This Robe institution was started back in 1999 by the eponymous Mahalia and her hubby. They roasts their own beans at roasters on site and apparently provide beans to over 200 outlets.

There's a bustling cafe area and shelves selling Mahalia coffee, tea and jams, as well as a wide array of other arty quirky things.

There's aircon, it's family friendly (there's a play area outside). They offer some small breakfast options, but that's obviously not why people come here.

The coffee is a perfect 3 stage journey of strength, creaminess and bitterness, with a good aftertaste. Big gulps come over rather milky, but sipping it gives pure coffee goodness. This could please everyone - how do they do it?!

See PeAk coffee entry - but add cafe atmosphere and plenty of tap water. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new number 1.

Grinder: Compak Master
Machine: La Marzocco
Beans: Mahalia

AB