Anyone who knows New York knows that hot coffee is slurped on top of your half-drunk cup of coffee. This may seem fun and very Noo Yawk to the first-time punter checking out Katz’s Deli, but to the Antipodean who really knows their coffee like they know their wine, it just doesn’t work.

If you find yourself in the Big Apple and in need of a proper brew, read flat white beautifully executed, then you will need these spots positioned in your contacts before landing at JFK.

One coffee chain to bear in mind that doesn’t have the word star in it is La Colombe who are scattered around the city.

Hi-Collar is Japanese chic in the East Village where you can sip your magnificently brewed coffee from a gold plated Christofle cup. Say no more. Flatiron is my favourite neighbourhood, it feels very light and residential.

Popping into Stumptown Coffee at the Ace Hotel on 29^th is always on my agenda, not only for the coffee but also to meet the parade of local doggies that come in with their coffee-loving gorgeous owners.

If you’ve got jet lag, they are open from 6 am during the week and 7 am on the weekend.

Caffeine aficionados will adore the paraphernalia of all things coffee as well as the brew they make you at Blue Bottle Coffee. Thankfully with multiple locations in New York.

In the heart of the über upscale and trendy West Village, you will find Toby’s Estate housed in a 1920’s artist’s studio. Sit indoors in winter, or people watch from a bench outside in the warmer months, you’ll feel like a local.

That’s what authentic travel is all about, real experiences with locals and off the tourist path.