Why not take refuge from the current endless rain by stepping into a cafe that feels like Italy without leaving Notts.
First opening their doors in January of this year, Bonincontro, on Pelham Street was created with the aim of bringing the highest quality Italian coffee and pastries to our city.
The cafe was opened by three Sicilian bothers, Steven, Salvatore and Ivan Bonincontro who first entered business fixing coffee machines across the UK.
This has given them years worth of coffee knowledge that they use in crafting each of the drinks on the menu. All of the drinks blend high quality Italian ingredients mixed with innovation in both the presentation and recipe. The brothers take traditional recipes and put their own twist on them.
The brothers still tap into their roots by selling coffee machines, their own blend of Italian coffee beans and ingredients sourced from different regions of Italy. On each table (which the brothers made themselves) are Italian Moka Pots hollowed out to hold cutlery.
Classic bean Tiramisu is a perfect example of the cafe’s spirit, high quality Italian ingredients mixed with the brother’s innovation. A smooth chocolate coating, holding in rich indulgent cream with layers of coffee soaked cake, topped off with cocoa powder sprinkled on top.
Take time to enjoy the satisfaction of cracking the beautiful coating, to see the cream spilling out.
For my drink I asked for a recommendation as the menu is so extensive.
As a lover of honey, eventually I settled on their Honeymoon. it’s an iced coffee with layers of honey, cold coffee, steamed milk and ice. I can just imagine this being the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm summers day.
As a self respecting student, I had to take the time to figure out how well you can work in this cafe.
For a start, the tables are large enough to have both a laptop and a drink safely which is the main element of a good place to study. The environment was filled with noise from people coming in and interacting with both the staff and other patrons. You are encouraged to stay, enjoy yourself and take time to talk to the brothers who are keen to interact with everyone who walks through their doors.
Later on in my visit, Salvatore spent time passionately explaining the importance of a good quality decaf expresso, challenging me to find a better one in the UK. According to him, due to the process, it can be watered down which means that many places get it wrong.
As someone who almost exclusively drinks caffeinated espresso, I was apprehensive. As expressos have no milk or sweeteners, the flavour of the coffee beans cannot be hidden.
Any sourness, burnt flavours and acidity comes through in each sip. This was the ultimate test for a coffee shop, so I knew this was make or break.
But once it arrived, my fears were put to rest.
Using their detailed knowledge of the coffee process, the brothers are experimental with their specialty coffee. It is here that they show off many the flavours that you can see repeated across the menu.
The Gianduja is a thick Italian hazelnut spread, most comparable to Nutella although it contains a higher hazel nut blend.
The Snowy Etna blends white chocolate, Bueno and coconut flavours, and is named after Mount Etna on the owners’ home island of Sicily. Meanwhile, ginseng coffee — made from the ginseng root, originally from India — has become a popular flavour in Italy.
