New coffee shop Grind and Tamp

It was a warm bank holiday Monday when I took a trip to the recently opened Grind and Tamp.

Sandwiched between Weale and Hitchen and Bridge Street News; Grind and Tamp has a very prominent location in Ramsbottom, what with it’s proximity to the crossing and the direct visibility of anyone coming down via Square Street.

Wandering in I was greeted very quickly and she politely waited whilst I had a gander at the blackboard. I asked if they took card as I wasn’t sure if I had cash, they don’t at the moment, turned out I had cash anyway. Being newly opened, I expect taking card will come soon enough, let’s face it it has to as many people now simply don’t carry cash.

Deciding on a Macchiato and a jam danish I was told they would bring it over and I went to get a seat, then I thought I might as well bring the food back with me so I walked back over again.

The shop was quiet when I went in, just the one person before me in the queue; shortly after I sat down another nine people arrived in a few different groups though so it certainly seems to be picking up some passing trade already which is great.

One negative of the shop is that it’s very warm due to the sun coming in directly through the large front window, granted this will only be an issue on the handful of days we have hot weather in Ramsbottom but it’s something they need to resolve before it gets to Summer. Not least for the staff, I expect it will become very uncomfortable for them.

I sat and drank my coffee and overheard a debate at the table next to me about the differences between ethically sourced and fair trade. I’m not sure of the difference myself either.

One tip I would give you, if you’re tall like me, don’t forget to check under the counter as there is a window with brownies and other things which I’d only noticed after I’d already ordered my jam danish.

Currently there doesn’t appear to be any Wi-Fi in Grind and Tamp, there is an unsecured “netgear” access point but I might as well just sit in the shop shouting out my details if I’m going to use that (don’t ever use an unsecure access point kids).

Based on the number of power sockets around they are certainly ready for an army of laptops arriving though, which is always good to see. I expect Wi-Fi will come soon.

I like the decor, one wall is made out like it’s rusty with a big print, the rest is very quirky with steps for chairs and a cable reel for a table.  I like the atmosphere but it’s very warm in here, did I mention that?

I followed the coffee up with a salted caramel hot chocolate which was fantastic, you can really taste the caramel and salt. I hate ordering something that’s flavoured and it just smells like how it should taste, I’m looking at you fruit tea!

The people here are nice, very accommodating and I didn’t feel rushed, even when my coffee was finished and it was busy (Pre-hot chocolate).

Later on, a customer turned up asking if they did gift vouchers, nothing I’d considered before but I do receive them often for Christmas for Costa from my family (I’m a sucker for their gluten free brownies). The answer was no but the owner (I’m guessing) was very apologetic about their lack of vouchers. I don’t personally think it’s something they need to rush into, I doubt the call would be very high for them.

So, how was the coffee? Not half bad, I’d definitely come here again. One of the unique points of Grind and Tamp was that you can have your coffee via different serving and brewing options too, for example hey had Aeropress on the menu. I didn’t choose this, but I can see me doing so next time I’m in there.

Prices are reasonable and service great. All they need to do is work out some way to cool the place without upsetting the conservation area rules, good luck on that one.

Welcome to Ramsbottom Grind and Tamp, I hope that you do very well indeed.