Pollen Coffee + Flower Shop — Restaurant in Asheville

I've been meaning to write this review for some time and honestly probably haven't yet because it's impossible to put into words how perfect my experience with them was.

I had the pleasure of working with Allyson and the Pollen team for my wedding. It was a super small affair, but I felt like they were designing for something out of a magazine, it was more beautiful than anything I ever could have imagined.

When I first met with Allyson, she was so prepared, professional, and asked about all the details I didn't even think of. At the same time, it felt like we were just two best friends gabbing as I told her about me, my partner, and what we were looking forward to about our wedding and marriage. I didn't come in with a Pinterest board or a clear cut vision, but I knew after first meeting Allyson that I trusted her artistic vision entirely. She asked what some of my favorite flowers were and why they were special which I thought was just so sweet. Some of them she explained wouldn't be in season at the time of my wedding, but she would find ones that still honored the spirit of our story and our special day.

I could go on and on about the finished product, but I'll let you see for yourself. The most special thing about it all was when she was telling me about local/native flowers to the area and her philosophy of sourcing from sustainable places instead of trying to fit into trends at the expense of the environment and the exploitation of farmers and laborers, I told her that I wanted to try and grow some wildflowers myself. A few days before the wedding when she checked in about details, I told her about the flowers I had grown in my yard after we had talked. Being that we were doing the reception at my house I thought it would just make for a beautiful backdrop. To my surprise, she came over early, asked if she could snip a few, and ended up incorporating them into my bouquet and bud vases. I was floored. They were flowers that until just a few months ago I had never even heard of. They were so unique, completely different from anything I ever imagined to be used as a centerpiece, and the best part I felt like I was helping to support the thoughtful, holistic, and artistic vision of what I wish all floral designers could be.

My wedding day would've been perfect regardless because it was the day I told the love of my life I would love him forever. But the whole experience and day was even better because I learned how important it is to work with vendors who care more about about every person involved in the process than trends and Pinterest boards. The Pollen team are experts in their field, true artists, and just all-in-all heckin good people. My only complaint is that I only get to get married once and I can't...

I feel conflicted writing this review. We were visiting Asheville and chose this location to get coffee based on their excellent reviews and unique concept. I hate to give a location one star over the behavior of one employee, but unfortunately that’s what I’m going to do. I am not sure if I offended the employee in some way unbeknownst to me, but I’ve never been treated in this way ever before. I ordered my pour over coffee and my partner ordered her latte. We sat down at a table, awaiting our seat. My partner recieved her latte first which was excellent and so tasty. When my drink arrived I thanked the employee for the coffee. She responded, by saying nothing at all and instead slammed my cup down on the table, spilling the coffee all over the table. Instead of apologizing they said nothing at all and walked away. No “you’re welcome” or “ im sorry for spilling your coffee all over you”. My partner and I then exchanged confused glances over what just occurred. I then proceeded to taste the half spilled coffee and it was absolutely horrible. I refuse to believe such a highly rated coffee shop would serve a coffee that terrible. This leads me to believe that my coffee was intentionally made poorly. The rest of my stay at this cafe was uncomfortable to say the least. I wish I had a better experience, but apparently I was treated like garbage for something I did? I’m not even sure. Regardless, I would never treat someone as I was treated at this establishment. Due to this, I can’t give it any more...

Pollen is a wonderful business owned and operated by even more indescribably wonderful people. They are pet friendly, very talented florists that provide curated flowers of beautiful, diverse varieties for their arrangements and flower bar, knowledgeable about their coffee, which is immaculate, and the pastries are yummy (as well as inclusive for those who have allergies/dietary restrictions). The space is full of gorgeous natural lighting and in an easily accessible part of downtown. It’s space is definitely intended more for quick encounters that will brighten your day and your mood as you have the first sip of a delicious latte, continually sneak peeks at the beautiful wrap of flowers on your drive home, and laugh with the staff over some small, meaningful moment since they are all friendly, thoughtful, kind, and hot. It is also important to note it is a business that continually takes care and supports its community, even when no one is looking. Pollen is the substance of humanity in every way...