Fika Bournemouth — Restaurant in England

Introduction: In the bustling chaos of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the simple pleasures that can truly transform our existence. I have always been a coffee enthusiast, seeking solace and rejuvenation in the comforting embrace of a steaming cup of java. Little did I know that one fateful morning, a heavenly elixir awaited me, ready to alter the very course of my life. This is the tale of a coffee so exquisite, so profound, that it transcended the realm of mere beverage and became an enlightening experience that forever changed my perspective on existence.

A Serendipitous Encounter: It was an unassuming morning, not unlike any other. I stumbled into a quaint little café, seeking respite from the banality of routine. A tantalizing aroma enveloped me as I perused the menu, and my eyes fell upon an enigmatic name: "The Awakening." Intrigued by the promise of awakening my senses, I placed an order without a second thought, unknowingly inviting an extraordinary transformation.

The Prelude: As the barista meticulously crafted my cup of salvation, I observed with anticipation, my senses heightened by an inexplicable excitement. The beans, meticulously selected from distant lands, were ground with reverence, releasing an intoxicating perfume that flirted with my olfactory receptors. I watched in awe as the steaming water cascaded over the coffee grounds, dancing an ethereal ballet, extracting the very essence of life from within.

The First Sip: The moment of truth had arrived. My hands trembled with both apprehension and anticipation as I brought the cup to my lips. Time seemed to stand still as the liquid touched my tongue, and the symphony of flavors commenced. It was an orchestration of notes that transcended my previous experiences. The initial notes of robust earthiness were followed by a delicate floral melody, dancing upon my palate with grace. As the symphony crescendoed, rich chocolate undertones unveiled themselves, leaving an indelible mark on my taste buds.

A Profound Awakening: It was not just the flavors that captivated me, but the sheer depth and complexity of this brew. Each sip transported me to a realm of serenity, where the mundane evaporated, and the extraordinary became my reality. The awakening I had sought became a profound revelation of the beauty that lay hidden in the simplest of moments. With every sip, the world unfolded before me in vivid technicolor, and the invisible threads that connected every soul became palpable.

An Altered Perception: The effects of this extraordinary coffee extended far beyond the realm of taste. My perception of time and space was forever altered. The world, once seen through a monochromatic lens, now shone with vibrant hues, a testament to the kaleidoscopic wonders that surround us. Mundane tasks took on new meaning as I discovered the sublime in the ordinary. Each conversation became a symposium of ideas, and every encounter a serendipitous connection.

A Ripple Effect: The transformative power of this coffee rippled through every facet of my life. It rekindled my passion for art, inspiring me to create masterpieces that captured the essence of existence. It invigorated my relationships, as I now saw the beauty in every soul I encountered. My career, once a mere means of survival, became a vessel for self-expression and a source of boundless joy. This remarkable elixir breathed life into my dreams, empowering me to pursue them with unwavering determination.

Conclusion: It is often said that the simplest pleasures have the capacity to change our lives. The coffee I encountered that fateful morning was a testament to this universal truth. Its flavors were...

I ordered a flat white and a cinnamon bun. The barista prepared it before I paid- and my Apple Pay didn’t work. I have always paid before an order is prepared so I didn’t know what to do. It put me through a lot of undue stress- and humiliation. The barista literally told me that this was not a place that offers free food, which I clearly did not ask for. It was technically my right to leave the coffee untouched and go (as he should have processed my payment before preparing the order) but I felt ashamed and confused as a tourist and called an extremely busy friend to get there from Poole to give me 10 pounds cash and waited for an hour or so, wasting my time. The barista did later on say that “it’s on the house” and was polite but after the free food comments that made me call my friend and disturb her. I would never have accepted “free food” from people who said that to me anyway. I’m just posting this for feedback- so that you make sure you’ve paid before the coffee is prepared in case your card isn’t working (which can happen to anyone), leave and save yourself from undue embarrassment. I will certainly insist on this before making any purchase at cafes during my trip in the UK to make it easier for everyone involved.

Food: cinnamon bun was stale and dry but the taste was ok. Flat white was average - too hot for my liking and a darker roast than I prefer. Texture could have been smoother.

Edit with reply to the manager:

As a frequent visitor to the UK (and having travelled to the North, South and Midlands), I’ve always been charged before an order was placed besides dine in restaurants where I’ve held a reservation. Your barista told me that 'this is not a place that gives free food'. Those were the exact words he used, which dont really sound like words that encourage good will in a customer, and which I believe can be universally acknowledged to appear to be rude. I’m not sure how you can ignore that. It was only after I called my friend (in response to “free food”) that your barista offered your gesture of goodwill which was too late, and that’s what I clearly mentioned in my earlier comment. He offered for it to be free after his rude comment to me. I’ve travelled all over the United Kingdom and honestly your answer to my review reeks of racism. It reflects how your business responds to constructive criticism. Lastly, I have been drinking specialty coffee for years being based in Dubai and I have a right to my opinion of your coffee and cinnamon buns. I actually visited fika as they were highly rated, but I was expecting cinnamon buns that were hot and freshly baked, and got something cold and dry. Based on my experience as a traveler, that’s not what I prefer. And about the coffee- perhaps I enjoy a lighter roast in my flat white and that’s my opinion, which i am entitled to. Isn’t that the whole point of writing a review?

Instead of complaining about my review, writing a response exuding racism and trying to school your customers about British culture (who are well aware of British culture), please concentrate on refining the quality of your food and drinks, and also perhaps give your barista and yourself a lesson in hospitality, and how to take criticism constructively. Oh yes, please also school yourselves about how to avoid being racist- it doesn't help anyone's...

Terrible coffee, undrinkable and overpriced. Won’t go again.

To reply this incredible owner who kindly replied with their knowledge- we were in your lovely place last Sunday during midday. It was a young girl there with big round eyes served the coffee - if you would call that “coffee” up to your knowledge. So maybe you can put your arrogance away for a little bit while and perhaps just ask “why you are not happy with our coffee?” That’d probably sound a bit more professional and honest for an adult who seems to work quite hard in that quiet area.

If you need details on how terrible the coffee we had last Sunday, here you are: I think you need to find some well trained barista who will not over brew the coffee. They tasted like burnt charcoal. And yes I am having a wonderful day with a great coffee from a much friendlier cafe that not far away from yours. I sincerely hope your business would thrive in that highly competitive neighbourhood. You do demonstrate the knowledge on how to behave uniquely comparing to your dozens of...