Aberdeen's Finest...

Aberdeen's Finest - A whistle-stop tour of the coffeehouse gems in the Granite City...

Today's Find: Espresso Bar on 2, John Lewis Department Store, Aberdeen.

It's Tuesday lunchtime. As I write this, I'm sitting in my favourite Starbucks, escaping from the undefeatable Aberdeen wind and rain, drinking a 'spicy tea' - a warm and comforting, less caffeinated, less calorific version of a Chai Tea Latte. Devoid of the latest edition of Tatler magazine, I turn to writing. As I glance around Starbucks, (my refuge in this kind of weather: warm drinks accompanied by leather armchairs in the window and Norah Jones playing in the background), I'm struck by the variety of people I'm surrounded by. In front of me sit two very yummy yummy-mummies, complete with immaculate hair, manicured nails and A/W 2010 Collection Hobbs' dresses. They're discussing their children's private schools, and I'm wondering where their 4x4s are parked. Behind me sits a father with his son, who "only eats chocolate." Four boys from the local academy school have just walked in and are in the noisy process of rearranging the furniture, allowing them to sit round the table and eat their Sainsbury's sandwiches. Behind the bar, the friendly baristas frantically make an extra-hot, skinny, sugar-free Caramel Machhiato or a triple-shot cappuccino. I can't help but smile at how, despite a difference in background, salary and coffee-taste, people are able to come together over a mug of warm-something.


But now to return to the Aberdeen's Finest series. I'd like to introduce you to the Espresso Bar on 2 in Aberdeen's John Lewis department store. I met a friend here for brunch this morning, and the chic espresso bar certainly deserves a write-up. Tucked away in the corner of the furniture floor of JL (the second floor, if the name of the espresso bar doesn't give it away), it is the perfect place to meet a friend or beloved-other before a meander through the store. As I looked round, I saw older couples sharing a scone and drinking tea, and people catching up with today's newspaper over a deliciously frothy cappuccino. The Espresso Bar is is a smaller, private, more modern version of the main coffeeshop upstairs. The one down-side to this is that the menu isn't as extensive, but if that really is a problem, a ride upstairs on an escalator wouldn't hurt much. The frosted glass tables and dark leather seats are a perfect accompaniment to John Lewis' freshly-made scones which my friend and I chose ("warmed, with butter and jam?" Yes please...). The menu? Pastries that look too good to eat, cakes, bakes and other slices and a selection of coffees, teas and cold drinks. As far as I'm aware, lunch food is served upstairs (I couldn't see any sandwich toasters or soup urns) - the Espresso Bar strikes me as a strictly morning coffee, brunch and afternoon tea type of place. Word of warning though, if you're craving a scone, (I'd recommend a cheese one), get there early or you'll be disappointed!
     The Espresso Bar, although just a department store coffee stop, is spacious, well lit, quiet and certainly doesn't break the bank. If you're spending a morning or afternoon in John Lewis (which is easily done, I can tell you,) I'd definitely factor in some Espresso Bar on 2 time.


The lunch-rush is over but Starbucks has still maintained it's buzz. The yummy-mummies have been replaced by two business men closing a deal and the school-kids have returned to their classes. It's time to go back out into the rain and back to the big, bad world. Maybe one more coffee first though...