This is a personal account of a New Zealander living in London and their struggle to find decent coffee. Despite the abundance of coffee shops, the author finds the quality lacking compared to their homeland.
Last March, I made the most daunting decision of my life - to leave the serene tranquillity of New Zealand for the bustling metropolis of London . Now, nearly a year on, I can confidently say it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. However, there's one aspect of my new life that leaves me longing for my Antipodean roots.
Despite residing in London, where coffee shops are as common as pigeons, I've yet to find a cup of coffee that even remotely compares to what I used to enjoy back in New Zealand. It's almost commendable if it wasn't so disheartening. From the gentrified streets of Hackney to the corner shops of Streatham, I've failed to find a single sip of coffee that brings me joy. Back in New Zealand, I worked as a barista for five years before becoming a journalist, developing not only a love for high-quality caffeine but also a significant dependence. I used to be unable to start my day without coffee, but since moving hemispheres, I've practically given up on it. Brits are renowned for their love of tea, and I suspect that's because the coffee here is so subpar it's hardly worth drinking - at least that's why I've switched to tea. I never drank tea in New Zealand, but since relocating here, I've swapped my morning coffee for a milder brew, simply because I've been unable to find any type of bean that produces a palatable homemade cup of coffee. When I'm out and about at the weekends, I occasionally treat myself to brunch and a coffee, but my order has significantly changed since moving here. I used to opt for an Americano - two shots of espresso with hot water, but in London, I find myself more frequently ordering a mocha - two shots of espresso with chocolate milk. This isn't because I have a sweet tooth, but rather due to the fact that the espresso here often tends to be bitter, acidic or over-extracted, necessitating the chocolate to disguise it. I've even resorted to pleading with my friends from New Zealand to bring over bags of coffee beans when they visit, limiting myself to just one cup a day - not the most ideal situation, but certainly preferable to shelling out £9 on artisan beans that taste metallic. There are numerous ways in which London outshines New Zealand - the groceries are fresher and more affordable, public transport is swift and reliable, and the arts and culture scene is unparalleled. However, all these experiences - grocery shopping, commuting and enjoying a good show - would be greatly enhanced by a decent cup of coffee beforehand
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