At this rate, pretty soon they’ll be no tea drinkers left. Yes, another coffee shop has opened in Beijing, but this one’s a little different. Actually, little is the wrong word – Ocean Grounds Coffee is one of the biggest joints in town, it roasts its own (in a machine as big as a pair of romping ligers) and seeks to spread its message of love and coffee connoisseurship with nigh-on religious fervour.
On the third floor of U-Town Mall near Ritan Park, Ocean Grounds boasts not one but two counters – the first for filter coffee, the second for espresso-related brews. I grabbed a quick cappuccino – thumbs up for the smoothness of the house-roasted blend, and (hooray!) they use Wonder Milk (hope you’re reading, Café Zarah).
I then tried a filter coffee (from Goroka, Papua New Guinea – they have lots of different varieties) – the tasting notes spoke of “campfire smokiness” and “hints of pepper cinnamon and cardamom”. Sure, I guess. Actually it was exceedingly aromatic, and the guy making it told me lots of interesting and complicated facts, like having the water at exactly 93 degrees C - I think I need a bit of schooling in all this…
… which is what they do here, conveniently. In the center of the main room, a glassed in space is reserved for “Cupping” – essentially coffee tasting at the level of fine wine appreciation. And these guys know A LOT. It’s fascinating, verging on cultish, and they’ve got some great coffee toys to play with, too.
Ocean Grounds Coffee officially opens for business tomorrow. Unit 327, third floor, building 5, Sanfeng Beili, Chaoyang District (5637 7527)
I was there during the opening yesterday. The place was packed (I think mainly due to a promotion) and they probably still need to work out some operational kinks.
I must say, though a bit pricey, I had the best cup of coffee I've had here in Beijing by far at their 'discovery bar'. It was a pour over, filtered coffee made by the owner of the place. I forget his name, but I won't forget that coffee. I'll def be back.
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