Let's put it out there: I'm a coffee snob. I am your typical annoying Aucklander who goes on and ON about the state of coffee. Don't get me wrong, I love a good frapp from Starbucks, but that isn't coffee.
The thing that I love about Ben is that I can absolutely 100% rely that the coffee I will drink (every morning) will be amazing. It's the right temperature, it's never burnt, and it's SO fast! Honestly, I don't know how they do it - I used to work in a cafe many years ago, and I'm sure I could never get a coffee out that fast.
The food is also delicious - I don't think it's all made on premises, but then again, I'd have absolutely no idea. I highly recommend the pies (but if you're getting takeaway, make sure you ask for the relish), the fruit loaf, the feta and spinach scones (heated with butter of course), and that chocolate slice... One word: decadent.
Tip: It's always busy around 9am with those of us that get to work and then quickly go out for coffee; but remember that they're super fast. You just might not be able to get an inside table. read more