TwoFiftySquare
In the heart of Rathmines nestled down a quiet and often over-looked lane, just next to the Swan Leisure Centre, SBK Fox recently stumbled across a very quaint and curious cafe called twofiftysquare.
From the exterior it looks like a little greenhouse with an all-glass front; it is light and bright with a small seating area out the front with fake grass and colorful street art. It looks like something you might come across in London.
I cycled from Stoneybatter all the way to Rathmines on a fine Saturday afternoon, one of the only days in weeks that has seen a bit of sunshine. A perfect day for a trip for a top notch coffee. I think everyone had the same idea, and seeing as Rathmines is has a huge residential populous I can see why this is pretty hoppin’ little spot.
It was pretty busy nonetheless the staff were knowledgeable and helpful about the huge selection of coffees and varieties of roasts they had on offer, I suppose this isn’t a huge surprise as twofiftysquare is also a roasters producing beautifully packaged roasts for single purchase and whole sale. I had only ever heard of a piccolo latte, and for those of you who might be slightly unfamiliar a Piccolo Latte is a ristretto shot (15 – 20 ml) topped with warm, silky milk served in a 100 ml glass demitasse (small latte glass) … basically, a baby latte, as the Italian pronunciation suggests. I ordered one for sit in, so I could take in their beautiful surroundings.
Having done a little research on the project the building was built from the ground up and basically from nothing but a heap of brick and mortar. I was really impressed to see the final interior, a rough and ready warehouse look with plenty of chipboard mdf. With a contrasting polished finish of plenty of glass, ceramic tiles and beautifully finished wood.
I slowly finish my tiny coffee(which tasted as beautiful as it looked. I very rarely drink my coffee without sugar, but it had no bitterness what so ever and needed no embellishment) while admiring the food being delivered to hungry patrons throughout the space. They serve up dishes of hearty, homely, warm food with over sized bread. Having a quick glance at the menu you would get a good size lunch and coffee in here for anywhere between €9.50-€15. They have also launched a brand new brunch menu for the weekend, delish.
They most certainly have the most extensive range of coffees and coffee making products I’ve seen and would be up there with the likes of 3fe or Roasted Brown. I would most definitely recommend a visit even if you’re not a Rathmines local.
Words and pictures SBK Fox