Coffee Shops: Gatehouse Coffee

If you were to walk the historic York city walls you would find yourself intrigued by the aspect of the Gatehouse and feel compelled to stop for a coffee instead of strolling past. Slightly away from the centre is where you will find this 15th century medieval gate house with Gatehouse Coffee inside.

Now how to describe such a unique setting for a specialty coffee shop?

If you were to amalgamate a collection of my favorite adjectives: interesting, artisan, historic, character, quaint. Then sprinkle this concoction of a seasoning over this amazing building you would create this wonderful and quite individual coffee shop. Ok -  can you tell I'm a fan?

I arranged to meet the manager of this great example of a specialty coffee shop, Caelen. Armed with a flat white I wanted to discover what makes this coffee shop exactly what it is.

After chatting about the coffee, in this fantastic place, it was clear that we were in a coffee hub. Everything we talked about was filled with energy and passion for the coffee and for making that experience as good as possible. Whether you want to come here to do your Uni work or to socialise, this is the perfect place. There is a roof top terrace, sofas, armchairs, just about everyform of comfortable place to sit. 

Lets talk a bit more about the history of this 15th century Gatehouse and coffee shop. Firstly the Gatehouse is inside the Walmgate Bar which is also the only city gate in the UK to retain its original Barbican. (which is a medieval defensive structure that creates a narrow bottleneck for those of you who didn't know - don't worry neither did I).   

The coffee house is connected with the Calvary Chapel York across the road. Which is a Bible teaching, non-denominational christian church. If you ever visit the Gatehouse you will hear an American accent behind the bar. While talking with Caelen I learned that everyone who works at the Gatehouse is part of the church and is a volunteer. Yes! a volunteer - how awesome is that! 

The Gatehouse has teamed up with All Press for their Espresso beans. In my opinion, the perfect choice. Such a consistent and quality Espresso every single time. Every time I have visited this coffee house the quality has always been absolutely perfect.   

I came away feeling more like I was part of the specialty coffee scene and I felt reassured that the coffee culture is so very friendly, happy to spread the word, and is so eager and willing to talk about what is going on around us. 

I would like to thank Caelen and the team for having me and spending the time to talk to me about what they do. I hope you visit Gatehouse Coffee because it really is a unique coffee shop.