The Mocking Birds, the bar section of The Coffee Bench Nanyuki.
When others call you customer, here they call you The Mocking Birds. Is this attributed to The actual Mocking birds? Or does the owner love nicknames? I’m yet to find out, when I do, I will let you know.
The Bench has become our local. A place to drop by eat, drink, and catch a vibe. Is it the warm light, the plants, or is the smallness of the place that makes everyone friendly? Everyone seems to know everyone. And those you don’t know don’t mind knowing you.
My first time visiting The Bench, I was smitten. Months later I go back… and I’m still smitten. This time I focused on Entertainment and liquor.
The speaker is bigger and they now play Kenyan music! Yeeeiii! If you come early and ask nicely, the bartender will let you play your favourite song. I haven’t been lucky enough to watch the band , but I’ve heard of them. The Zuchi Band plays every Sunday from 8pm to 10pm. And if you ask nicely, they will play your favourite song.
The liquor collection has tripled. Initially, their liquor collection was limited. They served kawaida beer, gin, wine, and whisky. They now have a wider range of wines, an extra fridge, and cocktails. A bottle of 1942 Don Julio seats pretty on a top shelf.
They have maintained the artistic, sports, and humour feel. The ceiling has more plants now, more sports gear and some boots. I write this weeks after visiting the establishment and I cannot forget those huge boots hanging from the ceiling.
Time
People start trickling in around seven pm. But the bar is opened at 4pm during weekdays and whenever you’re ready on weekends.
Food
Although I haven’t tried any new dishes, I can see their platters have improved and their veggies have more vigour(I pointed out in my previous article). I’m eyeing some beef sirloin I saw (salivating as I write this).
As for desert, they have a new ice-cream machine. The only reason I want the sun back is to try their ice cream. My sweet tooth is crossing her fingers and waiting for January.
On a cold Friday night, a medium glass of hot chocolate and two fresh Samosas were a much needed comfort. The hot chocolate has a perfect balance of chocolate and milk. Rich and creamy. I’d suggest try it without the sugar first. The Samosas; decent size, well cooked, proper pastry to meat ratio and seasoned enough. For five years I have ranked Ibis Hotel Nanyuki as the best Samosas one could try in Nanyuki, but these ones? You have to try them.
The Bench has become a place to network and try new things. I had my first KO here (courtesy of Wairimu) and Manyatta. The place keeps calling me: Come back, come say hi. I look forward to what Kissinger and his team have in store for us come December 2024.
If you pass by, snap a photo, and let me know what you liked or what they should work on.
Read the previous review here:
I’ve posted a reel and more stories on my Instagram: Poetry_with_dollyart
