This morning I was the second customer to hit Crow Spotter, the newest coffee shop in Christchurch. It is located in The Saxon Bar on the Fountain Roundabout (such a great idea to get through post-lockdown times by sharing premises). What’s not to love about coffee by day, beer by night and a bit of crossover at the weekend?

If you’ve shopped in Two Rivers Refill - the zero waste shop a few doors down - you’ll probably recognise the Crow Spotter boys. Will and brother George are often on hand in the shop to help out mum Jodie, and made deliveries to homes throughout lockdown.

Both boys have been in the hospitality industry since the age of 16, and have clocked up an impressive amount of knowledge and experience between them. And they really know their stuff when it comes to coffee. Will has worked at lots of local places, and credits The Noisy Lobster with training him in top-notch barista skills. George managed a cafe in trendy East London for almost two years, but dreamt of opening his own.

Although a view of a busy roundabout doesn’t seem very appealing, it’s actually a great spot. For a start, parking is much easier over that side of town and there is plenty of space to spread out in or outdoors. And, as ever, it’s all about the feel of a place. The Saxon Bar has a lovely atmosphere, and Will and George offer such friendly service. I ended up chatting to another customer, and I think it’ll be that kind of feel-good, community spirit place.

Now down to the important stuff: the coffee. I don’t claim to be a coffee aficionado, but I recognise that a lot of places serve really bad (and expensive) coffee. My main bugbears are too weak and milky or too strong and bitter. I tried the house filter, the boys own Crow Spotter blend, and I can honestly say it was the best coffee I’ve had for a long time. It was the perfect strength and sweetness - like a delicious, caramel, buzzy hug in a mug. And for £1.80, a bargain.

They also had a fruity guest filter on offer made with Forest Edge beans. In this weather, perhaps one of their iced coffees would have been a better idea.

Combined with a moist and delectable banana muffin from Bakehouse 24 - one of three gluten-free or vegan cake choices they had on offer - I was a very happy glutton indeed.

Open Thurs-Mon, 9am-2pm and Sunday 10am-1pm