The Caffeine Chronicles: SPIN X LCF XMAS

It's something of an understatement to say that I don't like cycling, but I do like cycling style, especially when it goes hand-in-hand with good coffee. As such, the SPIN X LCF XMAS event, which is on in Shoreditch's Worship Street until tomorrow sounded like a good way of killing time before a big Thanksgiving dinner this evening. SPIN is Spin London, the self-proclaimed urban cycling show, and LCF is, of course, the London Coffee Festival, and SPIN X LCF is an unholy alliance of the two.

Foolishly, I had already had a big Aeropress brew at home and a post-run filter coffee from Monmouth, so I decided to walk off some of my caffeine by browsing the stands in the cycling section of the event. I particularly liked these Christmas-sweater-style cycling jackets from Hackney GT, but there were quite a few other cool products, including the panniers and other bags from Goodordering, which you can probably see in the background.

I was also tempted by some of the very cool coffee-making kit from the Brewed by Hand stand, mainly the awesome-looking grinders and the pink Hario glass drippers, but I decided to remain faithful to my Aeropress. For now.

Then it was coffee time. First, I had an espresso from Butterworth and Son, which was rich and smooth and really got me buzzing.

Next, I went to the Alchemy stand and tried out the macchiato (just the way I like it with a dash of milk). Alchemy are based near St Paul's and on my way in to work, but because they're only open on weekdays and only until 4 pm, I've never been able to try them out. A shame, because their macchiato was excellent, and I love their chic, black-and-gold style.

Finally, I ordered a macchiato from Bean About Town, a mobile coffee cart that travels between many London destinations. The macchiato was on the longer side, but by that point, I had probably had enough caffeine that dilution was probably a good thing. Also, I love the design of their cups (and their website).

SPIN X LCF XMAS. 89 1/2 Worship Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 2BF (Tube: Liverpool Street, or Shoreditch High Street Overground). Website. Until Sunday 1 December. Tickets £5 on the door; £1.75 if you book online.