Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters + Bloom - Marda Loop — Restaurant in Calgary

I've been a customer at P&S for quite some time now (1.5 yr). At first we used to just purchase beans, and buy the odd coffee every so often from the Chinook location...we really enjoy and appreciate the coffee and look forward to the treat.

We started coming regularly on Saturday mornings to the Marda Loop location buying beans, a couple of drinks and food...I always ask to leave extra room for soy... I've found if I don't emphasise lots of room when I order it usually comes filled to the top or very close. I've been asked once if I want to try a misto...I don't want that much soy milk or it that hot so I said no thank you... this was a couple months ago...and didn't think anything else of it.

That's the background.... now I'm not sure if these 2 experiences are connected or independent of each other, but it's made the experience discomforting enough that we won't be returning anymore.

Last Saturday morning the barista making my americano realized after he made the coffee I had asked for room. Before putting it on the counter he poured over 1/3 of the coffee into another cup (he did it discreetly and didn't realize I saw him do it). He poured off the crema, etc and put the drink on the counter with "extra" room - I didn't ask for a coffee just over 1/2 full either. I'd paid 5$ for the coffee and 1$ tip on each drink I purchased...so 6$ for the coffee...and I was really looking forward to enjoying it. I quietly asked him if he could remake it because of what had happened (I was polite). He didn't say anything thing, but was visibly angry at my request, perhaps more that I saw what he'd done and I'd let him know. I thought of saying something to the manager right then as he was there serving at the till... I thought it was pretty bad that for a company whose niche is making perfect unadulterated coffee that one of their people who makes the coffee, their finished product, would do that. However, I also really didn't want to put him in trouble...maybe he was having an off day (the anger seemed misplaced...maybe something else was going on)...and I thought now he knows people pay attention he likely won't do it again...no need to make a big deal out of it.

Now to this Saturday, I was told by the manager that for my americano... I would need to pay for a misto from now on. He was polite and apologetic about it, but said they'd been talking and that was the decision... I know it's not comfortable to bring that stuff up. I understand that I ask for extra room to add cold soy milk (not as much as a misto and not steamed). I don't avoid dairy milk by choice... I simply cannot drink it because of lactose intolerance and so cannot put in half and half to make the coffee creamy...you need to put in a little extra soy...but not as much as a misto. Hmmm... I thought you know I purchase beans, food, and 2 drinks and I do this on a weekly basis...I spend quite a bit of money at P&S monthly...factor in 1or 2 extra trips to the Chinook location and that's like 200$ consistently per month... An extra charge to upgrade me to a misto that I do not want, for an inch more of cold soy milk than you would normally allow.... I said no please don't charge for the misto... I promise I won't put any soy milk into my coffee today.

I could now decide to start paying for a misto, so that I can continue getting what I'd like. But it's become really uncomfortable now...on morals I don't want to pay for a misto... Added onto that, the barista that got angry last week was there this morning again and stepped off the bar right as my drink was to be made, letting the other barista do it. Maybe it was just coincidence and they were changing over and I'm reading something into it that's not there. I was there on the longweekend Monday where he was pretty icey making me believe it's not my imagination.

As much as we have loved your coffee and food for quite sometime... bottom line is these two experiences have made going to P&S uncomfortable and somewhat tense...not an atmosphere we want for a leisurely coffee.We will no longer be...

Their espresso is very weak with underdeveloped flavour. I believe the problem is that their brew temperatures and pressures are too low. They also use a very light roast. This leaves the end product as very mild and barely tasting of espresso. There is also very little bitterness. I see from other reviewers that they like the taste of the coffee. I am just guessing that those other reviewers typically drink Keurig coffees that suffer from the same problems. If you are a true lover of espresso or coffee, you will be very disappointed, especially at the price point. If you don’t really like the taste of coffee and have a lot of disposable income, you will like this place.

I am giving 2 stars because I like the donuts. My son, aged 6, prefers a more basic donut with less complex flavours. Given the choice, he refers a donut from Safeway at 1/5 of the price.

The staff is very pleasant and welcoming. The atmosphere is bustling and fun, like a coffee shop in a big city. If you had a meeting or a date, this would be a good place to go, especially since you won’t have coffee breath after because of the very weak coffee.

This place is kind of the opposite of the Roasterie. Instead of well brewed, complex and rich coffee surrounded by weird people, you get coffee flavoured water surrounded by Altadore house wives who...

4.5 overall. Very reasonably priced compared to most brunch spots and with a good variety on the menu. Much like monogram has primary colours; p&s now have bloom. They both have different vibes as well. This spot is worth visiting.

While still serving their speciality - coffee + hoopla donuts, they also have a savoury meal menu from sandwiches to pancakes.

Drinks are consistent as with all p&s spots - good place to grab coffee and likewise drinks. The donuts from hoopla are always a good default grab as well.

Meal - really enjoyed the chicken sandwich, farmers breakfast and also the rice pudding - great flavours and also simple enough to be unique (not homestyle and nicer). The only questionable one was the sourdough waffles which were a bit too tough, which made it hard to knife and fork as well and a harder chew.

Service was good, relatively quick (mild waiting) and friendly. Easy to order from the front counter or the QR code at each table. They also ensure everything remains clean and orderly.

Seating - lots of seats in a typical coffee shop setting (long tables and along the wall long booth manner). It does get busy here though so may not always get a spot. Take out...