Category Archives: Travel

Smørrebrød: Sheffield Edition

photo of salt beef, danish eggs smørrebrød with beetroot syrup and pickled beets in Upshot Espresso, Sheffield

The independent coffee and café scene in the North is constantly growing. Those further south think they have it all in the Big Smoke, but Yorkshire has some great offerings for coffee and food, including an increasing interest in our … Continue reading →

(Posted on February 15, 2016)

Baltzersens on Tour: ‘Cooks’ at Carlton Towers

On Monday, Paul and I ventured out into the Yorkshire moors to visit ‘Cooks’, situated in the magnificent Carlton Towers. The drive was long, but as we turned into an extended, twisting driveway we knew that we were in for … Continue reading →

(Posted on August 20, 2015)

Why Baltzersens are urging you to #ThinkIndie

  Ah, what’s better in life than a lovely warm coffee and a slice of cake in the morning? ‘Nothing,’ I think as I sip on my flat white before I start work for the day. It’s no secret that … Continue reading →

(Posted on August 19, 2015)

Review: Teacup in Manchester

After attending the launch of the Northern Independent Coffee Guide, the next day I picked a place in Manchester featured in the guide. I settled on Teacup in the Northern Quarter. The area is a hub of indie cafes and … Continue reading →

(Posted on July 1, 2015)

Leeds Feast Special: Norse “pops up” in Leeds

Our evening service Norse made a bold appearance at Leeds Feast last weekend, May 22nd – 23rd at The Tetley. Pictures courtesy of Tom Joy for Leeds Feast. Last weekend Leeds hosted an event brimming with beards and top quality … Continue reading →

(Posted on May 29, 2015)

Bergen Coffee Roastery – The West Coast Chronicles pt VII

No time for dilly-dallying today; I woke up somewhat at the crack of dawn, thanked and departed from my hosts, and made my way to Bergen Kaffebrenneri (Bergen Coffee Roastery). This involved a rather long and uncalculated walk that graced … Continue reading →

(Posted on September 15, 2014)

A Fish Market For The Soul – The West Coast Chronicles pt VI

fish market

As far as coastal towns go, Bergen is notorious amongst Norwegians. Renowned for excessive amounts of rain, wind and other unforgiving weather conditions, it’s coastal location has for centuries made it a strong trade point for the fishing industry. During … Continue reading →

(Posted on September 11, 2014)

A Declaration of Independent Coffee – The West Coast Chronicles pt V

independent coffee

I’d dropped enough pins on Google Maps to cover most of Bergen’s commercial district with spots, now I had to find a viable route. I thought I had made some pretty meticulous choices, but on my way to my first … Continue reading →

(Posted on September 8, 2014)

Bergen Be Mine – West Coast Chronicles pt. IV

west coast

Fine, I hesitate to call this a ‘road trip,’ as Kennet and I were barely on the road long enough to experience Tool’s album ‘Lateralus’ in its entirety. I’m a sucker for the new electronic stuff myself, but when road … Continue reading →

(Posted on September 4, 2014)

She played me like a record – The West Coast Chronicles pt. III

coast

Sjokoladepiken (literally The Chocolate Girl) is without a doubt the girl of my dreams. She provides warmth, comfort and safety from rain and wind alike, melting my heart with excellent coffees, exquisite chocolate delicacies, and of course wine. Very important, … Continue reading →

(Posted on September 1, 2014)