Simon K.
Yelp
If this place was anywhere that was in some area that had high foot traffic I guarantee line-ups and packed tables would be the normal scene here. For me, I am glad a place like this opened close enough to my neighbourhood, still a drive, but nothing where I have to fight off cars, fight for parking, and in the end... fight for a spot to enjoy this great brew they are cooking up here. The first thing you wonder is... where is Semlin? Well use your smart phone and find it... you can't miss the place once you get here, with all it's windows, taking up a nice square building with the big words 'PALLET' right on the building, it's got that new age, 'hipster' type feel, but it's missing that traffic that these normal places usually command once popping up in areas.... for now!
When you come in here you get a great feeling of roominess created by the high ceilings over the main checkout area. This place is clean, and simplistic, and very open, from the balcony area with a few tables, to the bottom area, you can almost see the entire operation when you are in here. They don't even hide their backroom, and the dishwashing that takes place, which actually gives a very comforting feel of what they are doing...... nothing hidden!
So why do they need such a big place... and why doesn't it have more seating... this place is a roasting house.. so they do everything on sight, but most of us will just be coming in for the coffee to get our day going, that is fine. I am a creature of habit, and I keep going for their normal drip coffee... sometimes if I am there too late (I think they don't do drip after 3:30) I do not always get what I want... but I haven't tried any of the sweet drinks they have.. from their lattes... etc. They also have some sweet baked treats here.. not too sure where they get them from.. but they offer a cut-up of some samples everytime I have been there. My friend is a sucker for this kind of thing, as she always orders this white chocolate berry loaf with her latte.
I've been here on sunny days.. and rainy days.. and regardless of when you are here, you will get a beautiful brew in your cup, for me and my pure black coffee the acidity is always just right, such a smooth cup, and also being able to enjoy it while being in this comfortable surrounding. Definitely a place you can let time pass, before they kick you out at 5 (when they close). If you are looking for a real good coffee, and have some time not to just come in here and run.. but to sit down and enjoy the surroundings... this is how coffee should be, don't be surprised if time flies by.