Upstairs in NX100, this Italianesque cafe has its java bar facing out to accommodate the passing throng – and throng it is. Jeez it’s noisy up there! Anyway, thought we’d give it a go. That dark wood decor couldn’t lift the coffee though. I’m no barista but I thought the tamper thingie needs to be firmly pushing those grinds around in the portafilta to show them whose boss rather than politely making their acquaintance and apologizing for brushing up against them!! This rather pleasant respect for personal space results in the water cascading joyfully through the beans without so much as a howdy-do, let alone a joyous dalliance and slushy socializing that gives a rich complex draw that lingers delightfully on the taste buds. Ahh well, the old disappointment of under extracted unfulfilled promise. 42%

How’s that for a piece of window art? Made me jump as I came round the corner, and actually took a few seconds to register it was a java joint. The feathers having been suitably ruffled, a reviving cup of joe was definitely in order. Tontine is a 5 Senses establishment, offering not 1, not 2, but 3 blends, plus a decaff!!!!

A middle sized helping of the house blend seemed appropriate under the circs. Advertised as “double shot pulled short” expectations were high. Sure enough, I got what it said on the box. Interesting to try and classify this one…. Smooth and rounded, and by no means bland, there was none of the over extracted tailings (funny that!) that can be used to make up for lack of flavour. I couldn’t make out any stand out features in the taste department, suffice to say, oddly, it was a very calming cup of joe. Weird and pleasing in equal measures. Will definitely return to try the other blends on offer. 74%