Dérive Coffeehouse

Dérive does the best coffee, along with fantastic staff, especially Dominica and a lovely atmosphere. They even do brunch too. A must visit!

Great that they're open so early! That's a plus. But not sure the barista was awake enough for that shift- for a cafe that's opposite a train station open at 6am on a weekday, you'd think they'd be aware that people have places to be and trains to catch (doubt anyone is up and about at this time for fun). It felt like watching a slow motion film just to get my cup of tea and pastry! I had to remind him I have a train to catch. Finally having made my train, tried the cinnamon bun, and it's rock hard and stale. I'd have thrown it out TWO days ago if it were at home. Shame, really. For just over £5- a standard cup of breakfast tea and an inedible, stale cinnamon bun. Couldn't go back to complain as I'd already gotten on the train.

I think the guys that serve you here are amazing. But the quality of their pastries are really lacking. It tends to be super quiet even on the weekend, whilst another coffee shop a few shops down is always busy. The coffees they make are actually top notch, but you get them served in fake glass cups that are actually made of hard plastic, and also not all the same size/shape so 2 people can order the same drink and get them in 2 different styles of cup. Their immediate competition serves customers with glass cups, so feels more high end rather than feeling like a child who cannot be trusted with actual glass. The pastries were not fresh, even on a weekend, and it was suggested to us that they be warmed up (possible to distract you from the fact they were not fresh). I haven't tried their food apart from the pastries. Coffee was good, but you'll go in there and feel the emptiness. It was lacking a buzz, though that might be favourable to some. It seems somewhat popular with families with small children (possibly because the other place nearby is always full thus easier to find a place to sit here). If these guys want things to improve: change a few things like use actual glass mugs/cups, and ensure the pastries/cakes etc are fresh and not stale. It also feels somewhat gloomy in there despite the large windows, so might need a re-design of the seating and interior. It's just a bit too empty and lacks a buzz.

I was looking at the breakfast menu on Saturday which looked lovely so I thought I’d give it a try this morning. I asked for a green smoothie after 10 mins the young girl said they don’t have any ingredients for the smoothies ,so I changed it to an iced mocha and sat back down. I received my iced mocha warm with no ice in sight! A went back to the till area and explained what an ice mocha should look like and taste like the staff at the barista area looked untrained so I changed it to a bottled iced tea to be on the safe side. However I must say the food was great on the other side I ordered avocado on toast with poached eggs. It was delicious and took away a blueberry muffin which was yummy. The coffee shop has great potential.

Amazing food and incredible service We came for a brunch and had the breakfast tacos and French toast they were delivered to our table service and both dishes were fantastic as was the coffee. This place has everything you need, attentive staff, quick food service and great value for money. We’ll definitely be back.