Java Caffe Company, Budapest, Hungary

The Java Caffe Company coffee shop is conveniently located near the American Embassy, which stands on Szabadsag ter (Freedom Square). The tiny cramped premises offers high tables and stools and a range of newspapers on racks to peruse. The owners sensibly shove the smokers upstairs to stew in their own fog. The large shop window peers out over the square where the Batthyany eternal flame flickers and office workers scurry to their desks. The interior is very tastefully done out with claret-coloured paintwork and chestnut wood furnishings. A vast range of coffees comes in three sizes and there are cookies and bagels to munch on. Try the doppia mocha (HUF350) containing coffee, chocolate milk and a huge dollop of cream. It comes in a Starbucks-style paper mug. You can also take brews away in trendy brown paper bags. The coffee prices range from HUF 150 for a solo espresso up the scale for such concoctions as vanilla, orange, amaretto and the de licious sounding 'White Raspberry' (espresso, white chocolate and raspberryade) up to HUF525 for a 'Jumpy Monkey' which mixes espresso, chocolate milk, banana and coconut and is sure to perk you up.