I think that place has an amazing concept. Coffee and books work. I'd love to be at some place like that.
I wouldn't mind the lack of coffee art, either. However, the burnt taste could be the coffee pot (whatever the brew the coffee in) needing a good wash. Or perhaps it's reheated coffee. 🤷♀
It could be the coffee pot actually, as I've seen the person making the coffee at work and there was no reheating. He wasn't very thrilled to be there it seemed. I can't blame him.
But having coffee near while you read is just convenient, you know? 😄 It works! They also have an instant coffee machine and different variants of tea. Whatever floats the readers boat.