Leoni, Malton
Visited on December 16, 2006 10:00 AM
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 I visited this coffee house hoping not to grant it "top notch" status (some sort of unreasonable reaction against all the awards I had read about). But instead I succumbed to its charms. |
For example, Leoni won the national Best Beverage Experience Award 2006; this means it is one of the best coffee houses in the country (click here for details).
Its owner, Simon Johnson, fell in love with coffee culture whilst backpacking around the world (a man after my own heart), and has won various barista titles. He was also ranked 8th at the 2005 World Barista Championships.
Clearly, Simon hasn't let these accolades go to his head. The prices are very reasonable and the café remains down-to-earth in appearance, with a traditional interior and a few rough edges (and I say this in an entirely positive way).
Food is available but this is very much a haven for coffee-sippers, as demonstrated by the extensive hot drinks menu. So, despite its popularity, no-one will mind if you sit chatting for ages over just a couple of lattes. If there is no space dowstairs, try the first floor.
Finally, the coffee is exellent. I often fail to mention the quality of coffee as it is usually much-of-a-muchness. But today I was served the best cappuccino I have ever had (by very friendly waitresses, I might add).
So - honestly - I did try to ignore the awards, but the fact is this is one of my favourite coffee houses.
16 Wheelgate
Malton
North Yorkshire
