John Ward Fine Coffee

Cool little atmospheric café, with tons of charm right in the heart of Baker Street. This is a great place for a first date, or to catch up with a friend. They even have a really lovely outdoor seating area.
One star deducted because I have a real pet peeve when *EVERY* baked-​good in a café is some über-​healthy, hippy bullshit. I mean, really? Vegan-​grain-​free-​black bean brownies? Fuck off.

They pull a really good shot on the machine and the blend is fresh, medium/​dark, and zippy. Consistent no matter who is on the machine. Snacks are a bit pricy, but really good (vegan brownie is yummy). Great corner location on the main drag for ogling the denizens of quirky Nelson town.

The mint slush is THE best for a cool drink on a hot day! The lattes are perfect. The ambience is bright, modern and pleasant. The lemon raspberry muffin was just okay… It tasted like it had cake mix in it — a bit artificial tasting. I for sure would go again and try other menu items.

Great coffee, good location. Friendly staff. They have an assortment of sandwiches and desserts. The wheat free but balls are great.

Coffee: A
Pastries: A
Atmosphere: B
Staff friendliness: B
Be aware if you pay in U.S. dollars you will be charged a hefty exchange rate. Pay via credit card.

Good coffee. Wifi and an open an airy feeling located on a corner street for good people viewing.

Located right in the centre of town, just up from Touchstones Museum on Baker, John Ward Coffee offers beverages that reflect the décor of the business. The interior has been decorated like a mid-​century milk bar, with white-​washed furniture, retro checkered flooring, and antique appointments. The layout is clean and uncluttered, and the items on offer are appropriately limited. John Ward focuses on creating classic coffee selections — cappuccino, espresso, macchiato — and does not offer fraps or chocolate-​chip mint concoctions. They have fairly good baked goods, but they are overpriced, hence my three-​star rating. I have tried their coconut chocolate cookies and a few squares, but it seems wrong paying the same amount for my cookie as my coffee. A solid café though, overall.