Altius’s two young owners – Hannah Alderton and Jarrod Pageot, both ex-Market Lane – are serious when it comes to coffee. Their dark eyes narrow with concentration when they explain how they measure out each coffee shot, and describe the new ergonomic takeaway cup that they’re developing. You’d imagine they bring the same precision and concentration to their favourite hobby: athletics. Jarrod is a long jump pro; Hannah can ace a high jump (aptly, Altius means 'altitude' in Latin).
The space, designed with the help of Sarah Trotter, from Hearth Studio (also responsible for two of Market Lane's fitouts), is serious, too: a plummy-tiled cocoon with a glittering counter, modern stools and handmade wabi sabi porcelain cups, developed with the help of expert ceramicist, Chris Plumridge. Coffee is sourced from Market Lane, natch (try the beautiful Nyarusiza from Rwanda); sweet treats come from Little Bertha and Shortstop. Seriously good.