There is a new kid in town, in the independent coffee scene in Dublin and I am already a huge fan. Perch, the kiosk opened recently. The cafe is housed in the old landmark building, known as the Kiosk, on the junction of Leeson Street and Adelaide Road.
The beautiful building was designed and constructed in 1929. And if you know me, you would know that the 1920 and 1930 are my favorite era when it comes to design, architecture, arts, fashion, paintings; so the landmark building is just what my architectural dreams are made of! It has had so many incarnations over the years. Originally it was a water pressure station, followed by public toilets and last was a kiosk before it closed its doors in 2017. I still remember going to buy the Sunday newspaper, monthly magazines and my chocolate bars here over the years, just to visit the place. I was so sad when it closed down and always hoped for good fate, for someone to love this little placed as much a I did.
Enter Hannah Murphy, who bought the building recently decided to renovated into its new reincarnation, a really cute cafe providing amazing coffee. The cafe has been renovated in an Art Deco style, paying homage to when it was originally built.... and it is simply beautiful! both in the outside and the inside: with little touches like the wall lamps or the brass sitting stools.
Sitting at the counter in one of the very few stools, watching the world go by, in the iconic round window, that gives the character to the building, is one of my favorite past times. You can just sit there, people watching for hours, with one of the best cups of coffees you are likely to have in Dublin. And on a sunny day, they have tables and chairs outside, and with the sun shining on a Saturday/Sunday, I cannot think of a better place to read the weekend papers, check your social media channels or just meet over coffee with friends, while the sun is shining down on you.
Daniel Horbat is the main barista and he is probably one of my favorites in town, if not my favourite..... (but don't tell him I said so shhhh, it is our little secret). Every single cup of coffee he creates is made with so much love for the craft and a desire to please his customers, that is just THE perfect cup of joe, every.single.time!. His latte art is phenomenal (you can check his Instagram account here) and he always greets everyone with a smile and a warmth, that makes you feel welcomed every single time.
So if you ask me, where can I have a great cup of coffee and enjoy the experience of a good cafe, (because in my book both go together....) I will whole heartily recommend Perch, the kiosk and this is where you will find me often.
Best bites:
Nut milk alternatives. They use Barista grade Oatley for the Oat milk and Barista Grade Califa Farms for the almond milk. The only ones in Dublin and it is a game changer. I promise you won't miss your dairy milk using these alternative nut milks.
Now I have to go back to Dublin, because I already added the Kiosk to my list of favorite places and I should try it!! Heehehe! Funny, I walked by this place a thousand times, always admiring it and I think I don't even remember it open just once!! Maybe because it was a kiosk and I never bought press in Dublin? I hope now, being a cafe, it has more success!