stalbanslife

It is with great joy that I can announce that Flat White coffees can now to be enjoyed in at least three (maybe more?) local cafes!

Initially, they were only to be found at the Merchant Tea and Coffee Co but recently they have appeared on the menus of Costa and Starbucks! Costa’s (skinny) Flat White was absolutely perfect. Starbuck’s Flat White also looked and tasted great but was only available in full-fat milk. The staff there explained that Flat Whites should only be served using full-fat milk.

And what IS a Flat White you might ask? It’s an antipodean-style coffee (pronounced flet whyte by New Zealanders), which is served as a strong shot of espresso mixed carefully with textured milk. It is finished off by a beautifully formed ‘Rosetta’ on top! The photo shows my Rosetta ruined by my addition of cinnamon!

It’s called ‘flat’ because the cappuccino part of the froth is held back. Basically, it is a delicious drink that is somewhere between a cappuccino and a latte but tastes velvety and strong.

My question is; does anyone know exactly where is originated?

Click on www.stalbanslife.co.uk/cafes and www.stalbans.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/arts-and-entertainment/Eating-out for a list of places to eat and drink in St Albans

In August this year, we experienced the closure of Borders Bookstore in Colney Fields Retail Park. Along with that, the popular Starbucks Café closed too. This weekend, the fashion store, New Look has opened in its place. The presence of silver decorations, Christmas music and a huge range of winter clothing, creates a vibrant atmosphere thats worth checking out!

Starbucks Café has reopened too (upstairs) with a brand new look of its own! Its entrance has changed and it is not as exposed to the store as before. It also lacks the cosy atmosphere although the new decor is more upbeat. Never mind, no doubt the double-shot, skinny latte is as good as ever!

Links -

www.newlook.co.uk, http://wordpresswebservices.com/stalbanslife/shopping/local-shops/farewell-to-borders-bookstore, www.starbucks.co.uk

Last year, the coffee and tea addicts of St Albans heard that the lower floor of the Town Hall would be converted into a café with outdoor seating. I was really pleased about this as it seemed the perfect location to sit and people-watch in one of the great historic cities of England.

When it opened I raced in and ordered my latte. Instead of waiting at the counter (where every minute can feel like one hour), I was given a number and told that the coffee would be served to the table. I found this unusual but with this system, I didn’t have to stand around queuing for long.

I had a choice between outdoor seating, indoor and high tables by the large, colonial windows. It was cold so I chose the window seats. I noticed the unusual colonial fans, waving gently, creating a lovely atmosphere of bygone days. The warm terracotta and blue painted walls and the ceiling was a masterpiece in itself. I stared at it for a while, admiring the colonial designs. Gentle jazz music played in the background, adding to the hum of people’s voices. My latte arrived.

Being a loyal fan of good coffee beans, I can only describe this latte as being a meal in itself. It looked good, tasted zesty and rich. Just as important was the froth, which was done to perfection. For the discerning tea drinker, there is an amazing range of loose leaf and herbal teas.

I paid £2.30 for the Latte and £2.90 for a slice of Victorian Fruit Cake. It’s a bit pricey but good quality. A Panini costs £3.60 and a homemade Cornish or Lamb Pasties costs £3.95, which is about average for St Albans.

The café is owned and run by Anil and his wife, Hervisha. I asked Anil about this new business, which has been opened less than a year.

‘We feel more established as we now have a set core clientele. Despite the economic downturn, our reputation was solely built on word-of-mouth and the high standards we maintain. Hervisha and I like to bring our home standards to our business. This is important to us.’

‘We give our personal touch to every cup of coffee even if it means regrinding the coffee beans!’

Anil has established good relationships with the local market and suppliers. The Homemade Pasties and Fruit Crumble are obtained from a local producer and his 100% apple juice comes from Cambridgeshire.

I looked at their new Wine Menu. There was an interesting selection of drinks, ranging from single serve white, red, rose and sparking wine. A bottle of red wine is priced at £10.95. A 187ml glass of Blanc Vin de Pay d’Oc costs £3.75. Spirits like Tia Maria, Irish Coffee (a must-have!), Becks Alcohol Free Lager and Baileys were on offer. Oh to sip cool Rose al fresco……listening to their new range of classical music….

The Merchant Tea and Coffee Company will be taking part in the great St Albans Food Festival so watch out for their offers. See www.stalbansfoodanddrinkfestival.com

Opening hours; Mon to Sat 8am – 5.30pm / Sun 9am – 5pm

Disables toilet; Located in café

Parking; Nearby Maltings Car Park or the Grove Car Park

Address; Market Place, St Albans, AL3 5DJ Tel; 01727 861503

Miloud Said (known to all as Milo) is one of those guys who doesn’t wait around for life to happen! Milo makes it happen.

This man was the shining face of Ritazza Café at St Albans station but has recently left to ambitiously renovate an old toilet block into a fresh new café!

This café is called The Beech Tree and looks onto the Fleetville playground. It is a perfect location. Milo and co-owner Absalma are creating an inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.

When I first encountered Milo, I noticed his good customer manner and his memory for the favourite coffee of every customer! Even when there was a long queue, he acknowledged each person and served as diligently as possible. His coffee is excellent and well sourced.

As I had sipped the best coffee in town, I asked Milo to tell me about their new café.

‘Our big aim for the Beech Tree Café is that we want to bring ‘the family’ together to sit here and enjoy the best quality coffee I can offer. I want the costumer to discover the charm of the coffee! I want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.’

Milo and Absalma have quality in mind with food too.

‘We try to offer simple and healthy food that appeals to all ages. It’s all homemade and fresh. Our challenge is to offer barbequed food outside in summer, for all the family to enjoy. Parents can relax while restless children can enjoy the nearby playground or the café’s garden games. We will have outdoor shelter so people can stay all day long whatever the weather!’

A note of warning; Watch out for Milo’s jokes! You have to discover for yourself when he is serious or not!

Helpful facts about Beech Tree Café

- Disabled access
- Most varieties of teas and coffees available
- Ice cream served in summer
- Children welcomed and catered for
- Opening times; 7am – 7pm until April 2009 (Everyday)
7am – 10pm after April 2009 (Monday to Saturday)