Tucked away along the Carillon walkway, skulking unfashionably closed to the big end of town, in a corner on a bend we find Grind Espresso. The location has all the potential to an alternative super hip underground coffee destination – subway vibe, out of the way, the office desk jockeys scurry along with their heads lowered, unable to spare even a cursory sideways glance at a coffee shop that probably deserves better. Take a seat and the hyper echo of the concrete tunnel accentuates the passing conversations, buffeting your own with a rudely challenging air. Sad, really, ‘cos the brew is OK really. Nice and hot, not sure of the beans, but tastes Fiori-esque. Can’t help thinking it’s missed a styling opportunity 53%

Shiny gold sign and Karvan Coffee prominent in the window, what’s the connection with crazy shoes and offbeat clothing? Maybe this conundrum will never be solved. Indeed, the conundrums continue – not least of which is why is the Karvan so searingly hot? Perhaps the ‘how to’ dictates this is required to accentuate the acid – present in proportions that may just melt the gold in your teeth, if you’re lucky enough to have such furnishings. Lurking in the background is an interesting combo of caramel and malt notes, incessantly beaten down by the overlord acid in a culinary serfdom of dark ages proportions. Can’t help thinking that come the revolution, interesting flavour will prevail….Raise the red flag! 40%