DNA

The past week as been more active than usual for me. I've got out and met people IRL and enjoyed the great weather we're having in the UK right now. I know people are complaining about the heat wave, but I'm a big fan of it. I'm not even too bothered by the hot and sticky nights.

Before meeting my good friend, I arrived in the area early to avoid the rush hour on the Tube, I found a pretty cook cafe in Dalston. I had about an hour to wait, so it was perfect to sit down for a nice cup of coffee and do some people watching. I was attracted to this cafe due to the name , DNA, at first, but also the cute little outdoor sitting area.

The interior is quite cool with good vibes, but there is not window seat for people watching. If I was there with someone, I'd be fine indoors. Besides, Dalston is such an interesting part of London that it would have been an outright shame not to enjoy the spectacle with my coffee. And what a spectacle it was - but thats a story for another day.

I ordered an Americano of the jet-black variety, as usual, and sat outdoors which was empty at the time. Being inches away from the pavement I was totally immersed in the ambience of the place. I could hear the conversations people were having and would occasionally be smiled to, or nodded at by passers by. One guy even stopped to beg for money to "eat". "Cashless society may may, sorry".

The coffee itself was amazing. I wasn't surprised to be honest, because the staff in there clearly knew what they were doing. I have no idea where the beans in my coffee originated from, but the drink tasted fresh and leafy with lots of character - not the over-roasted stuff you get in chain shops. I enjoyed it quite a lot.

I'd say DNA is a hidden gem, being so small and unassuming. It isn't, however, physically hidden like Cafe OTO around the corner from DNA which is truly hidden, or the amazing garden my friend took me to when she arrived. I couldn't believe such a place existed in Dalston. Their coffee machine was broken, thought, so I don't have any coffee content from there sadly. I must return there one day to experience coffee there and write about it.

💛💛💛💛💛💛🖤🖤🖤🖤 6/10

The coffee itself was great. I'd rate the actual coffee a 9/10. The beans were fresh and tasty and full of character. However, overall, the cafe loses a point for now having a window seat area. This is personal to me, of course, but a lot of people like this. For non-smokers like myself, it's also a way of feeling like being outdoors, but with the protection of being indoors. Most outdoor sitting area of cafes are usually occupied by smokers which means I can hardly ever enjoy sitting outdoors.

Peace & Love,

Adé