Stanisland Magazine

Is Grind a discount coffee house, or is the pink-cupped chain making the right moves for the high street?

Today, there are so many coffee-turned experts: — how original and edgy of us all. Amidst a jungle of London baristas, there’s plenty to choose from. One such place is Grind, a UK-based coffee chain taking over British high streets. Is it as spectacular as people say? There’s only one way to find out.

Flavour Profile and Milk Pour

We approached Grind with a bare-bones attitude, opting to take whatever they serve us from a standard Latte. We visited two chains: Spitalfields Market and Battersea Power Station.

There’s little to distinguish between the notes present in each cup served, though it carries a slightly nutty fragrance. The acidity at Battersea was okay, though the Liverpool Street-adjacent branch really brought the noise. At the Power Station, the pour was smooth, the texture was balanced, and the taste of the beans hit just shy of the outer bull area.

Spitalfields wins the game with its silky, glossy milk — fit for kings and queens — served to me by a genuine bearded hipster. The beans had a chocolatey flavour and the lasting experience sat with a rich and moreish appeal.

Grind say they pride themselves on community and sustainability — and they definitely met expectations with their hands-on approach and attentiveness, not just to me, but to those in their queue. The service is great, far better than other coffee spots — you get a smile.

Our Verdict: A Cup of Joe With Buzz

If anything, you’re guaranteed to reclaim the benefits from the London tax of approximately £4. The baristas are passionate about the craft and take satisfaction when customers sip from their pink cups with a ‘oooo’. The beans are on point, with the only issue being an inconsistency with the milk pour, although the difference is negligible.