle street was packed, with people standing on the back bench seats or sitting up on the front window bench and even standing outside and peering through the windows, with a very strong and vocal crowd from Artisan, as well as Taylor Street baristas, Noble, Dose, Kaffeine, Attendant and Lantana.

Check out these amazing photos from lead judge, Glenn Watson.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/albums/72157656043480153

Winners to get through to the final were:
Edgar - Attendant
Zain - Harris and Hoole
Phil - Artisan
Helen - Lantana


This week we have round two and are proud to announce the judges as Glenn Watson in the role of lead judge, with James Hoffman from Square Mile and Ben Townsend formerly of Espresso Room.

Another 16 baristas are competing from cafes including:
Workshop
Kaffeine
Aristan
Taylor Street Baristas
Noble
Attendant
Soho House
Local Hero and
Gails

Doors open at 7 pm with cheap beer and complimentary snacks, and heats start bang on 7:30 pm.

Again, this is going to be brilliant, we already have 6 people on a waiting list to get into the heats, so the interest is huge. If you want to come along and support your favourite cafe, or see what the fuss is all about, please do.

Please also enjoy the menus for this week, as we will enjoy bring them to you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine

Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit (v, gf) 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Poach apple and blackberry  2.50

Savoury Scones: Spinach, tomato, mozzarella  2.50

Friand: Lime, lemon, coconut (v, gf, milk, nut)  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50 (v, gf)

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, beetroot relish, bake apple, horseradish cream, watercress (cereals, milk, mustard)

Crumbed butternut squash, sweet chilli sauce, goat's cheese, rocket (cereals, v, milk)

Foccacias 5.50

Pancetta, plum tomato, roasted onion, brie cheese, peppercorn mayo ( cereals, milk, mustard, egg)

Grilled prawn, avocado and tomato salsa, coriander,  gem lettuce (cereals, fish, sesame oil)

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Fresh tuna salad with green bean, edamame bean, avocado, mixed sesame seeds,  wasabi pesto, watercress (gf, milk, nuts, fish)

Bbq tofu, broccoli, cucumber, red onion, roasted peanut, baby spinach, chilli dressing ( gf, v, nuts, soy)

Vegetable noodle salad with seaweed, pickled ginger, radish sprout, pumpkin seeds, soy dressing ( gf, ve, soy, sesame oil)

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Smoked mackerel, saute leek and spinach (cereals, milk, egg)

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Paleo granola with with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (gf, ve, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit (gf, v) 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche, calvados potato mash, medium baked egg, grilled courgette and onions with crème fraiche and chives (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Smoked paprika brioche, with bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, chopped egg, tomato and sprouts (cereal, milk, egg, mustard) 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant (milk) 2.00

Pain au chocolat (milk) 2.50

Almond croissant (milk, almonds) 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Strawberry and vanilla  2.50

Savoury - Ham, Cheese, Tomato 2.50

Chocolate brownies 2.70

Ladybird tarts 2.90

Banana bread 2.50
Blueberry, banana, nuts cake & Vanilla icing   £2.50
ANZACS  2.00
White chocolate, oats and cranberry cookies  2.00
Portuguese tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50

Lunch
Brioche 5.00
Smoked paprika brioche with grilled courgette and aubergine, pecorino cheese, rocket, fresh basil and roasted walnut cream sauce (cereal, egg, milk) £5.30

Baguettes 5.30

Sourdough baguette with sweetcorn fritter, treacle smoked back bacon, slow roasted tomato, avocado, rocket and aioli sauce  (cereal, mustard, milk) 

Sourdough baguette with ham, calvados potato mash, baked eggs, spinach and smoked red pepper sauce

Salads 5.50 / 7.00

Overnight marinated slow roasted beef, mash potato balls, watercress, roasted vine tomatoes, shallots, fresh herbs & olive oil oregano dressing. (gf, df, mild chillies )

Green puy lentils,baked carrots, red sweet pepper, celery, fresh parsley & burn aubergine and lemon sour cream (gf, v, dairy)

Roasted heritage butternut squash , braised red onions, sesame seeds, dessicated coconut & yogurt dressing. (gf, df, v, chilli, mustard)

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Cassava and crackling loaf with red cabbage, pancetta, sauerkraut and crispy quail eggs.

(cereal, egg, milk,)

Week beginning September 7th - London Latte Art Smackdown - Heat One

So the London Latte Art Smackdown for 2015 enters it's first week and we have amazing news in that the interest has been so high that we have been able to increase the entrants to 16 per heat, or 64 of London's best (or most courageous) baristas. This of course means tat the total prize pool of cash increases to £640 plus the £200 from Allegra along with prizes from Coffee Hit and trophies and even more prizes from Square Mile.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday the 8th) at Eastcastle street we will have baristas from:
Kaffeine
Noble
Dose Espresso
Caracoli Cafe
Artisan
Attendant and
Taylor Street Baristas

Judging on the night will be World Coffee Judge and Taylor Street Baristas Director Andrew Tolley alongside Magda Grzelka who is head of Training at Taylor Street with lead Judge and coffee world legend Glenn Watson.

We will have beers available for cheap, plus some light snacks complimentary, so if you are competing or just watching and supporting your mates please come along and be there before 7:30 pm. Last time I looked, we had one space available tomorrow night, but we have maybe 8 spaces left over the next three weeks.

Any queries please do let us know by email, twitter or calling us direct, if you want to enter it's easy, just come down to Eastcastle street and ask for the manager on duty, they will be gald to assist.

This is gong to be brilliant, can't wait.

For photos of last two years, check out these links for photos from Glenn Watson.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/albums/72157649006266665

https://www.flickr.com/photos/getnoticed/albums/72157636848521753

Please also enjoy our menus this week as we will enjoy bringing them to you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine

Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit (v, gf) 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Blueberry and almond (v, cereals, milk) 2.50

Savoury Scones: Herb pea with ricotta cheese (cereals, milk, v, nut)  2.50

Friand: Damsons (v, gf, milk, nut)  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50 (v, gf)

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, plum tomato, smoked cheddar, red onion, balsamic mayo, rocket (cereals, milk, egg, mustard)

Grilled courgette, roasted red pepper, edamame hummus, grated cheddar, spinach ( cereals, v, milk)

Foccacias 5.50

Chorizo, avocado, plum tomato, aioli, gruyere cheese, rocket (cereals, milk, egg, mustard)

Grilled halloumi, crumbed aubergine, chimi churri sauce, spinach (cereals, v, milk)

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Crispy chicken salad with cherry tomato, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, gem lettuce and smoked paprika mayo (cereals, milk, egg, mustard)

Quinoa salad with black olive, sweet corn, shallots, roasted cashew nut, parsley  and goat's curd (gf, v, milk, nuts)

Roasted cauliflower with fresh pea, pesto and pine nut ( gf, v, milk, nut)

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads
Mushroom with butternut squash, rosemary and white cheese sauce ( cereals, v, milk)

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Paleo granola with with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (gf, ve, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit (gf, v) 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche, calvados potato mash, medium baked egg, grilled courgette and onions with crème fraiche and chives (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Smoked paprika brioche, with bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, chopped egg, tomato and sprouts (cereal, milk, egg, mustard) 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant (milk) 2.00

Pain au chocolat (milk) 2.50

Almond croissant (milk, almonds) 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Blueberry and bran (v, cereal, milk, egg) 2.50

Savoury - Asparagus, onion & gruyere (v, cereal, milk) 2.50

Chocolate brownies (gf, milk) 2.70

ANZAC cookies (nuts) 2.00
Ladybird tarts (v, milk, eggs) 2.90

Banana bread (milk) 2.50
White chocolate, oats & cranberry cookies  2.00
Portuguese Tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50 (v, gf)

Lunch
Brioche 5.00
Smoked paprika brioche  with halloumi, avocado, red onion, rocket & sweet chilli (v, egg, milk, cereal)

Baguettes 5.30

Sourdough baguette with pancetta, mushrooms, brie, tarragon mayonnaise & rocket (cereal, milk, mustard) 

Sourdough baguette with maple roasted butternut squash, baked apple, fried onions & spinach (v, cereal,  mustard) 

Salads 5.50 / 7.00

Grilled salmon with roasted baby potatoes, tomato, onion, lettuce & white sauce (milk, mustard, cereal)

Roasted sweet potato with green beans, mixed peppers, olives & honey mustard dressing (v, mustard, gf)

Roasted beetroot with mascarpone, oranges & walnuts (v, gf, milk, nuts)

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Mushroom, leek, spinach and tarragon tart (milk, cereal)

Week beginning Tuesday September 1st - London Latte Art Smackdown 2015

It is back, for the third year now and it is even more popular than before. The London Latte Art Smackdown, sponsored by Square Mile, Coffee Hit and Kaffeine, runs over five weeks starting with four rounds of heats from Tuesday the 8th of September and finishing on Tuesday the 6th October at our new store on Eastcastle street, with the final in the event space at Square Mile Coffee Roasters.

It is pretty simple. 48 spaces, £10 entry, maximum of four entries per company, 12 entrants per heat, knock out rounds to get the top 3 to go through to the final, making another 12 competitors for the finals.

The rules: They get tighter each year, but again we keep it simple.

A Kaffeine barista will be pouring double shots for you into 2 x 5 oz 'flat white' Acme cups.
You steam your milk and split your jugs.
You pour your preferred pattern, but we only allow rosettas, tulips or hearts.
Cup handle must be presented to the right of the judges, with the base of the pattern at 6 o'clock
You choose your best looking and presented drink and put it forward for consideration
You pour your left over milk into a glass to measure your 'wastage'
You remove your second drink.

The barista you are battling against then goes through the same process and the judges will then confer.

The judges, who include some of the complete legends of the London Coffee Scene are looking for:
Consistency
Colour
Symmetry
Dribbles (or lack of)
Milk wastage
Fullness of the cup
Formation of pattern
and many other things that they make up as they go along.

The judges, of which there are three, will then make a decision and on the count of three, point to the winning cup.

The winner goes through to the next round.

The prizes? Well all entry money goes into the pot, so that's £480. The Allegra World Coffee Portal have kindly put in £200, so that is £680 all up in cash. Coffee Hit have donated 1 x Baratza Grinder and a Rhino Hand grinder for 2nd and 3rd and Square Mile will be organising trophies and even more prizes, not to mention the glory and accolades and hopefully a bonus from your employer that comes with it.

The judges? Jeremy Challender from Prufrock, James Hoffman, Oli Bradshaw and Marty Latham from Square Mile, Phil 'the bass player' Wain, Ben Townsend formerly of Espresso room, Andrew Tolley from Taylor Street Baristas, former winners James Bailey of Workshop and David Urbinati of Artisan, Tim Williams formerly of Workshop and now of Coffee Sourcing and lead judge for the third year, Glenn Watson.

Spaces are filling fast already, with most spaces on the first heat already gone. To get involved, the best way is to come into our Eastcastle street and say 'I'm want to compete' and we will help you out.

At the heats, we will have light snacks for free and cheap beers available to purchase if you so desire and Square Mile are already in talks with one of London's iconic beer suppliers for the finals. Guests are welcome to watch and to support you on your way.

Any queries, please email me direct. It's going to be brilliant, we look forward to seeing you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine


Great Titchfield Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Granola muesli with pomegranate molasses, Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes, passion fruit (v, gf) 3.90

Ciabatta roll with omelette, pancetta, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Ciabatta roll with avocado, omelette, rocket and tomato salsa 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach & plum tomatoes 4.90

Cinnamon and Raisin Toast 2.50

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant 2.00

Pain au chocolat 2.50

Almond croissant 2.80

Baked Treats

Sweet muffin: Raspberry and coconut(v, cereals, milk) 2.50

Savoury Scones: Red pepper pesto and cream cheese  (v, cereals, milk) 2.50

Friand: Damsons (v, gf, milk, nut)  2.50

Super moist chocolate brownies (gf) 2.70

White chocolate blondies 2.50

Portuguese tarts 2.00

ANZAC cookies 2.00

Almond and custard slice 2.80

Banana bread 2.50
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50 (v, gf)

Lunch

French retro baguettes 5.30

Ham, pommery mustard, red onion, gruyere cheese, gherkin, rocket ( cereals, mustard, milk)

Buffalo mozzarella, tomato pesto, roasted red pepper, red onion, spinach (cereals, nuts, milk)

Foccacias 5.50

Crispy pancetta, plum tomato, aioli, cheddar cheese, gem lettuce (cereals, milk)

Slow roasted tomato, grilled courgette, herb pea ricotta sauce, spinach (cereals, v, nuts, milk)

Salads: 5.50/6.90

Chorizo salad with black rice, roasted red pepper, peas, pumpkin seeds and basil dressing (gf, nut, milk)

smoked cheddar, grilled peaches, red plum,  roasted walnut, balsamic dressing, watercress ( v, milk, mustard)

Cannelli beans with courgette and black olive tapenade sauce (gf, ve)

Tart: 4.40 or 8.00 with salads
Tenderstem broccoli, spinach, spring onion, feta cheese ( cereals, v, milk)

Eastcastle Street Menu

Breakfast

Traditional bircher muesli with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (v, nuts, milk) 4.00

Paleo granola with with Greek yoghurt and rhubarb and raspberry compote (gf, ve, nuts) 4.00

Fruit salad with pineapple, mango, strawberries, grapes and passion fruit (gf, v) 3.90

Smoked paprika brioche, calvados potato mash, medium baked egg, grilled courgette and onions with crème fraiche and chives (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Smoked paprika brioche, with bacon, roasted tomatoes, avocado, rocket and aioli (cereal, milk, egg) 5.00

Croissant with Italian roast ham, talleggio cheese, spinach and plum tomatoes 4.90

Croissant with smoked salmon, chopped egg, tomato and sprouts (cereal, milk, egg, mustard) 5.00

Pastries by Seven Seed bakery

French butter croissant (milk) 2.00

Pain au chocolat (milk) 2.50

Almond croissant (milk, almonds) 2.80

Baked Treats

Muffins - Blackberry and pineapple (v, cereal, milk, egg) 2.50

Savoury - Spinach, pine nuts and feta   (v, cereal, milk) 2.50

Chocolate brownies (gf, milk) 2.70

ANZAC cookies (nuts) 2.00
Ladybird tarts (v, milk, eggs) 2.90

Banana bread (milk) 2.50
Banana, Hazelnuts and almond cakes with vanilla icing  2.50
Portuguese Tarts 2.00
Raspberry and coconut slice 2.50 (v, gf)

Lunch
Brioche 5.00
Smoked paprika Brioche, Roasted sweet pepper, aubergines, courgettes, rocket and basil pesto sauce. (Cereal, egg, nuts)

Baguettes 5.30

Sourdough baguette with ham, gruyere, slow roasted tomatoes, rocket and Dijon mustard  (cereal, mustard,milk)
Sourdough baguette with smoked salmon, ginger lemon cream cheese , cucumber, avocado and watercress (cereal, egg, fish)

Salads 5.50/7.00

Fragrant lemon chicken, rainbow chard, frisée, Belgium endive, cucumber rings, avocado and fresh herbs. (Gf, df, )

Rocket, slow roasted vine tomatoes, yellow sweet pepper, hazelnuts, Gorgonzola and onion marmalade 

Blanched baby leeks, baked eggs, sweet shallots, capers and vinaigrette dressing.

(Gf, df, v, chilli, mustard)

Savoury Tart 4.40 or 8.00 with salads

Fresh garden peas and mint cakes, smoked salmon and strawberry mayo.