Taylor Street’s Shed is proof that “good things come in small packages” is more than just an adage. Located in a Shoreditch back alley that will put your sense of direction to the test, it amounts to no more than a cramped garden shack, where a line of three people equals maximum capacity. Even staff members seem to struggle with the lack of space: at the time of my visit, three baristas stood behind the counter, nearly elbowing each other as they prepared hot drinks and manned the till.

The location couldn’t possibly be more strategic. Bang in the middle of Hipsterland, and right opposite Vice’s offices, the Shed is a safe haven for artsy types, techies and geeks looking for their daily fix of "lar-tay" (another fun fact: five people were queuing ahead of me, and I was the only one ordering an espresso). Gone the simple, sleek look and feel of the Bank cafe, Taylor Street’s Shed does a great job of blending in with its surroundings: indie gig posters cover every inch on the side walls, and a stack of EPs from a band called The Franklys lies on the counter. Now scrap the claustrophobic setting, scrap the stereotypically hip clientele. How cool is that for a coffee shop?

Even cooler is the fact that the Shed serves decent espresso – a rarity in this country of watery americanos. Customers can choose between a house blend and a guest one, which at the time was the Colombian Finca Tamana, roasted by Workshop. I went for the resident Rogue coffee blend, produced by Union Hand Roasted: a strong espresso with a fruity aftertaste, slightly tart but not overly sour to the palate.

The Taylor Street Shed is well in tune with my usual self: the one who scowls at those who discovered Muse when they released “Absolution”, and refuses to let go of her six-year-old, battered blue Converse trainers. Only that, on that particular morning, my attire and pre-job interview nerviness made me look like a stiff, suited mannequin; the human equivalent of a penguin who lands on the South African shore and struggles to cope with the heat. I shall be grateful for my cup of coffee at the Shed, though, for its bold, rich flavour spurred me on and got me through a challenging day.

Full blog post on: http://whatevergetsyouthroughtheday.wordpress.com/2014/06/11/taylor-st-baristas-the-shed-city-of-london-review/