Shift (Southbank)

[28 July 2020] The weather was rather hot, and I had a flat white earlier on, so I opted for something interesting & suggested by the barista - sparkling black! I chose The Fool ($6.50), which is a combination of sparkling lemon water and cold brew concentrate.

The sparkling-ness was there, and reminded me of the tonic/sparkling cold brews that I had tried in other cafes. It was refreshing, and definitely suitable for a hot summer day. I guess I will continue to try this kind of coffee whenever I have the chance to, even though I would probably still prefer the standard cold brews or Americanos 😂

Visited the new Shift Coffee Concepts, which had recently opened its doors just two weeks before the start of the Circuit Breaker at Southbank just a short distance away from Lavender MRT Station and also run by the same folks behind Upside Down Coffee Alternatives.

While specialty coffee brewed from an espresso machine is available here, the highlight at Shift Coffee Concepts will be their Syphon Brews, which features beans of various origins carrying varying different flavour profiles.

Was recommended the La Promesa, which originated from Colombia; quite surprised how this supposedly fruity coffee comes with a punchy body for a full-on flavour, yet with a clean finish — a difference from the usual hand-brewed coffees that feature a fruity profile which are typically lighter in its flavour profile. Also liked how the space is clean in its design language and situated at a location less-travelled by most — certainly a spot that works out for a quiet morning cuppa!

Talk about good timing, @upsidedowncoffee has just soft launched their second outlet named Shift right outside my doors! Specialists in syphon coffee, expect more consistent and intense flavours from this brewing method thanks to the degree of control it provides to the barista.

Got to try the La Promesa; Colombian beans that have undergone cold fermentation under 10 degrees, this coffee had a very light funky ‘fermented’ bean undertone that I quite enjoyed. Of course, there’s the usual espresso based coffees as well for when you’re not feeling too adventurous! You can find this small takeaway coffee joint on the first floor of Southbank (Lavender) and they’re currently operating on a tipping basis.