Le Pain Quotidien

Despite being a Belgian chain with branches in New York, Le Pain Quotidien feels tres francais. It's like Paul's more rustic, filling boulangerie cousin: same great French approach to fresh bread, delicious croissants and decent coffee in bowls, but with heftier open sandwiches and salads on the menu. It also has the benefit of free wifi and a great breakfast menu - the porridge will fill you up till way after lunch, and only those with iron self-control will be able to resist the sticky jars of praline spread that appear with the baguette. Service is swift and charming (and definitely included on your bill).

All branches are buzzy, with a large communal table, as well as smaller tables, but the Kings Road branch is particularly good for people-watching, packed as it is with chic continental locals enjoying a taste of home, yummy mummies and shoppers. For a solo coffee & newspaper moment or a bigger lunch with a glass of wine, Le PQ makes a refreshing change from the usual coffee chains.