Sacred

Nothing seems to change at this original branch of the pioneering Antipodean coffee joint, with the same decorations (wacky and very nice), same flooring, same seating and the same general choice of food and drink.

Edibles and potables are standard-issue coffee-bar fare, and both are done to a very creditable standard. But while the absence of change can be a good thing, it is not so laudable if it enshrines some long-established shortcomings, such as not enough heat in an espresso – we’ve complained about this several years running, and it still happens. Droopy-looking sandwiches as the afternoon wears on – ditto.

These are such easy problems to fix, we wonder why they remain. Probably because the crowds continue to flood in, come what may. And bar those quibbles, we share their appreciation.