Going down the rabbit hole of speciality coffee and ending up Elsewhere
Deep in Deptford, under the train tracks and the behind the market stalls, there is Elsewhere. Known for their Herne Hill and Brockley cafes, I tried a coffee from the more recently opened Brew Bar at their roasting HQ.
With founder Jack Howell having previously commented on the escapist ethos of Elsewhere coffee, it seems apt that one ends up feeling a little lost while seeking out their Deptford Roasters location. On a recent visit to London I started off my day with a hunt for Elsewhere, having been beguiled by their graphics and coffee profiles online. Turning down off Deptfords main street and into a block of warehouses and gyms, I felt sure I was in the wrong place. A chanced glance left and seeing a coffee cupped man rounding the corner had me re-evaluating and I soon found my self in front of the glass fronted Elsewhere Roasters.
Established by Jack Howell in 2019, Elsewhere have cafes in both Herne Hill and Brockley that serve up coffees using their own selection of beans and an array of fresh and seasonal brunch items. While they have always roasted from Deptford, their brew bar only opened to the public in February. From their blog updates of the expansion process on their website it’s clear that the team at elsewhere sought to create both a coffee hub and an environment of engagement around speciality coffee and roasting techniques.
Coffee Jargon
Passion is something that the baristas at Elsewhere are certainly delivering on. Having entered into the large cavernous space, with roasting equipment to the left and the modern clean-cut brew bar to the right, I was greeted and informed about the roasts that were currently in rotation. Daydreamer, their signature house blend, is a Brazilian single origin and has proven popular time and time again. I was tempted however by the special feature coffee Outer World. With beans heralding from Honduras and the barista describing it as complex and fruity, I was sold, and opted for a flat white. A variety of cold brews and filters were also on offer, the menu clear on the wall before me. If one was curious about a brewing method, I reckon Elsewhere would be a good spot to try it out, as the barista’s are approachable and happy to answer any questions.
Sitting out in the sun, I looked a little more into the Outer World coffee that I was about to drink. Coming from the Santa Barbara region of Honduras, the coffee is a blend from five different producers in the area. With a declining population, the fact that these producers are all aged 30 and under seeks to signify the regions dedication and passion around speciality coffee. The cup of coffee set before me looked smooth and silky. Confirmed with a sip, I was struck by the almost boozy quality of the coffee and a dark fruity sweetness that lingered on. It was divine. Once finished I headed back inside to buy a bag of the Daydreamer ground beans for the aeropress and Outer World for a Sage in Wales. They both proved really delicious to brew at home, with the Daydreamer having more chocolaty smooth notes.
I highly recommend getting lost and winding up at Elsewhere in Deptford or at either of their cafes in London. It’s a delight for the coffee taste buds and a rabbit hole you’ll want to tumble down again and again.
