Jason Maskell
Google
I used to love and recommend this place, but I can't any longer. I used to be able to get truly inspirational coffee from the older man who worked there. He obviously truly cared and would be happy to talk with you about the coffee. Now that fellow is gone and the last few times the coffee I was served wasn't good enough to drink, much less inspirational.
Their beans also used to be a strong point. However, without the expert behind the counter to offer guidance, it seems like a gamble. I went in today and asked for a Colombian bean behind the counter with the portafilter on the bag (meaning it's a roast intended for espresso). I was told they're all the same and will work for espresso. I'm not an expert, just a happy amateur, but you're telling me that ALL of your roasts are espresso roasts? I'm guessing you just don't care enough.
At home I ground those beans and I got a terrible shot. Worse than my usual grocery store brand. Also, if I believe the stamp the batch was roasted 3 weeks prior.
So, rather than continue to make the long trip into Russafa to buy these beans I'm going to find somewhere else. It's too bad. The passion that this business had has waned.