The sign, and the coffee shop which lies behind, are the brainchild of Aussie singer/ DJ Kaz James (of BodyRockers fame) and his business partner, David Abrahamovitch. Inside, the bar is industrial and hip with metal stools around 180 degree windows, exposed brick and a metal staircase leading to an upstairs recording studio. An outside courtyard and alcohol licence are in the pipeline.
THE GRUB: Pastries, sandwiches and cakes. But you’re here for the black stuff.
BEHIND THE BAR: The venue’s coffee roaster is top secret, I’m told, but the blend is created exclusively for Shoreditch Grind. Only five of the 13 (mostly Aussie) baristas are allowed near the coffee machine, so seriously is it taken. According to Abrahamovitch, the baristas are as important as the beans, and he claims his crew could brew up a decent coffee, even in the wastelands of Starbucks.
For his part, James identifies with the expat Aussies who bemoan London’s lack of decent coffee bars. “I grew up in Melbourne, a city where coffee is king,” he says. “I have a lot of respect for great coffee.”
BILL PLEASE: An espresso or Americano is £1.95, a regular cappuccino or latte £2.45.
VERDICT: Look no further for your perfect flat white.
213 Old Street, EC1V 9NR
shoreditchgrind.com
Tube: Old St
Review: Frankie Mullin
