How to find a great coffee shop

A great coffee shop shows care in a few small ways: a clean machine, a short menu, staff who can tell you what is in the cup and a drink that arrives at the right temperature. You can spot most of these from the door, and some from photographs before you go. Here is what to look for.

At the counter

Look at the machine and the grinder. They should be clean and in use. Look at the menu. A short list of drinks, done well, is a better sign than a long list. Notice how the barista works: they should be unhurried and tidy.

If you can see the beans, look at when they were roasted, if it is shown. Some places name the roaster. A place that tells you what it serves is proud of it.

In the cup

A good flat white has a smooth, glossy milk texture, with a rich coffee underneath. It should be hot but not scalding. A good espresso is sweet and balanced, not sour or bitter. If your drink tastes burnt or thin, the beans or the technique may be off.

What to ask

Ask what is on today. Ask which coffee is best with milk and which without. A good barista will give a short, honest answer. If they shrug, it may be a sign that the shop does not care much about the coffee.

In photographs and ratings

On Mosey, diners tag places for great coffee. Look at recent photographs of the drinks and read the ratings for specific comments. A rating that says the coffee was great and names the drink is more useful than one that just says nice.

Think about what else you want

Some people want a quick takeaway. Others want a place to sit and work or talk. Check the seating, the noise and whether there is wifi if that matters. Raters mention these.

Milk and alternatives

If you use plant milk, ask which ones the shop stocks and whether there is a charge. A shop that offers several, and steams them well, is paying attention.

What to eat with it

A good coffee shop often has a short food menu: a pastry, a toastie, a cake. Look at photographs. Fresh baked goods are a good sign. If everything is in plastic, it may have come from elsewhere.

Specialty or neighbourhood

Not every good coffee shop is a specialty roaster. A neighbourhood cafe that makes a reliable flat white and knows its regulars can be exactly what you want. Specialty places suit people who like to compare beans and brew methods. Decide which you are after, because the right stop for a quick morning cup may not suit a slow afternoon.

If you like trying new things, ask whether there is a filter or single-origin coffee on offer, and ask for a description. A good barista will talk you through it without fuss.

Opening hours

Many coffee shops open early and close in the afternoon. Check, especially at weekends. A shop that closes at lunch is no good for an afternoon coffee.

A worked example for a new town

Suppose you arrive somewhere new and want a good coffee within ten minutes. Open the app and look for places tagged for coffee, then check the photographs of the drinks. Walk to the nearest, look at the machine and the menu, and order the simplest drink on offer, such as a flat white or a filter. If it is good, stay. If not, you have lost the cost of a cup and learned something.

Learning your own taste

Good coffee is partly personal. Some people like a bright, fruity cup and others a dark, chocolatey one. Try a few places and notice what you enjoy, then tell the barista. A good barista will point you at something that suits. Over time you will find the shops that match your taste, and ratings will matter less than your own palate.

Take your time

A good coffee is worth a few minutes. If you can, sit and drink it. You will taste more.