Caffe Pompei

slow saturday in stirling, and king street isn't rushing anyone. caffe pompei sits at number 55, close enough to the old town that you've probably walked past it on the way to somewhere else, which would have been a mistake. the regulars here aren't casual about the place, and that loyalty accumulates for a reason. this is the kind of independent that doesn't need to perform, it just gets on with it. what you'll find is a coffee shop with real standing in its neighbourhood, the sort that fills a specific gap in your week without announcing itself too loudly. come back on a weekday morning when king street is quieter, and order whatever espresso-based drink you're in the mood for. that's the version of this place that sticks.