I don't mind trying out new recipes at home, whether it's inspired by the ingredients I have on hand or something that I've seen on a menu. However, when I go to a cafe for the first time, I'm always sceptical about ordering seasonal or festive coffee drinks, and I prefer to play it on the safer side with a more traditional drink.
This decision might be based more on cautious spending than my lack of adventure, simply because I hate the feeling of wanting my money back. Don't you too?
So, on my recent holiday in St. Ives Cornwall, my friend and I did some eye-shopping before stopping for a coffee at the Scoff and Troff Cafe.
There was an impressive Autumn special, pumpkin spiced latte, that was seductively topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. I was pleased to see that the presentation was just as appealing as that on the menu board.
Sounds and looks tempting, heh?
The colour was cheerful and both looked amazingly delicious and together they cost £8.50 — Ie. £4.30 for the latte and £3.30 for the cappuccino plus 10% Service Charge. That was a reasonable price for somewhere as touristy that's at a central location.
My cappuccino was great at the right temperature and thickness, and the coffee tasted decent. My friend enjoyed her pumpkin spiced latte, with a mix of spice, sweet, and bitter. However, the glass that the special pumpkin spiced latte was served in was a drawback because the beverage was too hot to hold, and my friend had to wrap a napkin around it to drink.
I thought that was a careless oversight.
So, although the presentation was appealing, and it was exciting to try something new; The latte was nothing to rave about, and probably not something that she was eager to replicate at home, nor yearning for a second one.
Overall, I'd say the service was swift, although we only had drinks, but I also saw customers being served quickly after placing their orders. However, the tables are placed close to each other without allowing much space or a feeling of privacy. Hence the reasons for the lack of photos, as it just seemed wrong to snap strangers eating.
For the price of the coffee, I think it would have been nice to have a small complimentary chocolate or a cookie, as a kind gesture.
I normally have my coffee black at home, but it's seldom that I order an Americano whenever I visit a cafe. It's either a cappuccino or a latte. What about you? Of the two beverages here, which one appeals to you more, and have you ever tried a pumpkin spiced latte or any other festive coffee drink?
All photos are mine and were taken on my recent trip to St. Ives, Cornwall:)
