Latest reviews for Cafes & Coffee Shops in London, United Kingdom

Troubadour Cafe - My second sitting room by mkdtw

mkdtw — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:25:51 +0000

Review by mkdtw

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7370 1434

Website: http://www.troubadour.co.uk

Ah, Iâ¬"m a bit biased as I have so many childhood memories of this place! My Portuguese mum and English dad met in Earlâ¬"s Court during the 70â¬"s and our family spent many-a-Saturday afternoon in the Troubadour...I even have an old photo of my mum peering in through the coffee pots displayed in the window. Ok so to bring the review up to date...yes the place has a shabby chick feel to it and yes when itâ¬"s busy the service can be a little slow but you canâ¬"t beat the cozy feel and you could quite easy kill a few hours here chatting with friends. Ah, Iâ¬"m a bit biased as I have so many childhood memories of this place! My Portuguese mum and English dad met in Earlâ¬"s Court during the 70â¬"s and our family spent many-a-Saturday afternoon in the Troubadour...I even have an old photo of my mum peering in through the coffee pots displayed in the window. Ok so to bring the review up to date...yes the place has a shabby chick feel to it and yes when itâ¬"s busy the service can be a little slow but you canâ¬"t beat the cozy feel and you could quite easy kill a few hours here chatting with friends.

Caffe Nero - cafe nero Pimlico by mkdtw

mkdtw — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:59:36 +0000

Review by mkdtw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7931 9963

Website: http://www.caffenero.com

Tags: takeaway, sandwiches, patisserie

The staff are consistently friendly and considering this is one of the high st coffee chains there is a real sense of community, the place is always filled with local residents...as one might imagine thatâ¬"s fairly unusual for the area!The staff are consistently friendly and considering this is one of the high st coffee chains there is a real sense of community, the place is always filled with local residents...as one might imagine thatâ¬"s fairly unusual for the area!

Cafe Noosh - Awful service by LordF

LordF — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:21:03 +0000

Review by LordF

Rating: 1.00Went to Cafe Noosh on Monday around 1.30pm, they serve Iranian style sandwiches. Popped in and asked the owner what they had and he told me what they had. Left to fetch my wife and kids, back there after 10 minutes and he had shut up shop and gone. No sign of him at all!!!!

We had driven a whole hour to get there and my kids were left hungry. Went to Cafe Noosh on Monday around 1.30pm, they serve Iranian style sandwiches. Popped in and asked the owner what they had and he told me what they had. Left to fetch my wife and kids, back there after 10 minutes and he had shut up shop and gone. No sign of him at all!!!!

We had driven a whole hour to get there and my kids were left hungry.

Allans Organic Patisserie - The way a cafe should be by Hugo

Hugo — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:37:44 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7409 7888

Website: www.allanspatisserie.co.uk

Tags: quick bite, patisserie, coffee

Why go to a chain to get a coffee and pan-au-chocolat? Allans Organic Patisserie Boulangerie (bit of a mouthful, but that is probably appropriate) is a charming, independent and truly delicious place to grab a bite or step out of the fray of Oxford Street/ Mayfair.

Allans has delicious coffee and a pan au chocolat of parisian quality that London usually utterly fails to match.

For the summer they have a great outdoor seating space, however - remember you need to go in to be served or you will be sitting there some time.

A winner.Why go to a chain to get a coffee and pan-au-chocolat? Allans Organic Patisserie Boulangerie (bit of a mouthful, but that is probably appropriate) is a charming, independent and truly delicious place to grab a bite or step out of the fray of Oxford Street/ Mayfair.

Allans has delicious coffee and a pan au chocolat of parisian quality that London usually utterly fails to match.

For the summer they have a great outdoor seating space, however - remember you need to go in to be served or you will be sitting there some time.

A winner.

Bertie and Boo Cafe - Lovely by ONscotland

ONscotland — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:57:27 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8772 9987

Website: http://www.bertieandboo.com/cafe.html

Tags: cosy, quick bite, cultured

I have to second the previous review - this is a lovely place to have a coffee and a snack, although for me, the school theme is somewhat overplayed, and I'm not keen on the school tables to sit at, but then this is a cafe that is dedicated to families, and it's great that there's a place where children are welcomed with open arms.

That said, everything else is great - the service is friendly, and there's a great variety of items on offer, including muffins, cupcakes and savoury items like sandwiches, quiches, pasta etc, and it all looks home made.

Balham has recently seen the arrival of Starbucks, to add to the Caffe Nero already there. But it's places like this that give an area personality, and when it's as good as Bertie and Boo, there's no reason to seek the 'security' of a ubiquitous brand.I have to second the previous review - this is a lovely place to have a coffee and a snack, although for me, the school theme is somewhat overplayed, and I'm not keen on the school tables to sit at, but then this is a cafe that is dedicated to families, and it's great that there's a place where children are welcomed with open arms.

That said, everything else is great - the service is friendly, and there's a great variety of items on offer, including muffins, cupcakes and savoury items like sandwiches, quiches, pasta etc, and it all looks home made.

Balham has recently seen the arrival of Starbucks, to add to the Caffe Nero already there. But it's places like this that give an area personality, and when it's as good as Bertie and Boo, there's no reason to seek the 'security' of a ubiquitous brand.

Flat White - The Best Coffee in the Northern Hemis' by Goosestep

Goosestep — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:21:32 +0000

Review by Goosestep

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 0370

Website: http://www.flat-white.co.uk

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, cosy

Man I love these guys!

Without doubt they service the best coffee in London!

They say a good cuppa is 85% barista and 15% coffee machine.

These fellas get 100/100.
Man I love these guys!

Without doubt they service the best coffee in London!

They say a good cuppa is 85% barista and 15% coffee machine.

These fellas get 100/100.

Caffe Nero - The real Italian coffee by francesca_marie

francesca_marie — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:45:35 +0000

Review by francesca_marie

Rating: 5.00

Website: http://www.caffenero.com

Tags: cosy, quick bite, italian

I have not yet been in ANY cafe Nero where there has been an English staff member.
I think it's quite nice that they keep authentic.
The coffee at cafe Nero gives a real taste of Italy and the food that is offered with it makes the experience even more fantastic.
Their prices are fair for the quality and service that you receive.
You can also pick up a loyalty card that you get stamped after every purchase, once you have a full card you will receive a free large coffee of your choice.I have not yet been in ANY cafe Nero where there has been an English staff member.
I think it's quite nice that they keep authentic.
The coffee at cafe Nero gives a real taste of Italy and the food that is offered with it makes the experience even more fantastic.
Their prices are fair for the quality and service that you receive.
You can also pick up a loyalty card that you get stamped after every purchase, once you have a full card you will receive a free large coffee of your choice.

Alistairs Cafe - Best "greasy spoon" type cafe in CP! by calamitycaz

calamitycaz — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:41:56 +0000

Review by calamitycaz

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8771 3729

Such a lovely warm welcome in this family run cafe. I love it! A regular haunt for breaky and lunch alike, great food and very reasonable. Such a lovely warm welcome in this family run cafe. I love it! A regular haunt for breaky and lunch alike, great food and very reasonable.

Domali Cafe - Best white hot chocolate anywhere ever! by calamitycaz

calamitycaz — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:51:41 +0000

Review by calamitycaz

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8768 0096

Website: http://www.domali.co.uk/

Tags: quick bite, cultured, crowded

Domali is a little gem of a place - a charming arty rustic veggie restaurant/cafe. It has a great atmosphere - very relaxing and chilled without being too "quiet". Best coffee/choc ever, good beer & wine, good food = mainly veggie chunky chips, salads, fish. It also has yummy desserts and cakes - you have to try the rich chocolate torte.
Most importantly of all, is it serves lovely coffee, and HOT WHITE CHOCOLATE which is DIVINE!! So go there immediately and order one!
There's a lovely sunny garden at the back which is great in summer.
The service is a bit "hit and miss" so don't go there if you're in a hurry!!Domali is a little gem of a place - a charming arty rustic veggie restaurant/cafe. It has a great atmosphere - very relaxing and chilled without being too "quiet". Best coffee/choc ever, good beer & wine, good food = mainly veggie chunky chips, salads, fish. It also has yummy desserts and cakes - you have to try the rich chocolate torte.
Most importantly of all, is it serves lovely coffee, and HOT WHITE CHOCOLATE which is DIVINE!! So go there immediately and order one!
There's a lovely sunny garden at the back which is great in summer.
The service is a bit "hit and miss" so don't go there if you're in a hurry!!

Top Floor @ Peter Jones - Crowded, noisy and only OK by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:31:51 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7730 3434

Tags: crowded, lively, good brew

There aren't many places to stop for a decent coffee and cake around Sloane Square and there is almost always room to sit upstairs at Peter Jones. The food is good enough (for the price), the coffee is OK, but the wonderful views are most likely obstructed by screaming kiddies running rampant around the place.

On the flip side, this is a very child-friendly place - lots of thought has gone into children's options, etc.

It's *very* popular at weekends though decent during the week. I'd avoid at peak shopping times. There aren't many places to stop for a decent coffee and cake around Sloane Square and there is almost always room to sit upstairs at Peter Jones. The food is good enough (for the price), the coffee is OK, but the wonderful views are most likely obstructed by screaming kiddies running rampant around the place.

On the flip side, this is a very child-friendly place - lots of thought has gone into children's options, etc.

It's *very* popular at weekends though decent during the week. I'd avoid at peak shopping times.

Tinto Coffee - Busy but great by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:21:11 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7736 5323

Tags: cosy, quick bite, cultured

I am lucky enough to live a 10 minute walk away from the splendid Tinto, which has got to be the best designed coffee shop in London. Nice cakes, excellent coffee and friendly staff. Plus a fab New-Yorky look, and lots of quirky places to curl up with your coffee. Not the best for lunch food etc but that's not what it's there for! In the summer, be sit outside in their garden with a 'Tintochino'. Mmmmmm....I am lucky enough to live a 10 minute walk away from the splendid Tinto, which has got to be the best designed coffee shop in London. Nice cakes, excellent coffee and friendly staff. Plus a fab New-Yorky look, and lots of quirky places to curl up with your coffee. Not the best for lunch food etc but that's not what it's there for! In the summer, be sit outside in their garden with a 'Tintochino'. Mmmmmm....

Maggies Cafe and Restaurant - Greasy spoon classic by aimeealewis

aimeealewis — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:44:40 +0000

Review by aimeealewis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8244 0339

Website: http://www.maggiesrestaurant.co.uk/

Tags: crowded, proper food, good brew

Maggies lured us in mainly because Lewisham Tesco doesn't have a cafe. We couldn't get in it was so packed at first so they sat us outside under an awning while the rain poured. Tea and juice quickly arrived and then we were seated inside. You can have all day breakfast here all day, and it costs Â£4.50 for a choice of however many things you want from 20 items. Tea and toast are constantly replenished. When the food comes there is no guarantee it will be exactly what you've asked for, but there will be lots of it and Maggie flits around working her Irish charm so it doesn't really matter. Recommended if you are in a relaxed mood. Maggies lured us in mainly because Lewisham Tesco doesn't have a cafe. We couldn't get in it was so packed at first so they sat us outside under an awning while the rain poured. Tea and juice quickly arrived and then we were seated inside. You can have all day breakfast here all day, and it costs Â£4.50 for a choice of however many things you want from 20 items. Tea and toast are constantly replenished. When the food comes there is no guarantee it will be exactly what you've asked for, but there will be lots of it and Maggie flits around working her Irish charm so it doesn't really matter. Recommended if you are in a relaxed mood.

G Casella - Comfort lunch from Casella by bigal76

bigal76 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:36:58 +0000

Review by bigal76

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7353 2264

Tags: cosy, crowded, quick bite

The mission: continue to find small, independent (well, 5 or less outlets) lunch food outlets that offer something worth seeking out.

Todayâ¬"s chapter: After a difficult morning at work, I really didnâ¬"t fancy another mayonnaise filled super-something from one of the sandwich chains. Enter: Casella. A small Italian sandwich and pasta bar, just off the Blackfriars end of Fleet Street.

Look in the window and youâ¬"ll see the usual array of Italian sandwiches. Having had a selection of these previously, I can say that theyâ¬"re good value and the ingredients do actually taste of the ingredients: prosciutto is moist and flavoursome, artichokes tangy etc. They have a good variety of sandwiches and rolls/ciabatas with generous fillings at good prices (e.g. Â£4 or less). If thereâ¬"s nothing you like, theyâ¬"ll slice something fresh from the array of salamis, cheeses and cured meats proudly displayed in sandwich counter, and stuff it into a crusty roll.

If youâ¬"re in there, youâ¬"ll see lots of Italian customers walking straight past the sandwich counter to the little dining area at the back of the shop where you can order one of the cook-to-order pastas, which change daily. I had a Spaghetti Bolognese to take-away today, to use as a pasta yardstick. I was very pleased with the quality of ingredients (chopped vegetables and herbs clearly visible in the sauce - not a quick pour from a jar), the pasta itself was quite nice, and the portion generous. Iâ¬"ll be back to try more of their seemingly home-made pasta specials.

Iâ¬"d highly recommend Casella as a good value and decent quality cheap eat just off Fleet Street â¬ to take something away, or for a quick sit-down lunch with a friend.

The mission: continue to find small, independent (well, 5 or less outlets) lunch food outlets that offer something worth seeking out.

Todayâ¬"s chapter: After a difficult morning at work, I really didnâ¬"t fancy another mayonnaise filled super-something from one of the sandwich chains. Enter: Casella. A small Italian sandwich and pasta bar, just off the Blackfriars end of Fleet Street.

Look in the window and youâ¬"ll see the usual array of Italian sandwiches. Having had a selection of these previously, I can say that theyâ¬"re good value and the ingredients do actually taste of the ingredients: prosciutto is moist and flavoursome, artichokes tangy etc. They have a good variety of sandwiches and rolls/ciabatas with generous fillings at good prices (e.g. Â£4 or less). If thereâ¬"s nothing you like, theyâ¬"ll slice something fresh from the array of salamis, cheeses and cured meats proudly displayed in sandwich counter, and stuff it into a crusty roll.

If youâ¬"re in there, youâ¬"ll see lots of Italian customers walking straight past the sandwich counter to the little dining area at the back of the shop where you can order one of the cook-to-order pastas, which change daily. I had a Spaghetti Bolognese to take-away today, to use as a pasta yardstick. I was very pleased with the quality of ingredients (chopped vegetables and herbs clearly visible in the sauce - not a quick pour from a jar), the pasta itself was quite nice, and the portion generous. Iâ¬"ll be back to try more of their seemingly home-made pasta specials.

Iâ¬"d highly recommend Casella as a good value and decent quality cheap eat just off Fleet Street â¬ to take something away, or for a quick sit-down lunch with a friend.

Camellia Sinensis - The Wonder of Tea by ONscotland

ONscotland — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:10:14 +0000

Review by ONscotland

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7734 9939

Tags: cosy, quick bite, cultured

Camellia Sinensis is the Latin name for the Tea Plant, and as you'd expect, this tea room celebrates tea - and how!

Jars upon jars of blends and infusions line an entire wall, and there are so many to choose from it would take forever to list them here. But looking at all the different kinds is just one of the pleasures of this lovely tea room. Another is the genuinally friendly service, the wholesome food and cakes (!) on offer (Lemon Polenta Cake is addictive!) and it's slightly out of the way location in Kingly Court.

A welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby Carnaby Street, and the perfect antidote to anyone tired of the Costas and Starbucks of this world, please go along to Camellia's and discover tea how it should be!Camellia Sinensis is the Latin name for the Tea Plant, and as you'd expect, this tea room celebrates tea - and how!

Jars upon jars of blends and infusions line an entire wall, and there are so many to choose from it would take forever to list them here. But looking at all the different kinds is just one of the pleasures of this lovely tea room. Another is the genuinally friendly service, the wholesome food and cakes (!) on offer (Lemon Polenta Cake is addictive!) and it's slightly out of the way location in Kingly Court.

A welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby Carnaby Street, and the perfect antidote to anyone tired of the Costas and Starbucks of this world, please go along to Camellia's and discover tea how it should be!

Concrete - Hidden Gem on Bustling South Bank by Hugo

Hugo — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:39:16 +0000

Review by Hugo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 79284123

Website: www.concrete-daynight.co.uk

Tags: cosy, quick bite, cultured

Concrete, the cafe adjacent to The Hayward Gallery, was like an oasis of calm in the frenetic and bustling South Bank. Not only that but it is a funky but relaxed cafe with bundles of style and fantastic food.

My coffees were simply delicious and the chocolate browny was (as far as I can remember) the best I have ever had in my life. Friends were raving about their cheese toasties and hot chocolates.

Please don't tell everyone as this place is small and it is a wonderful haven in an area dogged by chain restaurants, queues and irritating crowds.

I'd almost go to the Southbank just to go here but if you are going to the Hayward then I would recommend doing a pit stop here beforehand and perhaps afterwards too...

Concrete, the cafe adjacent to The Hayward Gallery, was like an oasis of calm in the frenetic and bustling South Bank. Not only that but it is a funky but relaxed cafe with bundles of style and fantastic food.

My coffees were simply delicious and the chocolate browny was (as far as I can remember) the best I have ever had in my life. Friends were raving about their cheese toasties and hot chocolates.

Please don't tell everyone as this place is small and it is a wonderful haven in an area dogged by chain restaurants, queues and irritating crowds.

I'd almost go to the Southbank just to go here but if you are going to the Hayward then I would recommend doing a pit stop here beforehand and perhaps afterwards too...

Saffron - That's good grub! by greedoe

greedoe — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:58:57 +0000

Review by greedoe

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7402 9992

Website: http://www.saffroncafe.com

Tags: lebanese, cosy, quick bite

This place comes rather recommended. The grub is traditional Lebanese and the atmosphere is cosy if not a tad cramped.

The mixed grill contained enough different meats from enough different species to be a manly enough feed.

The mixed meze is a nice dish too - you get 5 (small portions) different things off the menu for under Â£8. Have some falafel, hummus, chicken, rice and potatoes.

Good grub, good value and nicely filling. Can't wait to go back.This place comes rather recommended. The grub is traditional Lebanese and the atmosphere is cosy if not a tad cramped.

The mixed grill contained enough different meats from enough different species to be a manly enough feed.

The mixed meze is a nice dish too - you get 5 (small portions) different things off the menu for under Â£8. Have some falafel, hummus, chicken, rice and potatoes.

Good grub, good value and nicely filling. Can't wait to go back.

New Cross Cafe Diner - Classic Cafe/Diner by timwarr

timwarr — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:31:03 +0000

Review by timwarr

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8691 6759

Tags: lively, good value, local

Great quality greasy spoon. Good choice of breakfasts, reasonable prices and great staff banter. If you get your timing right it's full of sexy builders!Great quality greasy spoon. Good choice of breakfasts, reasonable prices and great staff banter. If you get your timing right it's full of sexy builders!

Make Mine - Great Sandwich, but.... by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:38:46 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7636 1308

Website: http://www.makemine.co.uk

Tags: takeaway, delivery, sandwiches

This place makes fantastic sandwiches, really, I struggle to find better quality ciabatta, the problem however is the service, the staff are very inpersonal, and the pricing is a bit weird, so for example if you order a bacon sandwich before 10,30 you pay like 80pence less for the same thing, its more expensive afterwards

Other than that you have like four people working behind the counter but only one is making the food, irrespective of the amount of people waiting.

The food is great, as is the coffee.This place makes fantastic sandwiches, really, I struggle to find better quality ciabatta, the problem however is the service, the staff are very inpersonal, and the pricing is a bit weird, so for example if you order a bacon sandwich before 10,30 you pay like 80pence less for the same thing, its more expensive afterwards

Other than that you have like four people working behind the counter but only one is making the food, irrespective of the amount of people waiting.

The food is great, as is the coffee.

Brasil by Kilo - What happened to this place by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:09:17 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7287 7161

Tags: brazilian, cheap, central

The first time I went here, was almost three years ago, just when I moved back to London from Brazil, I was really craving some nice Brazilian lunch time food, so I heard about this place and went along.

It was fantastic, the beans were cooked to perfection with generous helpings of different porks, and the rice was great, as were all the other things in the buffet.

Recently I went back a few times, and the place has gone right on down, from what I would rate a four, to a one.

They had beef, that was clearly stewing steak, that was simply browned, and battered, as it wasnt stewed, it was overly chewy, so like eating a shoe sole.

The chicken (Frango Pasarinha) was awful, the whole place has gone down hill, also now they dont weigh anymore, they simply charge a fixed price, and you eat as much as you want 6.99 + 1.00 for a drink, soft drinks only.

This place was once really great, and for some reason, has gone completely the other way..The first time I went here, was almost three years ago, just when I moved back to London from Brazil, I was really craving some nice Brazilian lunch time food, so I heard about this place and went along.

It was fantastic, the beans were cooked to perfection with generous helpings of different porks, and the rice was great, as were all the other things in the buffet.

Recently I went back a few times, and the place has gone right on down, from what I would rate a four, to a one.

They had beef, that was clearly stewing steak, that was simply browned, and battered, as it wasnt stewed, it was overly chewy, so like eating a shoe sole.

The chicken (Frango Pasarinha) was awful, the whole place has gone down hill, also now they dont weigh anymore, they simply charge a fixed price, and you eat as much as you want 6.99 + 1.00 for a drink, soft drinks only.

This place was once really great, and for some reason, has gone completely the other way..

Nordic Bakery - Nice buns, but over priced and quite overhyped by LondonBoy08

LondonBoy08 — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:56:17 +0000

Review by LondonBoy08

Rating: 2.00

Tags: quick bite, good brew, bakery

Nice place, I quite like the cinnamon buns.

This is not a retail store, they only sell a bit of bread and some sweets and some very expensive bags. Their selection of food is limited, I think, compared to many other cafes in the area.

Nordic Bakery is nice enough but not that exciting. Nice coffee, okay service, the sandwiches are generally a bit over priced.

Better than Starbucks, but I would not go out of my way to go here - unless I had a craving for cinnamon buns.

P

Nice place, I quite like the cinnamon buns.

This is not a retail store, they only sell a bit of bread and some sweets and some very expensive bags. Their selection of food is limited, I think, compared to many other cafes in the area.

Nordic Bakery is nice enough but not that exciting. Nice coffee, okay service, the sandwiches are generally a bit over priced.

Better than Starbucks, but I would not go out of my way to go here - unless I had a craving for cinnamon buns.

P