Three Coffees, London

[limster]

• Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, Holborn
One of the most complex macchiati I've ever had in London -- beneath the milk, full of nut, herb and fruit flavours, a whiff of dill and almond, then fennel and berry. A barista from another place mentioned that they uniquely use single bean espresso, which probably accounts for the flavour range.

• Phoenica, Kentish Town
A deep and superbly smooth and balanced Lebanese coffee. Immense stuff, and extremely strong. Great with their mamoul, a small shortbread cookie with an occasional crunch of semolina, filled with soft date.

• Caravan, Exmouth Market/Farringdon
Enjoyed their aeropress version of Yirgacheffe, less fruity and tangy than most, instead with a smooth stony nutty and earthy flavour that was balanced by a tiny lick of acid and fruit at the end.

[cathodetube]

Where in Holborn is the Department?

I wonder if Caravan is the Ehtiopian guy who sells/used to sell coffee at Southbank market?

[limster]

DCSA is at 14-16 Leather Lane according to their website: http://www.departmentofcoffee.co.uk/ Quite close to Prufrock.

I don't think that Caravan is related to the guy in the Southbank market. See http://caravanonexmouth.co.uk/the-team