Diplomats Barista

Quite regularly I get messages from friends telling me that a new place had opened. I was surprised to hear that I had missed the opening of a new coffee shop which has popped up at the recently opened Snow Hill Two development. I mean, I guess I shouldn't be too hard on myself (seeing as Snow Hill Two isn't somewhere I pass by regularly), but still... I'm pretty sure that my veins run with more coffee than blood in them these days!

So this morning (on my way to run errands in town), I popped by to pick up a morning cup of joe. The exterior is very smart (as you would expect from a business which forms part of this prestigious development) and just oozes elegance and class.

The interior is just as lovely. This coffee shop has got a quirk... They have made a deal with the wonderful RBSA gallery in the Jewellery Quarter and the walls are adorned with fabulous charcoal pieces of art depicting slices of history and famous jazz museums. There are also a couple of wooden sculptures dotted about this venue too, meaning there is beauty everywhere you look in this coffee shop.

As I was catching some snaps, one of the owners gave me a mini tour around. He talked me through the pieces on the walls and pointed out that there are powerpoints and wifi here (making it a great place to work or have a meeting).

I ordered a two shot black Americano (which was a bargainous £2.10). The coffee was hot, not too bitter and more than acceptable. The range of treats was also very well priced and worth popping in for if you need a sugary pick-me-up.

It's a beautiful venue with well priced goods and friendly staff. I do hope it continues to do well and encourage a visit if you haven't popped down!

Just returned having met a friend here for lunch. As I wandered up to meet her outside one of the members of staff was checking on her as it was quite windy and she was stood by herself...which was nice of them. When we entered he told us he could make any of the sandwiches up fresh if there weren't any in the fridge.

I opted for a ham and cucumber sandwich which I was asked whether I wanted mustard (thankfully, I don't like the stuff), and some crisps. They also do soya milk - hurrah! Prices are pretty standard for a coffee shop and there's a nice collection of tables and higher chairs near the window, plus artwork on the walls. Love that the plate allows for a coffee mug and a sandwich though - much easier to carry!

A pleasure, will be back!

This quite new place is kinda hidden away unless you know how to find it. Easiest route is via the corner of Snow Hill to the right of the station entrance and behind Waitrose. Walk through there and you'll see it at the end of the posh Snow Hill Two building. If you find yourself instead at the front entry to Snow Hill Two then just walk directly through past the reception areas and it's just on the right outside.

Design wise it's definately my kind of place: simple, clean, elegant, easy to keep clean/fresh and dripping with class. The space itself is surprisingly large and I can only assume they got a blindin' deal on the rent - hard to see how they could survive otherwise given city centre prices. There's a good mix of tables and chairs to chose from. It actually looks like an IKEA show room! It's well thought through. Behind the bar area is a kitchen space hidden by a simple wall partition. The toilet is also discreetly hidden and absolutely spotless. It's great to see they've spent extra installing a fully accessible loo in there. Whoever designed this place has a very good eye for symmetry. Even the two espresso machines are located one at each end of the bar, offering the eye a perfect sense of balance.

There's a large stainless steel chilled display fridge with cakes, drinks and, bizarrely I thought, bags of crisps! The gentleman serving was super helpful and polite. My opening flat white was really very good; just as I like it but rather different to say Six Eight, Faculty or Yorks. It came perfectly sized, with a small jug of extra milk - this is certainly a 'unique touch' bound to irritate the coffee snobs! I didn't need it, but there is some extra thought here. This isn't an identi-kit outlet. Ideas from beyond the 'coffee trade' have been brought to bear on how things are done and how food and drinks are served. That's great. I'm bored to death of wannabee, clichéd outlets.

The place was empty other than the occasional take-away punter, all of whom were welcomed with polite, reserved warmth. I decided to sit a while to read my paper and so ordered a brunch sandwich. I liked the set up. There is a fairly discrete range of fillings to select from, as well as some 'spread' type options. I had ham, cheddar and piccalilli on granary. It was made fresh and delivered to my table. It was nice, with good quality ingredients. I do wonder if they get supplies from Waitrose. The quality was above the standard wholesale delivery stuff many places rely on.

All in all, not your standard coffee shop and all the better for it. Feels and certainly looks a bit posh, but the prices are actually very good indeed. I hope they get the trade they deserve. It's a tricky location footfall wise and I'm not actually sure how many offices are full at Snow Hill One or Two. They're very much reliant on customers from those two buildings I suspect and I hope they can make a go of it. It's a really nice spot.