I've written about a lot of London day trips on this blog, but not all escapes need a train ticket. That's where Day Trip in Islington comes in — a neighbourhood coffee shop that delivers a delightful change of scene alongside impeccably brewed specialty coffee.
Day Trip is located on the ground floor of a townhouse in De Beauvoir Town, near Essex Road and a few blocks north of Regent's Canal. When I arrived on a cool but sunny Sunday, the seats in the leafy front garden were full of coffee lovers enjoying a natter over their morning brew.
Inside, a huge slate counter takes up most of the space, with a long wooden bench running alongside it. Across the counter is Day Trip's 'housemate', the wonderfully named Goodbye Horses — a wine bar and eatery that I plan to come back to try.
It took me a while to choose from the pourover menu, which featured four coffees from Calico Coffee. They all sounded delicious but I eventually decided on a natural Kenyan coffee from Kamavindi Estate.
The barista served my coffee with a glass of the water they'd used to brew it, matched for calcium and magnesium content. It was a great way to calibrate by palate by tasting the water first, before moving on to the coffee. As for the coffee it had really juicy plum and red grape flavours, especially as it cooled.
I wanted to try the espresso too. There was a Panama Gesha available as an espresso and flat white combo, but I opted for the aptly named Daydreamer espresso from Deptford-based Elsewhere. Brewed as a piccolo, this Brazilian honey process had balanced caramel and chocolate notes.
I paired my coffees with a mahoosive (and tasty) croissant.
Sitting at the bar gave me a front-row view of the steady stream of regulars dropping in for their morning coffee and pastries, pausing for a chat with the friendly baristas.
It's this relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes Day Trip the kind of neighbourhood coffee spot that every neighbourhood should have, and it's well worth the (day) trip!
Day Trip. 21 Halliford Street, London, N1 3HB (Essex Road rail). Website. Instagram.
For 150+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, check out my London specialty coffee guide.
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