Ethical Espresso & Sustainable Sips at Lost Aviator: Keeping it Green in Guelph
Just off the Guelph River Walking Trail lies Lost Aviator Coffee. Initially founded by two grounded pilots this little gem values sustainability and ethically sourced coffee beans. They support direct trade local farmers, the environment, and they even roast their beans onsite. Simon and I got to experience this local treasure (again) and it has become a regular on our coffee café rotation thanks to their consistently tasty beverages that are carefully crafted by super friendly staff. We thought today was the perfect day to add it to the blog and score it!
Exterior Shot. It’s freaking freezing, but look! the Sun is out for a change!
Ambience - Purposeful, Playful, and Petite
Centered in the heart of our hometown, Lost Aviator is like the coffee shop version of Mary Poppins' magical bag—small on the outside but bursting with character on the inside! Despite its compact size, this place has mastered the art of carefully crafting a proper cup of joe that locals (like us) keep coming back for. Abundant sunshine streams through the windows, casting a gentle glow on the sleek espresso machine, where skilled baristas craft delightful beverages. The interior has an intentionally playful pilot-themed flair, staying true to its roots and capturing the essence of aviation throughout the design. Parking is convenient, close, and accessible. Unfortunately, this is not a place to have a first date nor get cozy for an hour or two to tackle some work on your laptop. Seating options are limited, with only four snug bar stools by the window to enjoy your coffee. It’s as cozy as a captains cockpit but we didn’t mind given the quality of our drinks. 7/10
The Coffee - Ethically Sourced and Roasted Onsite
Lost Aviator stands out with its commitment to ethically sourced beans, roasted onsite—a haven for coffee purists. Their hot coffee offerings are a testament to the alchemy of coffee science. I opted for an oat milk matcha latte, while Simon got his usual oat milk cortado.
Espresso grounds are meticulously measured, with quality as a priority. We even observed one barista noticing her espresso wasn't of the desired quality and starting her order again to ensure every cup is delivered with care. The passion for the craft is palpable, creating an ambiance that resonates with every aroma-filled corner.
The matcha, a delightful departure from the ordinary, strikes a perfect balance—not too sweet, creamy, and smooth. For those seeking a robust experience, the cortado is a standout, delivering a bold punch that lingers just right.
The score? A perfect 10/10
Latte Art: Latte art was attempted but unfortunately fell short, possibly due to the oat milk's natural frothing limitations. It's our belief that their use of quality oat milk, lacking preservatives, affected the final presentation negatively. The neighboring full dairy milk latte, however, was a visual masterpiece, earning an A for effort from us. While our latte art adventure didn't reach perfection, Lost Aviator still holds promise for those seeking a creative coffee experience. 1.5/2
The Cups: The matcha latte arrived in a classic ceramic wide mouth mug, radiating warmth and comfort. Meanwhile, the cortado makes its landing in cute little ceramic mug for Simon. I am bias with an affinity to modern sleek double walled glass and therefore deliver a score of 4/5
Accoutrements - Limited, but hit the chocolaholic spot:
Snack and treat options lean towards the traditional, featuring scones, cookies, muffins, and sweet hand pies. Beware; there are limited vegan and savory choices. We did notice a ham and cheese croissant but we have been avoiding red meat recently and didn’t want to break our streak.
We opted for a classic chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate croissant. While Simon thought the croissant was better than the cookie, I disagree. There is a reason our marriage works, you know. I'll happily eat the cookie; He can eat the croissant. We both leave happy.
For a cafe who claims to be committed to sustainability, the menu could benefit from more vegan-friendly options. We ate the buttery treats anyway…and enjoyed it! 7/10
Ecofriendliness - Living Green in Guelph.
Lost Aviator stands out with its small environmental footprint and commitment to sustainability. From ethically sourced beans to recyclable takeaway cups and composting coffee grounds, every aspect reflects a dedication to a greener planet. Opting for brown paper bags over plastic and introducing a reusable straw initiative showcase the coffee shop's simple yet impactful choices in reducing non-biodegradable materials. We truly value the efforts in sustaining the environment and world we live in today. Had they offered more vegan options, the score would have been perfect. 9/10
Value - A little Pricy. Though on the pricier side, Lost Aviator delivers a premium coffee experience that justifies the cost. With its skilled baristas, an emphasis on quality beans, presentation, and attention to detail, every sip is a journey into business class. Everything consumed today was throughly enjoyed with little room for constructive criticism - and we tried. Our two hot beverages with a cookie and croissant came to $23 dollars after tip. 2/3
In conclusion, Lost Aviator not only excels in the premium coffee game but also deserves applause for being the jet-setter of eco-friendliness in the caffeine universe. With coffee so tasty, every sip feels like a first-class upgrade for your taste buds. The small space is a blessing and a curse—it's great for the planet, but not so great if seeking a cozy spot to park to get some work done. Nonetheless, if it fits the vibe du jour, we'll remain frequent flyers
Score - 40.5/50
Some sound advice found above the toilet ;) lol
