The convergence of ceramics and caffeine in a corner side cafe

Airy spaces, handmade ceramics and joyful coffees make for the perfect combination in this Sheffield coffee shop. Honing in on aesthetic and with a concentration on craft, a trip to this Sheffield coffee shop proves to be an inevitable delight.

There is something oh-so appealing about a corner side cafe. On an edge where two roads meet and coffee lovers converge. A promise of sunlit spaces and coffee scented air and flaky pastries. Such was the lure of Kilnfolk, white walled and quiet, perched on the corner of Cluff Road and Countess.

We visited on a slow Saturday morning, the sun having risen lazily but soon stifling us with heat as we descended off the train and into Sheffield station. Our sights were set on Kilnfolk, founded by the team from Dor and Tan- a ceramics studio based in St. Ives. Unsure as to why they’d set up shop so far from the sea, we were keen to explore the area and sip a coffee from one of Dor and Tan’s handmade mugs. Navigating across the city, we tunnelled our way under some main roads and across a church wildflower garden before arriving, sweaty and a little sunburnt, at Kilnfolk’s door.

Cool air was a gentle relief as we entered, and that feeling of gentleness pervaded across the ground floor. With the coffee counter on our immediate left, the space widens out beyond. Tables are set against soft red fabric panels on one side and large windows on the other, which peer out into a walled courtyard. On the far wall rows of hand-thrown homewares are lined up. Featuring soft neutral tones and with a clean vintage aesthetic throughout, I felt instantly at ease. More importantly, we felt intrigued by the coffee menu set on the counter, displaying a choice of two espressos and three filter options.

Coffee Jargon

Our barista was charming and open to answering questions with enthusiasm. She let us know that the first espresso was quite chocolatey while the second had more fruitness and funk. We opted for the funk, or more specifically Swerl Roasters Muryinga Burundi Karamba, made as a flat white. Swerl was a roasters I had seen in speciality coffee shops more and more frequently but had yet to try.

For the filter we went for the pour-over option, a Thailand Sirinya Honey by a non profit roasters, Skylark. While our coffee was brewing we had a look at some of the ceramics and learnt a little bit more about Skylark from the barista. A 100% non profit organisation roasting in Devon, they pay their farmers twice the Fair Trade rate and donate all proceeds to charity. With a diverse and experienced team at the helm, they make drinking high quality and unique coffees more achievable for the masses, all while being reassured of the ethical and sustainable origins and practises.

Feeling sufficiently cool, we headed to a table in the courtyard outside. A group beside us sat chatting and laughing. A couple read books in the sun and sipped on iced matcha’s. We gazed into the windows of the other establishments in Chaucers Yard, all creative and colourful. It wasn’t long before our coffees arrived.

Set down in two of Dor and Tan’s mugs, they looked appealing and homely in the sunlight. The flat white appeared wonderfully smooth and creamy, with a quirky squirrel latte art. We sipped. Fruity it was, and the black tea notes were significant. While balanced, there was a lot going on in this full bodied roast. Perfectly made, we felt there was a missing component in this Swerl roast. skylark’s Sirinya Honey looked almost like wine, a deep appealing burgundy colour that cast a cherry red shadow on the tray as we poured it into our mug. Melon and papaya flavours were balanced out with an earthy undertone. Lovely, juicy and light, this coffee was brewed to perfection.

Summary

We lingered on a little longer in the courtyard before the pinkening of our shoulders sent us indoors once more. Taking another little wander around the cafe, hanging wax candles and colourful prints were set amongst the variety of Dor and Tan’s cups and homewares. Dor and Tan express their desire on their website to create pieces with a ‘unique soft character’. I found this to be reflected in the Kilnfolk space as a whole. Airy and thoughtful, it is a beautiful cafe, with well crafted coffee and passionate baristas.

Where to find Kilnfolk:

Unit 1,

Chaucer Yard,

50 Clough Rd,

Highfield,

Sheffield

S1 4TB