For a seminar I came to the Science Park of the University of Amsterdam, and had an espresso for sit in at the Cafe Polder. The cafe is situated in a temporary shack under a corrugated sheet roof furnished with a loose collection of partly old furniture, tables with chipboard plates, plastic chairs and wooden benches. Towards lunch time the place fills up with employees of the university and the neighbouring CWI.

I had an espresso for sit in, which has been brought to my table. The coffee was quite acerb, but by no means rancid, which suggests, the coffee machines are well-maintained. Along with the beverage came a Speculaas, a cookie typical for The Netherlands, which accompanied the bitterness well. The only thing to be criticised is that the waiter took my cup before I had the last sip.

• Temperature: optimal
• Flavour: round and strong
• Bitterness: acerb
• Caffeine: medium
• Price:

Summary: Certainly a good espresso for university standards.