What better place to try a coffee than the home of Allpress coffee that is Caffetteria Allpress.  Situated on the corner of Adelaide and Drake streets in Victoria Park, just around the corner from Allpress HQ which produces one of the most well used bean of choice by cafes in New Zealand.  It is the perfect stop for a quick bite to eat, and a coffee hit.  The exquisite d�cor matches the brands stylish design, and efficient friendly staff give an up market yet relaxed feel about the place.  You have to be in quick to have the morning cinnamon brioches which are my favorite, but the cabinet packed full of Turkish breads or toasted sandwiches, and simple menu more than makes up for it.  Large concrete outdoor tables let most occupy fresh air which is perfect for a bunch ride to stop by, and enjoy the sun should it come out.

Given they are the home of the famous Allpress beans, they more than do them justice, and it is by far the most beautifully made elixir of caffeinated enjoyment I have ever tasted with Allpress beans.  Just to be sure, we went back time, and time again, and it was repetitively the best ensuring it is at the top of my "A list" for caf� of choice now.  Allpress has a history like few others in Auckland.  Founder Michael Allpress is an avid cyclist, and Allpress cycling kit can now be found floating around the city, particularly in the mornings before work. 

Allpress brought the coffee cart to New Zealand when tea was still the kiwi staple, after seeing the craze take off in Seattle with Starbucks.  The kiwi chef decided to bring the concept home, and started out alone with a cart in Victoria Park, gradually building the distinctive brown label to be what it is today with an impeccable reputation in New Zealand and Australia.  In a mare two decades New Zealand has gone from having a cuppa tea, to rated internationally as the best place outside of Italy for an espresso, and this is in part owed to Michael Allpress who recognized the importance of quality in roasting, and production.  Allpress use 100% Arabica beans that are of the highest quality from Latin America, and go one step further by using the Sivet fluidised bed hot air roaster for a more aromatic and defined flavor.  And yet again they go another step further in realizing the importance of the point of sale production by teaching caf� baristas how best to use their beans.

So next time you are riding past the bottom of the city, swing by Drake street to Caffeterria Allpress.  It is guaranteed to be hit the spot of the best coffee you will ever have, internationally proven.

-Amy Taylor