I don't mind trying out new recipes at home, whether it's inspired by the ingredients I have on hand or something that I've seen on a menu. However, when I go to a cafe for the first time, I'm always sceptical about ordering seasonal or festive coffee drinks, and I prefer to play it on the safer side with a more traditional drink.

This decision might be based more on cautious spending than my lack of adventure, simply because I hate the feeling of wanting my money back. Don't you too?

So, on my recent holiday in St. Ives Cornwall, my friend and I did some eye-shopping before stopping for a coffee at the Scoff and Troff Cafe.
There was an impressive Autumn special, pumpkin spiced latte, that was seductively topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. I was pleased to see that the presentation was just as appealing as that on the menu board.
Sounds and looks tempting, heh?

I was circumspect with my selection and went for a cappuccino, served in a decent-sized cup and a nice sprinkling of cocoa powder, which was equally attractive.

The colour was cheerful and both looked amazingly delicious and together they cost £8.50 — Ie. £4.30 for the latte and £3.30 for the cappuccino plus 10% Service Charge. That was a reasonable price for somewhere as touristy that's at a central location.

My cappuccino was great at the right temperature and thickness, and the coffee tasted decent. My friend enjoyed her pumpkin spiced latte, with a mix of spice, sweet, and bitter. However, the glass that the special pumpkin spiced latte was served in was a drawback because the beverage was too hot to hold, and my friend had to wrap a napkin around it to drink.
I thought that was a careless oversight.

So, although the presentation was appealing, and it was exciting to try something new; The latte was nothing to rave about, and probably not something that she was eager to replicate at home, nor yearning for a second one.

Overall, I'd say the service was swift, although we only had drinks, but I also saw customers being served quickly after placing their orders. However, the tables are placed close to each other without allowing much space or a feeling of privacy. Hence the reasons for the lack of photos, as it just seemed wrong to snap strangers eating.

For the price of the coffee, I think it would have been nice to have a small complimentary chocolate or a cookie, as a kind gesture.

I normally have my coffee black at home, but it's seldom that I order an Americano whenever I visit a cafe. It's either a cappuccino or a latte. What about you? Of the two beverages here, which one appeals to you more, and have you ever tried a pumpkin spiced latte or any other festive coffee drink?

All photos are mine and were taken on my recent trip to St. Ives, Cornwall:)

St Ives, Cornwall, Sep 2023