For those of you who have visited Bay Coffee, you’ve probably got to know Dave. This friendly face has made such an impact, “are you going to Dave’s” is a question often heard around town.
Home to Bay Coffee, the Slaughterhouse
Before we get on to the coffee, and man behind it, let’s take a look at the venue – the Slaughterhouse on Burgoyne Road which is conveniently located on most people’s way to the seafront and if it’s not, then it’s certainly worth the detour. The Slaughterhouse is, I believe, an old slaughterhouse (funny that) and these days it’s rented out to local independents like Unmade Radio, Porters Pushbikes and Ahoydare. It’s mad to think that all these indie businesses fit into such a small space but they do, and it’s a real Brucey bonus when Unmade have their hatch open at weekends so you can rave to some tunes while sipping your morning brew. It’s a great example of supporting local and fuelling creativity in our city.
But first, the Fratton coffee van
Now back to Dave. I first met him on my morning commute outside Fratton train station where he stood most mornings in the cold and rain serving creamy coffee to sleepy commuters. I was one of them and what a joy it was to treat myself to a train coffee, a proper coffee (unlike the ones you often find at train stations). He traded from his vintage yellow camper van named Ernie in all weathers, sometimes starting at 6am, earlier than I leave for my morning run!
Although business seemed good, I sensed that this wouldn’t be Dave’s permanent home. For starters, he puts a lot of effort into his coffee and a good coffee takes time. Time is what busy commuters don’t have and when I cycled up red-faced, telling him my train was in four minutes and I needed a flat white pronto I felt exceptionally bad. This is not coffee to be rushed, it’s coffee made with love. It also isn’t coffee to be carried while riding a bike and then having to heave that bike up and over the railway bridge resulting in half a cup of coffee by the time I sat down. I will never learn. Hats off to Dave who managed to serve me up an exceptional flat white in time for my train!
7am at Bay Coffee
When I heard that Dave was moving to somewhere with walls and a roof I was overjoyed. Finally somewhere in Southsea that does a decent cup of coffee before 7:30am for us runners! Bay Coffee opens 7am until 1pm seven days a week. I must admit, I wasn’t sure how it would work going for post-run coffee in a place that doesn’t have a loo or many seats but it hasn’t been a problem at all and many people going about their morning exercise have adopted this same routine.
Even better, you can drop your bag or extra layer in beforehand (ask Dave first) so you can run free and there’s even a Bay 5km – a leisurely route to/from Bay coffee on Monday morning at 6:45pm in collaboration with Steve from Grasshopper Coaching. You may even get a cheeky discount on your coffee – I love any kind of incentive to get more people active.
Trading Post beans and Louleighs’ bakes
Last but not least, the coffee. Beans are from The Trading Post which is a solid choice. The coffee is smooth and creamy and generally liked by all. I usually go for an oat flat white but occasionally swap to a regular if I’ve had a big gym session. If you’re lucky, you can have a homemade nitrogen cold brew which takes days to brew but packs an almighty punch. This is served without milk and whilst flavoursome, I’m more of a pour-me-a-tulip kinda gal. Alongside coffee, huge slabs of brownie and blondes by Louleighs Sweet Treats take up the counter, the stroopwafel blondie is my favourite. Mum says the vegan Biscoff brownie is great, especially when left at room temperature for a while.
If you haven’t visited Bay Coffee yet then do, he’s a friendly chap and if you’ve got time to enjoy a carefully crafted brew then why not spark up a conversation? Dave’s great at introducing people to each other and creating a real sense of community around his counter. In my eyes, this is what makes this cool little coffee shop so unique.
H x
Ambience 8
Quality 10
Value 10
Service 10
Overall 9.5
Return? Yes!