Blythe’s Verdict

This wasn’t the first time I’d visited Machina Espresso, in Tollcross, but previous visits had been solely to try their excellent coffee. They change what’s on offer quite regularly, but the cornerstones are great beans from Steampunk, Dear Green and other local roasteries. I had a couple of espressos on today’s visit and found them both of excellent quality.

Peggy, the delightful Dench-loving darling of Literary Dundee, was today’s guest quester. She was only too happy to be another of our questude writers.

Machina has built a nice little ecosystem of food suppliers to cover some simple savoury and sweet options. Local soup maestros Union of Genius are to the fore. I was delighted to once again sample their delicious cream of mushroom which was accompanied by two good slices of sourdough bread.

Peggy tucked into a tasty pain au chocolat, which seemed to hit the spot very nicely.

The place is very smart inside with an extensive collection of coffee paraphernalia and apparatus for sale giving it a workshop feel. Service was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating throughout, with a regular stream of people given expert advice.

So overall, I was really impressed with Machina Espresso. They’re doing excellent work and I’d strongly recommend a visit. And here’s a questude from Peggy to prove it.

Peggy’s Questude Verdict

Fancy a cuppa Joe?
Some liquid lightning, morning thunder? Mocha, mojo, mud?
Need a new syphon, grinder? A dripper a filter a bag o beans?
A poem is a small (or large) machine made out of words.
A coffee is a large (or small) beverage made of machines.
Machina Espresso is a small café with great coffee made of machines and heart.

Scores
Blythe scores Machina Espresso
4.5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 16.5/20

Today’s questers were: Peggy, Blythe

We ate: mushroom soup, pain au chocolat

We drank: latte, espresso, water

We wore: ear-flap hat; blue and white shirt

Total bill: £9.70