I tried what is being described as 'the best coffee you can buy in Liverpool' -from a tiny hidden venue many of us may not be aware of.
Coffi is secretly hidden under the gaze of the Anglican Cathedral, nestled away on Pilgrim Street. Couple and co-owners Michael Davis, 37, and Natalie Southern, 36, discussed the idea of opening their coffee shop after they were "spoiled for choice" with the variety on offer in the Romanian capital Bucharest, where they lived back in 2015.
The pair eventually set up shop in a Grade II listed building, keeping its original foundation and brickwork's integrity in check. Coffi opened its doors to the public in 2021 and has since gone down as one of Merseyside's top choices for caffeine.
READ MORE: Couple with '£8 in the bank' set up hidden gem coffee shop
Michael and Nat put everything they had into building Coffi to the point they only had £8 left in their banks at the launch.
And it hasn't gone unnoticed by the people of Liverpool.
Sharing their praise online, a user by the name of Old Hall Street said: "It looks a lovely little place...lots of character and retaining original features too."
ECHO reader Scousemouse1 said: "Love these principles to work by" while Former local Tomclem20 added: "I used to live a few doors down from the shop and remember the day it opened. Lovely couple and had lovely coffee. Happy it's going well for them both."
The cosy quarters appeal to large celebrations and event organisers, including Carolyn Menzies who said: "Went there after my daughter’s graduation a couple of weeks ago….great coffee & fabulous place." A user by the name Real Talk added: "It’s probably the best coffee in Liverpool."
Mark Smith echoed previous sentiments as he added: "Fab coffee and a great space." Ben67 also said: Lovely coffees, the best in Merseyside."
Have you tried a better coffee in Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below
With such high praise from communities far and wide, I decided to take a trip down to Pilgrim Street to taste the beans for myself. The building well and truly earns itself the title of a hidden gem as it took me a few hesitant turns to find the place. Upon arriving at Coffi, there were already a couple of customers enjoying their drinks outside.
Pushing through its massive floor-to-ceiling glass barnhouse door, it was even cosier than its imagery suggests. On the wall is its menu boasting most notably a Freddo espresso and a Freddo latte. Composing myself from the sudden urge to obtain both I ordered a classic latte and a tan slice to accompany it.
The lovely barista offered to bring my order to a table whenever it was ready so I made my way upstairs, only to discover it was full. Not particularly bothered, I sat on the bench next to the door which boasts rustic yet pretty views of Pilgrim Street and its passersby. Overhead was the mellow, laid-back soundtrack you'd expect from any coffee shop but low enough that the venue felt almost tranquil to sit in.
In no time at all I was delivered a warm cup of coffee, complete with foam art, in an unusual cup with no handle. The jar of sorts was an interesting touch and was thick enough to prevent my hands from being burnt. Already impressed with my surroundings, service and aesthetic, it was time to taste "the best coffee in Liverpool."
Not too long ago I lived nearby in the Baltic Triangle and after sampling Coffi's coffee, I wish I made it a point to visit before now and frequently. It whole-heartedly deserves the praise customers are sharing.
The latte was neither bitter nor was it sweet, it fell somewhere in the middle where no additional sugar or gomme was needed. It was also ready to drink without burning your mouth or gulping down in one glug because it had reached room temperature.
The accompanying sweet treat was lucky it was protected behind a glass case because they could've been devoured one after another. The tan slice was so soft it melted in your mouth but maintained a crumbly exterior to bite into. I could've stayed there for hours, constantly reordering what I had or trying something new while I worked the day away. It's a blessing they offer takeaway cups.
Coffi was so serene and laid back that it's no surprise it was full during my stay. I can't honestly admit I've tried every coffee in Liverpool to boldly declare it as the best in the city but Coffi does now earn the title of my favourite venue around.
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