There are just two occasions on which I find myself drinking coffee. I drink coffee when I'm on holiday and can't resist dipping into a new city's coffee culture. Thus far, Barcelona and Amsterdam are real highlights on my 'places I've coffee'd' list. It seems that beautiful cafes in beautiful places serve up beautiful lattes and I just can't resist a smooth and creamy cupful'. The second, and far more mundane, time in which I find myself ordering a latte, is more out of necessity than desire; those times when you want to throw your alarm clock at the wall as it yells at an ungodly hour. The struggle is real. Today was one of these days and, as I pulled into Crieff with a cover shift ahead of me, Java Lava was my saving grace. After the obligatory 'Java Lava! - Awesome name!', you'll notice that it's very small, with just a few tables inside and several on the main street outside. It's quirky, if a little shabby, inside with chalkboards adorning the walls and basic decor. Despite this, it's still very much a pleasant coffee stop and I was given a really friendly welcome. There are lots of lunch options with salads, paninis and soups. Cakes too! I even noticed that there was a 'Dhillon's special' on the board which is only available during school hours and if curious of the contents, it's 'Dhillon' you've to ask. I'm guessing this is a personal joke on the cafe's part and it probably makes a schoolboy's day. It did make me smile. My latte was creamy, smooth and just what I needed to perk me up for the day ahead. As I sat sipping, the staff talked with several regulars. Owing to the size, I was very much a part of their conversation whether I liked it or not. Whilst hearing of their holidays, political views and local gossip - including some colourful language (!) - didn't phase me, perhaps not everyone would be too comfortable. But it was early and quiet. - Just me, the regulars and staff. There's plenty of options for lunch and the cakes look tasty. Perhaps I'll be back! read more