The internet is at it again – arguing, that is. This week’s rage fuel? Whether it’s appropriate to bring iced coffee (or any drink, really) to a job interview. It comes after Caitlin Wehniainen, a recruiter in the US, posted a video on Tiktok about Gen Z candidates showing up to job interviews with iced coffees in hand – and arguing it seems unprofessional and too casual for an interview. The pros and cons have been argued over across social media, and in more august publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and The Guardian.
Here in the Broadsheet office, we’re split on the matter. What we’re not split on, though, is our mutual love of iced caffeinated drinks. So, whether or not you’re pro- or anti-drinks at interviews, here are our picks for where to pick up a pre-interview iced coffee.
Watchhouse, various locations
Anyone who’s ever shared a desk bank with me will be aware of the painfully slow pace at which I drink any kind of beverage. It’s why I often avoid drinking an iced coffee, which tends to have melted into a watery semblance of a caffeinated beverage before I’m even a quarter of the way through it. It’s why you'll find me ordering mine at Watchhouse; its Cold Shots are poured chilled, meaning my iced coffee actually stays iced for longer with no hot espresso shot to contend with – a bonus in a job interview where the last thing you need is a cup that’s leaking condensation onto your already-sweaty palms. Plus, there’s always some good pastries on offer.
Hannah Thompson, social media and newsletter editor
Browns of Brockley, Brockley
I have a serious pet peeve when it comes to iced coffee. My belief is that iced coffee requires some sweetness; but if a barista tells me one more time that I can add sugar at the end, my head might explode. Sugar does not dissolve in cold drinks. That’s just science. Thankfully, the folks at my local cafe, Browns of Brockley, understand this – and instead use a sugar syrup. I feel lucky to live so close to this independent specialty coffee shop; the coffee (iced or otherwise) is strong and smooth, the fresh fruit danishes are second to none, and it’s right by Brockley station so I can grab my drink from the friendly baristas then be on with my day (or hypothetical job interview).
Rose Johnstone, acting London editor
Milk, Balham
I don’t see why you’d want to add another potentially rogue element – melting ice, spillable liquid – into an already stressful situation. But if we were to end up in a job market where an iced coffee was an expected job interview accessory, I’d be going for the one at Milk in Balham. For a start, it’s delicious – creamy, sweet and somehow refreshing for drink so milky. But, crucially, it comes pre-bottled. This means no standing around waiting for a barista to make your drink while your pre-interview jitters grow, and it also means you can pop the lid back onto the sinuous glass bottle in between sips to prevent any mid-interview spills. Plus, it doesn’t contain ice, so there’ll be none of the nasty sweats that are all-too-common with iced drinks.
Che-Marie Trigg, commissioning editor
Roasting Plant Coffee, various locations
I recently stumbled upon Roasting Plant Coffee on the Strand and wasn’t expecting the multi-sensory experience that was about to unfold. They store beans from various countries in clear glass columns in the cafe and roast them on-site. Once you place an order, the beans get sucked up into overhead tubes Willy Wonka-style, rattling past as they make their way to the coffee machines for your drink. You can even buy the raw beans to roast yourself, but for now, I’ll be sticking to my new daily ritual of bean-jingling ASMR, followed by shameless clinking ice in my cup to-go.
Gigi Wolujewicz, video creator and producer
