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

Cafe Deco - So disappointing by SCLondon

SCLondon — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:59:31 +0000

Review by SCLondon

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7225 3286

Tags: quiet & relaxed, cosy, quick bite

This place used to have the best cakes and pastries anywhere in Kensington. Now the food is 2nd/3rd rate and the lacklustre staff do not know what day it is. The cafe is dirty and badly run. I would not send anyone there.This place used to have the best cakes and pastries anywhere in Kensington. Now the food is 2nd/3rd rate and the lacklustre staff do not know what day it is. The cafe is dirty and badly run. I would not send anyone there.

La Liaison - Best cafe in Kensington! by mindis

mindis — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:54:43 +0000

Review by mindis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7370 3189

Tags: takeaway, terrace, good brew

I stayed in a hotel at Gloucester Road (Baileys) I tried some cafÃ©s nearby and got shocked because of the poor quality of sandwiche and coffee. The 4th day I went to La Liaison. As soon as I walked in I loved the place. It is very small and not suitable for the reader of the daily newspaper. But since the weather was great we sat outside in the sun. 3 people works there and are incredibly sweet. You notice at once that the regulars come in and they seem to have known each other for a long time. The staff knows exactly how they want their eggs and coffee. Next I was very curious to see how the coffee was-the best cappucino I had in London! The sandwiches were great and the juice was good-tropicana. The next good surprise was when I should pay. It is really cheap. So if You're nearby-don't miss the oppurtunity to experience la Liaison-just beside Gloucester Road metro station.I stayed in a hotel at Gloucester Road (Baileys) I tried some cafÃ©s nearby and got shocked because of the poor quality of sandwiche and coffee. The 4th day I went to La Liaison. As soon as I walked in I loved the place. It is very small and not suitable for the reader of the daily newspaper. But since the weather was great we sat outside in the sun. 3 people works there and are incredibly sweet. You notice at once that the regulars come in and they seem to have known each other for a long time. The staff knows exactly how they want their eggs and coffee. Next I was very curious to see how the coffee was-the best cappucino I had in London! The sandwiches were great and the juice was good-tropicana. The next good surprise was when I should pay. It is really cheap. So if You're nearby-don't miss the oppurtunity to experience la Liaison-just beside Gloucester Road metro station.

Harrods Chocolate Bar - Oh Chocolate by fastrunner

fastrunner — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:14:03 +0000

Review by fastrunner

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7730 1234

Website: http://www.harrods.com

Tags: lively, quick bite, cafe

Had to wait a few moments for seating X 4. Thursday around 3.30. but worth it, given the fact that we had eaten a good lunch. we only had 1 milk shake, 2 ice creams, and 3 cookies, between the 4 of us, never have we had a milk shake like that.oh boy,the ice cream was good, and the cookies, well, we packed one into my handbag , as we could not eat any more.
dont miss out.............Had to wait a few moments for seating X 4. Thursday around 3.30. but worth it, given the fact that we had eaten a good lunch. we only had 1 milk shake, 2 ice creams, and 3 cookies, between the 4 of us, never have we had a milk shake like that.oh boy,the ice cream was good, and the cookies, well, we packed one into my handbag , as we could not eat any more.
dont miss out.............

Cafe Diana - Decent breakfast! by Jimbo

Jimbo — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:44:07 +0000

Review by Jimbo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7792 9606

Tags: cosy, lively, quick bite

Decent British breakfast, friendly and no nonsense service and fair prices. I couldn't have asked for more. Only drawback is the noisy Bayswater Road!!!Decent British breakfast, friendly and no nonsense service and fair prices. I couldn't have asked for more. Only drawback is the noisy Bayswater Road!!!

The Muffin Man Tea Shop - A great little find! by nip_and_nosh

nip_and_nosh — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:19:47 +0000

Review by nip_and_nosh

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7937 6652

Tags: cosy, quick bite, quiet & relaxed

If you are in the general area, it is worth a stop for some tea and a scone at the Muffin Man. A quaint and cosy tea room, the Muffin Man is how one pictures a British Tea Room to be. You feel more like you are in someone's home, or in a Bed & Breakfast - it has that comfortable, no-fuss feel.

The scone was nice - nothing too out of the ordinary, but just as you would expect from a nice little tea room.

It's probably not one I'd go out of my way to see, but if you are in the area, doing a little shopping, and want a nice quiet escape to rest the feet and have some nice tea, the Muffin Man is a perfect respite.If you are in the general area, it is worth a stop for some tea and a scone at the Muffin Man. A quaint and cosy tea room, the Muffin Man is how one pictures a British Tea Room to be. You feel more like you are in someone's home, or in a Bed & Breakfast - it has that comfortable, no-fuss feel.

The scone was nice - nothing too out of the ordinary, but just as you would expect from a nice little tea room.

It's probably not one I'd go out of my way to see, but if you are in the area, doing a little shopping, and want a nice quiet escape to rest the feet and have some nice tea, the Muffin Man is a perfect respite.

Cafe Fiesta - by SPITFIREACE

SPITFIREACE — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:25:14 +0000

Review by SPITFIREACE

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7370 4192

a no nonsense coffee shop close
to mainstream coffee bars but for
a quarter of the price... cappucino for Â£1.50a no nonsense coffee shop close
to mainstream coffee bars but for
a quarter of the price... cappucino for Â£1.50

Cafe Continente - Sunday morning life-saver by DanWilkinson

DanWilkinson — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:39:58 +0000

Review by DanWilkinson

Rating: 4.00

Tags: lively, crowded, good brew

Hangovers are curious things. The things they require to ease the pain (coffee, fried foods, newspapers etc) are rarely directly available when you're in the grip of one, and often the energy needed to invoke a cooked breakfast yourself is simply too much to consider. A local cafe is therefore indispensable, and this one is mine.

I say cafe advisedly, and this is a crucial subtle distinction to make when choosing your hangover-curing venue. A pub is never open in time to be of any use, and is too often the scene of the crime to which you shouldn't really return. Smells of beer usually aren't advisable, either. A restaurant is usually a place where your pale green face and trembling fingers aren't generally welcome, and so best avoided until dinnertime. Cafes, particularly those like this one, exist to provide sanctuary to the hungover on weekend mornings.

One of the first proper hangovers I ever had in London was partially cured here, so I'm probably overly fond of Cafe Continente, and this review's going to smack of subjectivity. What the hell, it's *my* review.

Not in nearly eight years has this cafe let me down. I've never ventured from the breakfast menu (and why would you?), and can vouch that without exception it is highly satisfying: crisp where it should be crisp, non-greasy and freshly cooked, with good ingredients treated with respect. Ok, the bacon and the sausages aren't Borough Market standard, but they're decent enough and don't cost the earth.

Toast is hot when it comes to the table. I can't stress how important this is.

The coffee, although I have had one pretty shocking cup here about six months ago, is generally great, not too bitter and comforting to the troubled tummy. A great selection of juices, posh soft drinks and even (for the terminally bewildered) wine & beer are available. Service is brisk, non-judgemental and highly capable, and you can roll out of here for about Â£7.50 with a large breakfast and a coffee already beginning to work its magic.

My two criticisms are these:

1. It's always so crowded you're in no way guaranteed a seat. This bothers me a bit, as the last thing I want to do when I'm hungover is stand in the middle of a busy cafe with people bustling past me and... staring at me. That said, places do tread a fine line between 'dead' and 'mental', and I'd always prefer the latter, I suppose.

2. The seats really aren't that comfortable. I know it's a pedantic point to make, but I really don't like them. I want to lounge at breakfast, and Continente's chairs really don't allow that sort of behaviour.

Hence the dropped star. If you can get over these two niggles, you're well on your way to health again.Hangovers are curious things. The things they require to ease the pain (coffee, fried foods, newspapers etc) are rarely directly available when you're in the grip of one, and often the energy needed to invoke a cooked breakfast yourself is simply too much to consider. A local cafe is therefore indispensable, and this one is mine.

I say cafe advisedly, and this is a crucial subtle distinction to make when choosing your hangover-curing venue. A pub is never open in time to be of any use, and is too often the scene of the crime to which you shouldn't really return. Smells of beer usually aren't advisable, either. A restaurant is usually a place where your pale green face and trembling fingers aren't generally welcome, and so best avoided until dinnertime. Cafes, particularly those like this one, exist to provide sanctuary to the hungover on weekend mornings.

One of the first proper hangovers I ever had in London was partially cured here, so I'm probably overly fond of Cafe Continente, and this review's going to smack of subjectivity. What the hell, it's *my* review.

Not in nearly eight years has this cafe let me down. I've never ventured from the breakfast menu (and why would you?), and can vouch that without exception it is highly satisfying: crisp where it should be crisp, non-greasy and freshly cooked, with good ingredients treated with respect. Ok, the bacon and the sausages aren't Borough Market standard, but they're decent enough and don't cost the earth.

Toast is hot when it comes to the table. I can't stress how important this is.

The coffee, although I have had one pretty shocking cup here about six months ago, is generally great, not too bitter and comforting to the troubled tummy. A great selection of juices, posh soft drinks and even (for the terminally bewildered) wine & beer are available. Service is brisk, non-judgemental and highly capable, and you can roll out of here for about Â£7.50 with a large breakfast and a coffee already beginning to work its magic.

My two criticisms are these:

1. It's always so crowded you're in no way guaranteed a seat. This bothers me a bit, as the last thing I want to do when I'm hungover is stand in the middle of a busy cafe with people bustling past me and... staring at me. That said, places do tread a fine line between 'dead' and 'mental', and I'd always prefer the latter, I suppose.

2. The seats really aren't that comfortable. I know it's a pedantic point to make, but I really don't like them. I want to lounge at breakfast, and Continente's chairs really don't allow that sort of behaviour.

Hence the dropped star. If you can get over these two niggles, you're well on your way to health again.

Starbucks Coffee - I love Starbucks....a little too much by tightwad

tightwad — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:47:48 +0000

Review by tightwad

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7727 7890

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

Tags: lively, cosy, amazing brew

I actually agree with clubby2. I got into the habit of having a coffee on the way to work everyday. I then started having one at lunchtime "just because" and yet another on the way home as i was tired. All that cafeine was great at the start but the headaches started and i had to cut back on my addiction to starbucks. The money it saved me over the month is ridiculous! I can't believe how much i was spending - especially as i was having a cake here and there, plus a sandwich from them at lunchtime. Don't get me wrong, i love starbucks with all my heart, its just too much coffee was getting bad for my health!I actually agree with clubby2. I got into the habit of having a coffee on the way to work everyday. I then started having one at lunchtime "just because" and yet another on the way home as i was tired. All that cafeine was great at the start but the headaches started and i had to cut back on my addiction to starbucks. The money it saved me over the month is ridiculous! I can't believe how much i was spending - especially as i was having a cake here and there, plus a sandwich from them at lunchtime. Don't get me wrong, i love starbucks with all my heart, its just too much coffee was getting bad for my health!

Apostrophe - chain reaction! by sophietemples

sophietemples — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:31:09 +0000

Review by sophietemples

Rating: 2.00

Tags: good brew, average brew, proper food

I was warned off this cafe by a good friend after their staff rudely refused to let her son use the toilet during the carnival a few weeks back, despite buying coffees and several snacks for the kids. However my husband visits their branch in the city and swears by their coffee, so we popped in while passing over the weekend. My husband flashed his evening standard card for his usual discount and staff looked at us blankly! I don't know who was more embarrased.

Disappointing, but I should have known to steer clear of the chains.I was warned off this cafe by a good friend after their staff rudely refused to let her son use the toilet during the carnival a few weeks back, despite buying coffees and several snacks for the kids. However my husband visits their branch in the city and swears by their coffee, so we popped in while passing over the weekend. My husband flashed his evening standard card for his usual discount and staff looked at us blankly! I don't know who was more embarrased.

Disappointing, but I should have known to steer clear of the chains.

Arancina - Italian fast food mecca by bellaphon

bellaphon — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:46:41 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7221 7776

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

Tags: italian, cosy, lively

The lure of that sawn up orange Cinquecento is a great marketing exercise.

I donâ¬"t normally care much for pizzas in this country but at Arancina the Paletta (to all intents and purposes; by the slice) portion of parmacotto ham and mushrooms was outstanding. It tasted fresh, utterly Italian and the total absence of the dreaded stodgy thick crust. This portion was more than enough for lunch, but if you can fit it in and not be too conscious of the Atkins Diet the delicious arancinas (Sicilian rice balls) belong to the dangerous â¬Übingeingâ¬" category.

I included fast food as one of the things I love when I played the TasteMatcher, Arancina upholds the inclusion without fail. Bravo.
The lure of that sawn up orange Cinquecento is a great marketing exercise.

I donâ¬"t normally care much for pizzas in this country but at Arancina the Paletta (to all intents and purposes; by the slice) portion of parmacotto ham and mushrooms was outstanding. It tasted fresh, utterly Italian and the total absence of the dreaded stodgy thick crust. This portion was more than enough for lunch, but if you can fit it in and not be too conscious of the Atkins Diet the delicious arancinas (Sicilian rice balls) belong to the dangerous â¬Übingeingâ¬" category.

I included fast food as one of the things I love when I played the TasteMatcher, Arancina upholds the inclusion without fail. Bravo.

Ben's Cookies - Cookies by spokane12

spokane12 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:19:24 +0000

Review by spokane12

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7589 9155

Website: http://www.benscookies.com

are meant to be like this. Big and chunky with plenty of taste, bite and chew. I really like the peanut butter cookie and the oatmeal and the chocolate and ... okay I like a lot of cookies. But can you blame me. Try them all. Unlike Millie's the cookies are weighed - so the price is always different. The milkshakes here are okay but not awesome. Just go for the cookies - get a range of them and find your favourite. They sometimes do kind of like a cookie of the week and original flavours. Great for a cake day and very hefty and filling. These are not for the lightweight. The price is around about Â£1 a cookie but like I said, it is done by weight so that can vary. I have not tried the tea or coffee.are meant to be like this. Big and chunky with plenty of taste, bite and chew. I really like the peanut butter cookie and the oatmeal and the chocolate and ... okay I like a lot of cookies. But can you blame me. Try them all. Unlike Millie's the cookies are weighed - so the price is always different. The milkshakes here are okay but not awesome. Just go for the cookies - get a range of them and find your favourite. They sometimes do kind of like a cookie of the week and original flavours. Great for a cake day and very hefty and filling. These are not for the lightweight. The price is around about Â£1 a cookie but like I said, it is done by weight so that can vary. I have not tried the tea or coffee.

Starbucks Coffee - Starbucks Coffee Shop by Jessica_UK

Jessica_UK — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:05:51 +0000

Review by Jessica_UK

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7938 2335

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

Tags: cosy, takeaway, good brew

I really like starbucks in general, and this branch of starbucks was what I expected. There are a wide selection of cakes and cookies, as well as hot and cold drinks. It has to be said that starbucks is pretty overpriced with their frappochinos costing over Â£3 for a decent sized cup. As a student I don't visit often, but when I have done, it has been a very relaxing and friendly place to meet up with someone. There are quite a lot of seats to eat whilst you talk, but it does get crowded sometimes and noisy. Apart from that, a convenient location to meet a friend, though maybe a bit difficult to get good seats at lunch. The staff are usually very friendly and polite as well.I really like starbucks in general, and this branch of starbucks was what I expected. There are a wide selection of cakes and cookies, as well as hot and cold drinks. It has to be said that starbucks is pretty overpriced with their frappochinos costing over Â£3 for a decent sized cup. As a student I don't visit often, but when I have done, it has been a very relaxing and friendly place to meet up with someone. There are quite a lot of seats to eat whilst you talk, but it does get crowded sometimes and noisy. Apart from that, a convenient location to meet a friend, though maybe a bit difficult to get good seats at lunch. The staff are usually very friendly and polite as well.

Bagel Factory - Bagel Factory by arcantara99

arcantara99 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:27:17 +0000

Review by arcantara99

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7792 9040

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

Tags: quick bite, patisserie, average brew

The great thing about places like this is that you can have your bagel made with whatever fillings you like and tailored to your taste (with or without mayonnaise, ham and rocket or turkey and pickle). There tends to be a good range of bagels available too â¬ wholemeal, plain, poppy seed etc. So there's a good choice. Unfortunately some of the fillings look like they could have been there for a while and the portions of fillings can be on the scant side (definitely more bread than meat). But it's all perfectly fine and tasty for a bagel fix. Coffee is reasonable too.

The great thing about places like this is that you can have your bagel made with whatever fillings you like and tailored to your taste (with or without mayonnaise, ham and rocket or turkey and pickle). There tends to be a good range of bagels available too â¬ wholemeal, plain, poppy seed etc. So there's a good choice. Unfortunately some of the fillings look like they could have been there for a while and the portions of fillings can be on the scant side (definitely more bread than meat). But it's all perfectly fine and tasty for a bagel fix. Coffee is reasonable too.

Raison D'etre - Just an average experience by Tigerlily21

Tigerlily21 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:49:57 +0000

Review by Tigerlily21

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7584 5008

Tags: quick bite, takeaway, crowded

While the sandwiches are decent and the coffee is good, the cafe (on the two visits I made) was jammed with screaming teens. The location is also a bit shabby for South Kensington. For the price, it's just not that special. I won't go back.While the sandwiches are decent and the coffee is good, the cafe (on the two visits I made) was jammed with screaming teens. The location is also a bit shabby for South Kensington. For the price, it's just not that special. I won't go back.

Kensington Square Kitchen - Sweet spot, lovely brunch by Izabel_blue

Izabel_blue — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:03:37 +0000

Review by Izabel_blue

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7938 2598

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

Tags: cosy, lively, friendly

Popped in here for a random Saturday brunch with my hubby and was really impressed. Friendly service, nice decor (from what could see from our outside table) and simple quality food. I had excellent scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, served with chewy, morish sourdough bread. Hubby had a pile of American-style pancakes with yoghurt, honey and berries - surprisingly light and delicious for such a traditionally heavy food. Wonderful coffee too from the Monmouth Coffee Company.

The table next to us was raving about the club sandwich for lunch, and apparently they are opening in the evening (right now it's a all-day joint only) from July 1st onwards. I will be back! Popped in here for a random Saturday brunch with my hubby and was really impressed. Friendly service, nice decor (from what could see from our outside table) and simple quality food. I had excellent scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, served with chewy, morish sourdough bread. Hubby had a pile of American-style pancakes with yoghurt, honey and berries - surprisingly light and delicious for such a traditionally heavy food. Wonderful coffee too from the Monmouth Coffee Company.

The table next to us was raving about the club sandwich for lunch, and apparently they are opening in the evening (right now it's a all-day joint only) from July 1st onwards. I will be back!

The Deli Bar - A Little Nuget Of Joy In W14 by caffeinehit

caffeinehit — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:45:00 +0000

Review by caffeinehit

Rating: 4.00

Tags: friendly, delicatessen

I've been living in West Kensington for a long time and have noticed this little Deli for some time, I've just never got round to venturing in.

It was only the other Sunday morning I popped in to try it out. All I can say is I've missed out for however long it has been there... The service was brilliant, very chatty, smiley and welcoming. To top it off the food was great, the yummiest Turkey, Cheese and Caremalised Red Onion Panini I've had...

Places like this in W14 are few and far between, find yourself walking to a football game or to the park pop in, it will not only make you smile but make your day that much better!I've been living in West Kensington for a long time and have noticed this little Deli for some time, I've just never got round to venturing in.

It was only the other Sunday morning I popped in to try it out. All I can say is I've missed out for however long it has been there... The service was brilliant, very chatty, smiley and welcoming. To top it off the food was great, the yummiest Turkey, Cheese and Caremalised Red Onion Panini I've had...

Places like this in W14 are few and far between, find yourself walking to a football game or to the park pop in, it will not only make you smile but make your day that much better!

Jacob's - Reliable, albeit pricey Middle Eastern by bombaybeauty

bombaybeauty — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 06:26:59 +0000

Review by bombaybeauty

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7581 9292

Tags: cozy, quick bite

Some people claim this to be the best spot to get a Middle Eastern fix of falafel, hummus, and the like, though by nature these questions get controversial. You order at the counter, but pleasant tables are available for eating in. Personally, I found the food to be well above average, fresh with just the right zing. The place is pricey (is 14 pounds too much for a plate of Hummus and salads, a glass of wine, and sparkling water? In my book it is). But I suppose it's what one should expect in London and this part of town. A reasonable choice if you're in the area for Royal Albert Hall or the V&A.Some people claim this to be the best spot to get a Middle Eastern fix of falafel, hummus, and the like, though by nature these questions get controversial. You order at the counter, but pleasant tables are available for eating in. Personally, I found the food to be well above average, fresh with just the right zing. The place is pricey (is 14 pounds too much for a plate of Hummus and salads, a glass of wine, and sparkling water? In my book it is). But I suppose it's what one should expect in London and this part of town. A reasonable choice if you're in the area for Royal Albert Hall or the V&A.

Lazy Daisy Cafe - Lazy Daisy Cafe by gilka

gilka — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:55:52 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7221 8416

Tags: quick bite, quiet & relaxed, cosy

Visited on 26/07/07.
This place is very popular amongst mothers with babies. (children friendly)
The environment does look a bit like a 'kindergarten' from outside.
I had a mushroom and onion quiche and it was deprived of any culinary touch,
just bland. The salad which came with it, was boring with almost an invisible and tasteless dressing. There was also some anonymous cold pasta salad on my plate.
The smoothie tasted like â¬"innocent drinkâ¬" and not fresh like I was expecting.
The cappuccino was weak with no character.
I noticed that the minimum order was Â£3.5- I personally donâ¬"t mind but some people might find this annoying. We were charged extra 70p for paying with visa which also doesn't make sense to me.
The only good thing about this place was the inside area which has nice wooden tables and chairs and felt friendly. 'Healthy' food doesn't need to taste bland!
This experience will be deleted...Visited on 26/07/07.
This place is very popular amongst mothers with babies. (children friendly)
The environment does look a bit like a 'kindergarten' from outside.
I had a mushroom and onion quiche and it was deprived of any culinary touch,
just bland. The salad which came with it, was boring with almost an invisible and tasteless dressing. There was also some anonymous cold pasta salad on my plate.
The smoothie tasted like â¬"innocent drinkâ¬" and not fresh like I was expecting.
The cappuccino was weak with no character.
I noticed that the minimum order was Â£3.5- I personally donâ¬"t mind but some people might find this annoying. We were charged extra 70p for paying with visa which also doesn't make sense to me.
The only good thing about this place was the inside area which has nice wooden tables and chairs and felt friendly. 'Healthy' food doesn't need to taste bland!
This experience will be deleted...

Bar6 - Intimate, unique Bar 6 by Roya

Roya — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:02:50 +0000

Review by Roya

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7937 3367

Tags: cosy, cool, sexy

This is a secret W8 treasure. You wouldn't necessarily notice it when passing. It isn't always open, so best to call before hand to check (the owner opens it at his whim). It is very small, thus very intimate. Always candle-lit, the decor is plush red, so it's rather romantic. Though it is fairly pricey, the bar servings are generous and the atmosphere is worth it.

As you step inside you feel a little like you've stumbled upon a private party. Somewhere different for a tete-a-tete. Perfect place to continue your evening if you've been dining at the Lebanese, Randa, opposite. Should it be closed there is a pub ten metres down the road, with a completely different atmosphere, but you won't go thirsty.This is a secret W8 treasure. You wouldn't necessarily notice it when passing. It isn't always open, so best to call before hand to check (the owner opens it at his whim). It is very small, thus very intimate. Always candle-lit, the decor is plush red, so it's rather romantic. Though it is fairly pricey, the bar servings are generous and the atmosphere is worth it.

As you step inside you feel a little like you've stumbled upon a private party. Somewhere different for a tete-a-tete. Perfect place to continue your evening if you've been dining at the Lebanese, Randa, opposite. Should it be closed there is a pub ten metres down the road, with a completely different atmosphere, but you won't go thirsty.

Le Pain Quotidien - by Roya

Roya — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:42:23 +0000

Review by Roya

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7486 6154

Website: http://www.painquotidien.com

Tags: sandwiches, hot food, hot / cold drinks

A wonderful place to sit with the paper or a good book. The food is scrummy, the staff are friendly and they never hurry you. Perfect Sunday brunch hang-out.

Being where it is it can occasionally become populated with mums and pushchairs, but there's plenty of room, so it never feels oppressive.

Have the savoury muffins. Um-mummm..A wonderful place to sit with the paper or a good book. The food is scrummy, the staff are friendly and they never hurry you. Perfect Sunday brunch hang-out.

Being where it is it can occasionally become populated with mums and pushchairs, but there's plenty of room, so it never feels oppressive.

Have the savoury muffins. Um-mummm..