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

Foyles Cafe - One of my favorites in London by tomaplaw

tomaplaw — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:00:14 +0000

Review by tomaplaw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 5660

Foyles Jazz Cafe is the perfect place to take a classic novel and relax into your chair absorbing the atmosphere around you. I often go there to write, as they offer everything from tea and cafe to red wine and olives - all at a reasonable price.
The cafe does get busy between 5 - 7, so finding a chair can be tricky. They often have live bands come to play, which can actually be too noisy at times, but it's something you get used to. One thing that does annoy me, is the amount of red wine you get for 3 pounds - especially at the end of the day (mind you only one of the staff members does this, so stay clear of the skinny 30 - 40yo guy with black hair lol).Foyles Jazz Cafe is the perfect place to take a classic novel and relax into your chair absorbing the atmosphere around you. I often go there to write, as they offer everything from tea and cafe to red wine and olives - all at a reasonable price.
The cafe does get busy between 5 - 7, so finding a chair can be tricky. They often have live bands come to play, which can actually be too noisy at times, but it's something you get used to. One thing that does annoy me, is the amount of red wine you get for 3 pounds - especially at the end of the day (mind you only one of the staff members does this, so stay clear of the skinny 30 - 40yo guy with black hair lol).

Sacred Cafe - Great coffee a few steps from Regent St by pinotlover

pinotlover — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:22:26 +0000

Review by pinotlover

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 1415

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

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

Why have Italians not discovered the flat white? This is the best way possible to do coffee with milk - a shot of espresso topped with textured, not frothed, milk.
Friendy service from mainly Kiwi staff and cosy ambience especially in the basement. For something different try the lolly cake... crushed malt biscuits and marshmallows bound together with butter and condensed milk and rolled in dried coconut. (tastes better than it sounds). Another Kiwi invention apparently.Why have Italians not discovered the flat white? This is the best way possible to do coffee with milk - a shot of espresso topped with textured, not frothed, milk.
Friendy service from mainly Kiwi staff and cosy ambience especially in the basement. For something different try the lolly cake... crushed malt biscuits and marshmallows bound together with butter and condensed milk and rolled in dried coconut. (tastes better than it sounds). Another Kiwi invention apparently.

Flat White - Service is Flat, But Coffee is More than Alwite by laissezfare

laissezfare — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:45:48 +0000

Review by laissezfare

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 0370

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

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, crowded

[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Although it is really a trek from my office to Flat White, Iâ¬"ve tried this Soho-based coffee house a number of times and almost think Iâ¬"ve walked into a funky little American coffee house on a college campus somewhere. There is always rock music on the radio, the staff sort of ignore you (at least me!) and I donâ¬"t really like the vibe all that much (itâ¬"s a bit up its own backside if you ask me), but the coffee drinks are pretty good. Here, I like the eponymous drink the best.[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Although it is really a trek from my office to Flat White, Iâ¬"ve tried this Soho-based coffee house a number of times and almost think Iâ¬"ve walked into a funky little American coffee house on a college campus somewhere. There is always rock music on the radio, the staff sort of ignore you (at least me!) and I donâ¬"t really like the vibe all that much (itâ¬"s a bit up its own backside if you ask me), but the coffee drinks are pretty good. Here, I like the eponymous drink the best.

The Breakfast Club - it is a nice place by xiaodonggua

xiaodonggua — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:49:50 +0000

Review by xiaodonggua

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7434 2571

Website: http://www.thebreakfastclubsoho.com

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

that is okthat is ok

Bar Italia - Lives up to its name by larsrose

larsrose — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:29:08 +0000

Review by larsrose

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 4520

Tags: quick bite, lively, italian

A little piece of real Italian spirit, in the heart of London. They know their coffee and its the perfect place to stop for a panino.A little piece of real Italian spirit, in the heart of London. They know their coffee and its the perfect place to stop for a panino.

Fernandez & Wells - by rfinean

rfinean — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:05:31 +0000

Review by rfinean

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7287 8124

Website: http://www.fernandezandwells.com/beak.php

Tags: quick bite, amazing brew, lively

An espresso with zing!An espresso with zing!

Make Mine - Rude by davhud

davhud — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:47:42 +0000

Review by davhud

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7636 1308

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

Tags: takeaway, crowded, good brew

Make Mine has the rudest staff in Soho, unhelpful and made my day miserable for being personally assaulted by the chefs and the cashier, just because they made a mistake with my order! The sandwiches are not bad but for less of your money you can find better. So if you want to have a bad day stop by Make Mine!

Make Mine has the rudest staff in Soho, unhelpful and made my day miserable for being personally assaulted by the chefs and the cashier, just because they made a mistake with my order! The sandwiches are not bad but for less of your money you can find better. So if you want to have a bad day stop by Make Mine!

Cafe Soho - Best value lunches in Soho? by lowjohnny

lowjohnny — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:15:07 +0000

Review by lowjohnny

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 8572

Tags: cosy, european, quick bite

I work in the area and have pretty much eaten here every day for almost a year, which is very unusual considering my attention span for most things.

Cafe Soho is not exactly in a prime location for walk by traffic, so I'd imagine they rely heavily on word of mouth to drum up business.

The sandwiches are to die for, and the daily hot food specials are very tasty with generous servings.

My personal favourites would be the Ground Beef Burger (low carb) and Roast Beef Special sandwich.

Yes, I like my meat, so much so that they call me "more meat boy" because I generally order everything with extra meat for a mere Â£1 more.I work in the area and have pretty much eaten here every day for almost a year, which is very unusual considering my attention span for most things.

Cafe Soho is not exactly in a prime location for walk by traffic, so I'd imagine they rely heavily on word of mouth to drum up business.

The sandwiches are to die for, and the daily hot food specials are very tasty with generous servings.

My personal favourites would be the Ground Beef Burger (low carb) and Roast Beef Special sandwich.

Yes, I like my meat, so much so that they call me "more meat boy" because I generally order everything with extra meat for a mere Â£1 more.

Milk Bar - by Caffemania

Caffemania — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:09:29 +0000

Review by Caffemania

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 4796

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, cosy

what a decent coffee place in Soho. This is one of the best coffee shop in London. I love this place and also the music that play in the shop is great as well.what a decent coffee place in Soho. This is one of the best coffee shop in London. I love this place and also the music that play in the shop is great as well.

Crepe Affaire - by gilka

gilka — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:42:55 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 3.00

Tags: quick bite, cosy, fun

Crepe Affaire is fine, but here is the real thing:
http://www.gilka.co.uk/2009/04/20/la-creperie-de-hampstead/Crepe Affaire is fine, but here is the real thing:
http://www.gilka.co.uk/2009/04/20/la-creperie-de-hampstead/

Princi - AMAZING by biancalabufala

biancalabufala — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:13:54 +0000

Review by biancalabufala

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7478 8888

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

Tags: cosy, lively, bakery

This place is just AMAZING...................
This place is just AMAZING...................

Yumchaa - Tea Total by PalAtTable

PalAtTable — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:25:19 +0000

Review by PalAtTable

Rating: 4.00

Website: www.yumchaa.co.uk

Tags: amazing brew, cosy, quick bite

As a big fan of tea, it's often hard to find a good place to visit for a pot of brew to help wind down, and I'm too often bitterly disappointed with the bog standard English Breakfast tea in most cafÃ©s. Help is at hand though if you favour loose tea leaves with a taste that packs a punch, in the form of a little tea shop called Yumchaa - yum cha simply meaning 'drink tea' in Cantonese. There's a branch in Camden, however there's another quaint dwelling on the corner of Berwick Street/Noel Street, where I happened to pass and promptly enter!

On first entering the shop I was taken by the displays of hearty cakes and muffins, until I gave a sharp double take when I caught a glimpse of the rows of teas on offer inside tiny-tiny milk jugs. But what's more is you can sample the tea options before you decide on what to drink, with nowt but your nose. At £2 a pot it's more than good value, with various infusions of black, green and fruit teas. I've enjoyed both the Regent's Park fruit tea and the Earl Grey Blue Star, but whichever takes your fancy you're equipped with a one cup teapot (though it generously gives 2), strainer and mini milk jug if you require it.

The decor is homely and calm but at the same time quite vintage with white-washed cabinets and heavy wooden tables, plus they always seem to be playing great music to fit the tone - Al Green and Otis Redding on my last visit. The staff are friendly and helpful if you're struggling with which tea to try, the Regent's Park tea was a recommendation of which was spot on. I'm yet to have tea with someone else at Yumchaa, but so far have enjoyed the experience of going on my own that I might find it a little less special to share. That may be selfish, but it's hard to find a great place to unwind with a book or paper.

As a big fan of tea, it's often hard to find a good place to visit for a pot of brew to help wind down, and I'm too often bitterly disappointed with the bog standard English Breakfast tea in most cafÃ©s. Help is at hand though if you favour loose tea leaves with a taste that packs a punch, in the form of a little tea shop called Yumchaa - yum cha simply meaning 'drink tea' in Cantonese. There's a branch in Camden, however there's another quaint dwelling on the corner of Berwick Street/Noel Street, where I happened to pass and promptly enter!

On first entering the shop I was taken by the displays of hearty cakes and muffins, until I gave a sharp double take when I caught a glimpse of the rows of teas on offer inside tiny-tiny milk jugs. But what's more is you can sample the tea options before you decide on what to drink, with nowt but your nose. At £2 a pot it's more than good value, with various infusions of black, green and fruit teas. I've enjoyed both the Regent's Park fruit tea and the Earl Grey Blue Star, but whichever takes your fancy you're equipped with a one cup teapot (though it generously gives 2), strainer and mini milk jug if you require it.

The decor is homely and calm but at the same time quite vintage with white-washed cabinets and heavy wooden tables, plus they always seem to be playing great music to fit the tone - Al Green and Otis Redding on my last visit. The staff are friendly and helpful if you're struggling with which tea to try, the Regent's Park tea was a recommendation of which was spot on. I'm yet to have tea with someone else at Yumchaa, but so far have enjoyed the experience of going on my own that I might find it a little less special to share. That may be selfish, but it's hard to find a great place to unwind with a book or paper.

Zilli Cafe - Dinner quality at lunch prices by emmanx

emmanx — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:55:16 +0000

Review by emmanx

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7287 9233

Website: http://www.zillialdo.com

Tags: italian, cultured, lively

I happen to be lucky enough to work just around the corner from Zilli cafe. Anytime I'm in the mood for some tasty comfort food without the nasty pools of butter usually found at your local cafe, I head into Zilli to pick up whatever Italianesque my heart fancies.

My last meal at Zilli Cafe consisted of a blackened fillet of salmon with roasted carrots and freshly-made mash only for £7, well worth the £2 extra since lunch in Soho is at least a fiver. For the more budget conscious, Zilli's paninis are only about £3.50 and have a variety of combinations, roast vegetables rocket and mozzarella is my fav. Not to mention the endless trays of fresh pasta ready to for flash boiling and dumped into your favourite sauce...

Not to be underestimated, Zilli Cafe also serves a mean cup of coffee, similar to what you get in Rome. Give it a go, you'll be glad you did. Some outdoor seating in the summer too!I happen to be lucky enough to work just around the corner from Zilli cafe. Anytime I'm in the mood for some tasty comfort food without the nasty pools of butter usually found at your local cafe, I head into Zilli to pick up whatever Italianesque my heart fancies.

My last meal at Zilli Cafe consisted of a blackened fillet of salmon with roasted carrots and freshly-made mash only for £7, well worth the £2 extra since lunch in Soho is at least a fiver. For the more budget conscious, Zilli's paninis are only about £3.50 and have a variety of combinations, roast vegetables rocket and mozzarella is my fav. Not to mention the endless trays of fresh pasta ready to for flash boiling and dumped into your favourite sauce...

Not to be underestimated, Zilli Cafe also serves a mean cup of coffee, similar to what you get in Rome. Give it a go, you'll be glad you did. Some outdoor seating in the summer too!

Amato Patisserie - Sinful Cakes by bellaphon

bellaphon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:58:29 +0000

Review by bellaphon

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7734 5733

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

Tags: quick bite, cosy, amazing brew

Despite being part of the Richoux group, I believe that Amato has always retained its independence and therefore the consistent quality of its superb cakes and pastries has also been maintained. If one were on a diet it would be a total waste of time to even step in here, as youâ¬"ll be confronted head on with the sinful display of the pÃ¢tisserie. Together with the Hummingbird Bakery on Portobello Road, Amato is responsible for the finest cakes in London and lest I forget the coffee is every bit as good as Bar Italia.

Letâ¬"s face it that the inside of the cafÃ© is never going to be highlighted in an interior designerâ¬"s bible; at least itâ¬"s clean and bright. The service has always been friendly and efficient. What Amato lacks in the bohemian atmosphere of the nearby Maison Bertaux, it totally comes out better with its food and service. The usual cafÃ© suspects like breakfast fry-ups are offered alongside the more generic Italian pasta dishes. My near decadent choice of Spaghetti Carbonara was somewhat pleasing and appetizing; despite the claim on the menu of pancetta being used in the dish, I couldâ¬"ve sworn it was just plain thick-cut back bacon and the lavish sprinkling of some unidentifiable dried herb was unnecessary. Ultimately I come here for the cakes and coffee. The huge choice of cakes on display can be daunting, if it werenâ¬"t for gluttony being one of the seven deadly sins, I could quite easily polish off four to five assorted slices in one go. The lightness and freshness of each individual slice indicate that they can only be baked and made in the same premises. The constant stream of customers, both eat in and take away, only goes to prove that this place is rather special.

Iâ¬"m not suggesting that we all do a JK Rowling and make a cup of coffee last an entire chapter of your forthcoming book, but Amato is very nearly that type of cafÃ©, the word rush simply doesnâ¬"t exist in this establishment. Wonderful Amato.
Despite being part of the Richoux group, I believe that Amato has always retained its independence and therefore the consistent quality of its superb cakes and pastries has also been maintained. If one were on a diet it would be a total waste of time to even step in here, as youâ¬"ll be confronted head on with the sinful display of the pÃ¢tisserie. Together with the Hummingbird Bakery on Portobello Road, Amato is responsible for the finest cakes in London and lest I forget the coffee is every bit as good as Bar Italia.

Letâ¬"s face it that the inside of the cafÃ© is never going to be highlighted in an interior designerâ¬"s bible; at least itâ¬"s clean and bright. The service has always been friendly and efficient. What Amato lacks in the bohemian atmosphere of the nearby Maison Bertaux, it totally comes out better with its food and service. The usual cafÃ© suspects like breakfast fry-ups are offered alongside the more generic Italian pasta dishes. My near decadent choice of Spaghetti Carbonara was somewhat pleasing and appetizing; despite the claim on the menu of pancetta being used in the dish, I couldâ¬"ve sworn it was just plain thick-cut back bacon and the lavish sprinkling of some unidentifiable dried herb was unnecessary. Ultimately I come here for the cakes and coffee. The huge choice of cakes on display can be daunting, if it werenâ¬"t for gluttony being one of the seven deadly sins, I could quite easily polish off four to five assorted slices in one go. The lightness and freshness of each individual slice indicate that they can only be baked and made in the same premises. The constant stream of customers, both eat in and take away, only goes to prove that this place is rather special.

Iâ¬"m not suggesting that we all do a JK Rowling and make a cup of coffee last an entire chapter of your forthcoming book, but Amato is very nearly that type of cafÃ©, the word rush simply doesnâ¬"t exist in this establishment. Wonderful Amato.

Le Pain Quotidien - if you have time by foodrambler

foodrambler — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:29:03 +0000

Review by foodrambler

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7486 6154

Website: http://www.painquotidien.com/

Tags: cosy, lively, brasserie

Light and spacious with pine scrubbed tables, this is like walking into heaven after the scrum on Oxford Street. They do hearty salads around the Â£10 mark and nice wine - perfect for a lazy lunch, but not great if you're planning a quick stop, as they seem a little understaffed.Light and spacious with pine scrubbed tables, this is like walking into heaven after the scrum on Oxford Street. They do hearty salads around the Â£10 mark and nice wine - perfect for a lazy lunch, but not great if you're planning a quick stop, as they seem a little understaffed.

LJ Coffee House - New Independent Coffee House by cetialpha

cetialpha — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:43:24 +0000

Review by cetialpha

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7434 1174

Tags: unique, fun, rare finds

Your brand new 100% independent Coffee House has Just opened in the heart of Soho on Winnett Street. Serving possibly the best coffee in Soho hand roasted right here in the Capital as well handmade cakes, toasted sandwiches and Byron Bay cookies.

Sink into the comfy leather sofas and surf the net on the Free hi-speed WiFi.

If coffee is not your thing there is a great range of loose leaf teas, fresh fruit smoothies and real ice cream milk shakes.

Open from early till late this really is a great place to meet friends and relax - there's even a scrabble board!!Your brand new 100% independent Coffee House has Just opened in the heart of Soho on Winnett Street. Serving possibly the best coffee in Soho hand roasted right here in the Capital as well handmade cakes, toasted sandwiches and Byron Bay cookies.

Sink into the comfy leather sofas and surf the net on the Free hi-speed WiFi.

If coffee is not your thing there is a great range of loose leaf teas, fresh fruit smoothies and real ice cream milk shakes.

Open from early till late this really is a great place to meet friends and relax - there's even a scrabble board!!

Maison Bertaux - heaven by TRUSTEDEATER

TRUSTEDEATER — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:42:02 +0000

Review by TRUSTEDEATER

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 6007

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

I have been popping in this place for a few years, and still love it as much as the 1st time.I have bought a few whole cakes (for birthdays) and managed to get them home on a motorcycle even if it was slowly.
The service has never been that great however the cakes are..amazing I recommend this place to anyone and I have.I have been popping in this place for a few years, and still love it as much as the 1st time.I have bought a few whole cakes (for birthdays) and managed to get them home on a motorcycle even if it was slowly.
The service has never been that great however the cakes are..amazing I recommend this place to anyone and I have.

Cotton Cafe - ATTN: Breastfeeding ladies... Go elsewhere. by pips

pips — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:57:27 +0000

Review by pips

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 02072873200

Tags: quick bite, breakfast, cafe

Cotton Cafe is the same, standard kind of sandwich bar that you find all over London. It serves baked potatoes, sandwiches, breakfasts etc and you'd probably only go there because it's the closest option - there isn't any other reason to.

I popped into the Cotton Cafe today for a baked potato with cheese and beans. It was okay.... Not earth-shatteringly, brilliant, not awful, just okay... Actually, if anything, it was a bit soggy. Go to Caffe Tosca instead, folks.

What was absolutely NOT fine about the Cotton Cafe, and is the reason that I will never set foot in the place again, was hearing a young woman who, in a cafe containing just TWO other people (aside from her partner and their baby), was loudly berated by the man behind the counter for having the audacity to very discreetly, breastfeed her 2 month old.

Various excuses were made by him for his revolting behaviour including the gems: "this is a place for eating"
Uh, hello? What did you eat when you were an infant, mate? I'm pretty sure that it wasn't cheese and beans on a spud.

The lady breastfeeding rightly pointed out that she couldn't go outside to do it (genuine arctic winds today) and that the child would scream if left unfed. She was then told that she'd have to leave!
Justifiably angry, she asked for her money back and was told "you've drunk two coffees". But she had not drunk two coffees. She hadn't had a *chance* to take more than a sip before being told that she'd have to leave. She finally got her money back by going ballistic (and bloody good for her too), but the refund was most unwillingly given.

I finally got my baked potato at this time and left just as they did. On the way out, I noticed that a customer was sitting reading a copy of the Sun. I'll stake my life that the boobs in *that* are okay.

So horrible. So unnecessary.

Cotton Cafe = FAIL.Cotton Cafe is the same, standard kind of sandwich bar that you find all over London. It serves baked potatoes, sandwiches, breakfasts etc and you'd probably only go there because it's the closest option - there isn't any other reason to.

I popped into the Cotton Cafe today for a baked potato with cheese and beans. It was okay.... Not earth-shatteringly, brilliant, not awful, just okay... Actually, if anything, it was a bit soggy. Go to Caffe Tosca instead, folks.

What was absolutely NOT fine about the Cotton Cafe, and is the reason that I will never set foot in the place again, was hearing a young woman who, in a cafe containing just TWO other people (aside from her partner and their baby), was loudly berated by the man behind the counter for having the audacity to very discreetly, breastfeed her 2 month old.

Various excuses were made by him for his revolting behaviour including the gems: "this is a place for eating"
Uh, hello? What did you eat when you were an infant, mate? I'm pretty sure that it wasn't cheese and beans on a spud.

The lady breastfeeding rightly pointed out that she couldn't go outside to do it (genuine arctic winds today) and that the child would scream if left unfed. She was then told that she'd have to leave!
Justifiably angry, she asked for her money back and was told "you've drunk two coffees". But she had not drunk two coffees. She hadn't had a *chance* to take more than a sip before being told that she'd have to leave. She finally got her money back by going ballistic (and bloody good for her too), but the refund was most unwillingly given.

I finally got my baked potato at this time and left just as they did. On the way out, I noticed that a customer was sitting reading a copy of the Sun. I'll stake my life that the boobs in *that* are okay.

So horrible. So unnecessary.

Cotton Cafe = FAIL.

Patisserie Valerie - Relaxed breakfast by Julesdit

Julesdit — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:31:46 +0000

Review by Julesdit

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7437 3466

Website: http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk

Tags: cafe, hot / cold drinks, seating area / eat in

The sight of all the cakes and pastries that greats you when you enter this cafe is divine. Feeling slightly hungover from a fabulous night before, Patisserie Valerie was the perfect antidote and a great place for a relaxed sunday breakfast. If I didn't have a train to catch I would have loved to stay longer.The sight of all the cakes and pastries that greats you when you enter this cafe is divine. Feeling slightly hungover from a fabulous night before, Patisserie Valerie was the perfect antidote and a great place for a relaxed sunday breakfast. If I didn't have a train to catch I would have loved to stay longer.

Star Cafe - Charming by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:04:17 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 8778

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

Tags: cosy, lively, crowded

It has stood the test of time, and Mario the owner is an absolute charmer!

The menu is a mix of Italian treats and traditional English plates, anything is form the menu is going to be hearty, wholesome and tasty.

I love the old placards they've collected over the years and the red &white checked table clothesIt has stood the test of time, and Mario the owner is an absolute charmer!

The menu is a mix of Italian treats and traditional English plates, anything is form the menu is going to be hearty, wholesome and tasty.

I love the old placards they've collected over the years and the red &white checked table clothes