ReviewAn unusual combination of coffee shop and bar, it is part of the burgeoning Milsom Place enclave that consists of a number of boutique shops and eating establishments. Unlike some coffee shops that happen to sell beer, or pubs that happen to sell coffee, this seems to be firmly focused on both with a number of artisan coffees and craft beers available.
The pub consists of two new build units that have been knocked through in to one, with the walls being a mixture of exposed stone and white plasterwork, along with some mosaic tiling in places. The flooring is some type of screed which has been part painted with pastel colour hexagons in a honeycomb like arrangement, although this appeared unfinished as it did not cover the whole floor. Whether this was intentional, or they ran out of time, I’m not sure. A large vaulted roof with a skylight and full height windows along the front give a light and airy feel to the place. The bar counter was clad with green tiling and runs along the back of the pub, with one side housing five beer pumps and the other a couple of coffee machines. A selection of pastries were also displayed on the bar counter, whilst some shelving to one side offered a number of items to purchase such as wine glasses, books and tea towels. There was some very limited seating in the passageway outside, whilst the tables inside were a mixture of different styles, some seemingly quite impractical – some made of wooden blocks had large grooves in between which were completely filled up with crumbs. Besides the pastries on the bar, the menu appeared to offer a concise selection of dishes divided in to brunch, lunch and bar snacks which apparently consisted of light bites and artisan cheeses.
Beers on tap were all keg rather than cask as seems to be the vogue in “craft beer” establishments, and the menu informed me that these change weekly and are sourced globally for flavour, so don’t expect anything local. On this occasion they consisted of Buxton’s High Tor, Wild Beer Madness, Mikkeller Spontanmasaic, Brew by Numbers’ Motueka & Lime and Wild Redchurch Little Tartlet. Barman was friendly and helpful and was happy to make recommendations and offer tasters. Apparently there are a few more bottled options, although we did not investigate this. There was no sign of any cider unfortunately, at least not on tap.
