So Sunday was my 'blogging' day, setting up some posts for the week - photographing and writing and scheduling and what have you, and I was panicking about a little section I've been wanting to introduce monthly or so this year based around *lovely things* in Nottingham. I am hoping this will span artists, crafters, bloggers and places. I was panicking because I have a nice Illustrator I want to feature, but I didn't want to post it so close to my post on the fantastic Verena Herbst, and Mine and Martin's planned date had to be cancelled! Then I remembered, on the theme of dates, that we'd gone for a little coffee break at one of the newer coffee establishments in Nottingham - 200 Degrees - just before Christmas. We also went again literally on Saturday, so the general experience is fresh in my mind. ;)
Both times we have been lured in to this gorgeous coffee shop have been in the waning sunlight, following some errand or shopping trip in town, and as a result these pictures are kind of 'moody' and ahem 'vintage' looking. (Read: noisy) although to be honest, the place isn't the brightest of establishments even in the daytime. That isn't the point though! This place has this fantastic mix of hipster-coffee shop typography everywhere that plays against the gorgeous old interiors of the building. I say this over and over, but growing up in Coventry, I never cease to be amazed by the presence of history everywhere, the thrill of little original features.
One thing that this place is recognised for, amongst all that dark wood, nestled in the fireplace, is a neon 'fire' that just fits the aesthetic perfectly. Of course I've never managed to get a picture of it as they have tactically placed two cosy arm chairs and a table beside it, and some lucky pair are always snuggled up beside it. Aside from the design, though, the place actually makes great coffee. I am not speaking as a connoisseur by any means whatsoever. All I can say is that the coffee is distinctly nice, in comparison to, say, your average Costa. There is a kind of smoothness to it that I am sure an expert somewhere could give me a reason for and then tell me all of it's bass notes, including a hint of strawberry or something. This is probably because they roast the coffee themselves, so I guess all of their coffee is specifically *200 Degrees Flavour*. As well as that they have a barista school upstairs which look so. cool. you guys.
It doesn't seem to be just me that likes the place, either. We got a seat last time and ended up sharing a table with two other sets of people. I mean, it was Saturday, but I feel like maybe a small downfall may have been a little bit of miscommunication between floor staff and Barista. What I mean is that, there were a lot of people wandering around with coffees and nowhere to sit. Still, it quietened out and we got our table back. I guess it means it's good.
Martin and I have a little collection of go-to coffee shops that we like to go for a quick date - to actually spend time looking at eachother and talking properly, not just murmuring across computer screens etc! Of course, we still do do that, but it is nice to make a point of it, and only spend a few quid. 200 Degrees appealing to my designer sensibilities and has quickly made its way onto this little list! If you're in Notts and looking for a place to chill, this is one of the favourites. Providing you can get a seat. ;)
||This post was not sponsored even though it kind of sounds like it is - I just really like it in there! All opinions are my own.||