Bristol has many lovely coffee shops. Origin, a UK-based mini-chain founded in 2004 with seven locations, offers a sustainable and science-based take on caffeination. This shop, nestled into an unassuming storefront on Victoria Street, just across the Avon from Bristol's central Castle Park, offers trimmed-back Scandinavian-inspired furnishings and a selection of coffees, pastries, beans, and accessories.
While I've been to the London British Library location twice and it has felt a bit hectic and cramped, my first visit to this Bristol outlet was great. Their open space and wide wall of windows made for a bright, welcoming experience. The strawberry, marshmallow notes of the pour-over (£5) were wonderful, as were the toasty and crisp tastes of the batch brew (£3.5). Both came served in delightful glass pots with small, almost tea-like drinking cups.
As a vegan, I was pleased to see three vegan pastry/ cake options. The barista happily explained that the walnut miso cookie (£3) was the best-seller, their personal favourite was the gluten free rhubarb and apple slice (£3.9), and the sticky toffee bar (£3.9) was more sweet and caramelised. I went for the cookie and the rhubarb, both of which paired excellently and differently with both coffees.
The cookie's melty miso patches were gloriously gooey while the exterior was crispy and the added walnuts and pecans lent a rich taste and mouthfeel. The rhubarb slice had a fluffy texture that wasn't too dense nor too angel foodesque but rather a well done example of gluten free baking. Friendly staff and an all-gender restroom rounded out a superb visit and I left feeling uplifted -- both by the food and drink-based stimulants and the cheery vibe. read more