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

X L N T - by ColmMcMullan

ColmMcMullan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:49 +0000

Review by ColmMcMullan

Rating: 5.00Excellent and incredibly cheap english breakfast - Â£3.50 for a full cooked breakfast with toast and tea or coffee. I have no idea how they do it but it's great value.

If you're looking for pure personality and character then head to the Regency Cafe (http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1v6wn8/regency-cafe) but if you just want a super breakfast for almost half the price then XLNT will hit the spot.Excellent and incredibly cheap english breakfast - Â£3.50 for a full cooked breakfast with toast and tea or coffee. I have no idea how they do it but it's great value.

If you're looking for pure personality and character then head to the Regency Cafe (http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1v6wn8/regency-cafe) but if you just want a super breakfast for almost half the price then XLNT will hit the spot.

Regency Cafe - by ColmMcMullan

ColmMcMullan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:24:39 +0000

Review by ColmMcMullan

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7821 6596

Tags: lively, crowded, proper food

The authentic London cafe, if you only ever go to one make it this one.

The set breakfast on a Saturday morning is a great start to the weekend and the booming voice shouting out when your order is ready really is something to be experienced - just make sure you're ready when it's your order that's called :)

Good service, good food. There are cheaper alternatives nearby (see XLNT: http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1a72m7w/x-l-n-t) but the Regency has great personality and is a must visit.The authentic London cafe, if you only ever go to one make it this one.

The set breakfast on a Saturday morning is a great start to the weekend and the booming voice shouting out when your order is ready really is something to be experienced - just make sure you're ready when it's your order that's called :)

Good service, good food. There are cheaper alternatives nearby (see XLNT: http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/london/cafe/1a72m7w/x-l-n-t) but the Regency has great personality and is a must visit.

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.

Cafe Vergnano - Their Coffee Means Business by laissezfare

laissezfare — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:43:03 +0000

Review by laissezfare

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8922 6308

Tags: amazing brew, quick bite, london

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

Set along the shop-fronts on an unlikely stretch of Charing Cross Road (unlikely in the sense that you donâ¬"t expect a serious coffee house here amongst the touristy drek), it is none other than CaffÃ¨ Vergnano 1882. I have been in a number of times now and havenâ¬"t exactly gotten to the bottom of what the 1882 stands for (okay, I havenâ¬"t really tried to find out), but that is beside the point. The small chain has been set up by Luciano Franchi, whose family has been working for three generations in the London food industry. They apparently supply coffee and related machinery to the Italian Embassy, for whatever thatâ¬"s worth.

But the best thing about walking into CaffÃ¨ Vergnano is seeing their gargantuan silver madame, the holy grail of espresso fabrication, the elegant and maniacal stainless steel workhorse that pumps dark brown blood through its veins, the aortic arch from which the pulse of Vergananoâ¬"s espresso emanates. Yeah, itâ¬"s the big honkinâ¬" shiny espresso machine that you canâ¬"t miss from window. It is the Elektra Belle Epoque, and on its crown is perched a peering eagle.

To make a long story short, it makes a mean cup of espresso. Their own blend of espresso is composed of seven single-origin beans (including the elusive and expensive Nicaraguan Maragogype) and it is one of the nicer ones Iâ¬"ve had, certainly one of the top in London. It has a full and broad flavor spectrum and, to me, has a tad more bitterness beneath it than Monmouthâ¬"s, though without being cloying. My favorite incarnation of Vergnanoâ¬"s espresso is a double macchiato, with the little bit of foam providing a tiny cushion of creaminess to offset the fine espresso flavor.

The other thing I like about Vergnano is that it is sort of like an Italian espresso bar. You can order your drink and have it standing up at the counter â¬ or if you want you can sit down or walk out with it. With each coffee they also give you a little Italian biscuit or chocolate (I have never figured out if itâ¬"s the drink you order or the luck of the draw that determines which one you get), and I think itâ¬"s a great little touch. I would probably describe the service at the Charing Cross Road branch as â¬Üprofessionalâ¬". Itâ¬"s not warm, itâ¬"s not touchy, itâ¬"s not personal, but itâ¬"s not rude or mean either. They are just there doing their job and trying to provide you with a good drink.

The gist of it: I havenâ¬"t been to their other branches, but I think that this one is great. No-nonsense accomplished espresso drinks and the holy grail of coffee machines staring you in the face. Plus you get a little treat with your coffee and can stand at the bar.[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or]

Set along the shop-fronts on an unlikely stretch of Charing Cross Road (unlikely in the sense that you donâ¬"t expect a serious coffee house here amongst the touristy drek), it is none other than CaffÃ¨ Vergnano 1882. I have been in a number of times now and havenâ¬"t exactly gotten to the bottom of what the 1882 stands for (okay, I havenâ¬"t really tried to find out), but that is beside the point. The small chain has been set up by Luciano Franchi, whose family has been working for three generations in the London food industry. They apparently supply coffee and related machinery to the Italian Embassy, for whatever thatâ¬"s worth.

But the best thing about walking into CaffÃ¨ Vergnano is seeing their gargantuan silver madame, the holy grail of espresso fabrication, the elegant and maniacal stainless steel workhorse that pumps dark brown blood through its veins, the aortic arch from which the pulse of Vergananoâ¬"s espresso emanates. Yeah, itâ¬"s the big honkinâ¬" shiny espresso machine that you canâ¬"t miss from window. It is the Elektra Belle Epoque, and on its crown is perched a peering eagle.

To make a long story short, it makes a mean cup of espresso. Their own blend of espresso is composed of seven single-origin beans (including the elusive and expensive Nicaraguan Maragogype) and it is one of the nicer ones Iâ¬"ve had, certainly one of the top in London. It has a full and broad flavor spectrum and, to me, has a tad more bitterness beneath it than Monmouthâ¬"s, though without being cloying. My favorite incarnation of Vergnanoâ¬"s espresso is a double macchiato, with the little bit of foam providing a tiny cushion of creaminess to offset the fine espresso flavor.

The other thing I like about Vergnano is that it is sort of like an Italian espresso bar. You can order your drink and have it standing up at the counter â¬ or if you want you can sit down or walk out with it. With each coffee they also give you a little Italian biscuit or chocolate (I have never figured out if itâ¬"s the drink you order or the luck of the draw that determines which one you get), and I think itâ¬"s a great little touch. I would probably describe the service at the Charing Cross Road branch as â¬Üprofessionalâ¬". Itâ¬"s not warm, itâ¬"s not touchy, itâ¬"s not personal, but itâ¬"s not rude or mean either. They are just there doing their job and trying to provide you with a good drink.

The gist of it: I havenâ¬"t been to their other branches, but I think that this one is great. No-nonsense accomplished espresso drinks and the holy grail of coffee machines staring you in the face. Plus you get a little treat with your coffee and can stand at the bar.

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.

Neal's Yard Salad Bar - Hit and Miss by KMG

KMG — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:37:30 +0000

Review by KMG

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7836 3233

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

Tags: quick bite, lively, expensive

Now I love Neal's Yard Salad Bar, and I go there more than any other vegetarian/vegan place because of its handy location, but it does tend to be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair.

Decor is wonderful: bright, eccentric and eclectic - and the restaurant fills almost all of Neal's Yard. Wonderful atmosphere.

My primary problem is the service. Sometimes you have to go and hunt down a waiter to get you a table. If you get a takeaway, they always frown at you and are very apathetic. One thing I cannot stand is bad customer service - lived in London all my life so I should be used to it - but there's no need to be rude.
Upon being seated a guy comes up to you and asks if you 'plan to eat'. (Strange, seeing as it's what they specialise in...) He then asks if you plan to use cash - they don't take cards which is really inconveient in an area where there are so many cash point queues! Sometimes orders are taken wrong and you don't get what you asked for. Some waiters are really lovely and are very welcoming to regulars- it's totally the luck of the draw.

It does a great range of vegan desserts, which are well priced - chcolate prestigio cake is a wonderfully moist chocolate/coconut vegan cake. (For quite a price you can order a personalised whole one for birthdays etc which they very kindly prepared for us) Ginger and berry tart is wonderfully balanced in taste - though often served hot and cold (too little time in the microwave I think). Mango truffle is another gorgeous vegan dessert.

Similarly starters are delicious - vegan bruschettas are gorgeous, fried kibe balls are yummy, and so is the spinach quiche. The vegan pizza is peculiar. Very sweetcorny, and uses too much vegan mayo for my taste. The base is always rock hard as well. Sometimes served hot, sometimes cold.

Mains and drinks are very very overpriced. Almost Â£4 for juice (though pineapple and mint is a must-try), even tea is more expensive than it should be. Milkshakes are nice, so nice they're almost worth the price. There isn't a lot of choice for mains. There are generally about two vegan choices, feijoada is nice but Â£11 (which I consider pricey), and meal of the day tends to be same-y - lot of veg and starchy food cooked into a slightly stodgy stew.
Sometimes they serve noodles, and a fruity curry which are so tasty - but this is once in a blue moon. Generally it's risotto or couscous, which are so similar I can't tell them apart. The salads for which they are famous tend to be really rather bland and expensive, and avoid pumpkin and pole.nta pie - to dry and stodgy to swallow without a lot to wash it down.

In my advice - go for a wide range of starters and sides - go for two rather than a main meal - it'll still be cheaper - and then enjoy the desserts. Alternatively, brave the stern-faced man behind the counter and get a takeaway and eat in the Yard itself - it'll feel the same as one of the tables outside.Now I love Neal's Yard Salad Bar, and I go there more than any other vegetarian/vegan place because of its handy location, but it does tend to be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair.

Decor is wonderful: bright, eccentric and eclectic - and the restaurant fills almost all of Neal's Yard. Wonderful atmosphere.

My primary problem is the service. Sometimes you have to go and hunt down a waiter to get you a table. If you get a takeaway, they always frown at you and are very apathetic. One thing I cannot stand is bad customer service - lived in London all my life so I should be used to it - but there's no need to be rude.
Upon being seated a guy comes up to you and asks if you 'plan to eat'. (Strange, seeing as it's what they specialise in...) He then asks if you plan to use cash - they don't take cards which is really inconveient in an area where there are so many cash point queues! Sometimes orders are taken wrong and you don't get what you asked for. Some waiters are really lovely and are very welcoming to regulars- it's totally the luck of the draw.

It does a great range of vegan desserts, which are well priced - chcolate prestigio cake is a wonderfully moist chocolate/coconut vegan cake. (For quite a price you can order a personalised whole one for birthdays etc which they very kindly prepared for us) Ginger and berry tart is wonderfully balanced in taste - though often served hot and cold (too little time in the microwave I think). Mango truffle is another gorgeous vegan dessert.

Similarly starters are delicious - vegan bruschettas are gorgeous, fried kibe balls are yummy, and so is the spinach quiche. The vegan pizza is peculiar. Very sweetcorny, and uses too much vegan mayo for my taste. The base is always rock hard as well. Sometimes served hot, sometimes cold.

Mains and drinks are very very overpriced. Almost Â£4 for juice (though pineapple and mint is a must-try), even tea is more expensive than it should be. Milkshakes are nice, so nice they're almost worth the price. There isn't a lot of choice for mains. There are generally about two vegan choices, feijoada is nice but Â£11 (which I consider pricey), and meal of the day tends to be same-y - lot of veg and starchy food cooked into a slightly stodgy stew.
Sometimes they serve noodles, and a fruity curry which are so tasty - but this is once in a blue moon. Generally it's risotto or couscous, which are so similar I can't tell them apart. The salads for which they are famous tend to be really rather bland and expensive, and avoid pumpkin and pole.nta pie - to dry and stodgy to swallow without a lot to wash it down.

In my advice - go for a wide range of starters and sides - go for two rather than a main meal - it'll still be cheaper - and then enjoy the desserts. Alternatively, brave the stern-faced man behind the counter and get a takeaway and eat in the Yard itself - it'll feel the same as one of the tables outside.

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.

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/

Pompidou - Serious communication problems! by eatoutalways

eatoutalways — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:03:07 +0000

Review by eatoutalways

Rating: 1.00

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

I never thought you could go wrong with the plain old baguette served in patisseries but the Pompidou is a very misleading place. It all looks nice from the outside but when you go in and order is when it disappoints.

The young girl who served me could not speak a word of English and I mean not a WORD. When her colleague came over I hinted the best I could that I didn't want my cheese & salad baguette toasted. Well the bread may not have been but the cheese inside certainly was - hot and melted dripping everywhere! The bread was soggy with hot lettuce falling out but as it was disappointingly small I managed to at least eat it.

All I had with the soggy baguette was a tea and cake for afters - not much better but circled with by nice little cream dollops to make it look wholesome.

And the bill - just over 13 quid! Just HOW do they justify that?I never thought you could go wrong with the plain old baguette served in patisseries but the Pompidou is a very misleading place. It all looks nice from the outside but when you go in and order is when it disappoints.

The young girl who served me could not speak a word of English and I mean not a WORD. When her colleague came over I hinted the best I could that I didn't want my cheese & salad baguette toasted. Well the bread may not have been but the cheese inside certainly was - hot and melted dripping everywhere! The bread was soggy with hot lettuce falling out but as it was disappointingly small I managed to at least eat it.

All I had with the soggy baguette was a tea and cake for afters - not much better but circled with by nice little cream dollops to make it look wholesome.

And the bill - just over 13 quid! Just HOW do they justify that?

Cafe in the Crypt - Café in the Crypt: dining on gravestones by MagicRusski

MagicRusski — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 02:20:26 +0000

Review by MagicRusski

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7839 4342

Website: http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

Pro's: great location, freaky and creepy design twist
Con's: the smell of boiled cabbage pervades EVERYTHING.
Summary: Simple and honest food but expect nothing fancy.

A detailed report here: http://niftynoshing.blogspot.com/2009/03/stmartin-in-fields-cafe-in-crypt-dining.htmlPro's: great location, freaky and creepy design twist
Con's: the smell of boiled cabbage pervades EVERYTHING.
Summary: Simple and honest food but expect nothing fancy.

A detailed report here: http://niftynoshing.blogspot.com/2009/03/stmartin-in-fields-cafe-in-crypt-dining.html

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!

Apostrophe - Good Coffee in a chain is possible ! by gastro1

gastro1 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:47:52 +0000

Review by gastro1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7637 5700

Website: http://www.apostropheuk.com

Tags: cosy, quick bite, good brew

Apostrophe has been a welcome addition to London - very good coffee and decent boulangerie/patisserie snacks and all from a chain.

For me Starbucks does not serve coffee so when not near a proper cafe like Monmouth or the few one of Italians who show some respect to their heritage (rather than focusing on profit margins by serving awful cheap coffee at inflated prices) I would go for Cafe Nero or Costa but it now seems that Apostrophe is top of the chains - hope they can keep the quality up as they expand !Apostrophe has been a welcome addition to London - very good coffee and decent boulangerie/patisserie snacks and all from a chain.

For me Starbucks does not serve coffee so when not near a proper cafe like Monmouth or the few one of Italians who show some respect to their heritage (rather than focusing on profit margins by serving awful cheap coffee at inflated prices) I would go for Cafe Nero or Costa but it now seems that Apostrophe is top of the chains - hope they can keep the quality up as they expand !

Sun Leun Cafe - more civilized than its sister by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:26:46 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 0251

Too fragile for the gruff treatment doled out at its sister shop then try this one just around the corner. The selection of cakes is sadly smaller, Less drafty, clean and welcoming. Still one of the cheapest & best cafes in Chinatown. Good place for a swift snack and a quick chat.Too fragile for the gruff treatment doled out at its sister shop then try this one just around the corner. The selection of cakes is sadly smaller, Less drafty, clean and welcoming. Still one of the cheapest & best cafes in Chinatown. Good place for a swift snack and a quick chat.

Sun Luen - cosmic cakes & cosmically offhand by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:18:02 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7437 0251

Staff here can be sneery and diffident not just to the gweilos but to everybody. Its as famous for bad tempered attitude of the old cougars that work there as it is for its cakes, especially the juicy, crunchy, round Melon cake made from melon soaked in rock sugar and covered with crumbly, flaky pastry. Other cakes that are particularly gnyummy are the large chocolate Swiss rolls, yellow bean slices. The yellow bean slices are only in season 6 months of the year - look for them if you are there ... they're fairly toothsome & wholesome. The place is always spotless. The formica covered tables at the back usually have a few local chinese looking a bit worse for wear hanging out. Ooolong Chinese Tea is seventy pence a cup. They just thwang a few leaves in and zap it with hot water. Cakes are well under a pound each - way cheaper than more high falutin cake-holes nearby, where they meet treat you with civility but you won't get that genuine taste of China.Staff here can be sneery and diffident not just to the gweilos but to everybody. Its as famous for bad tempered attitude of the old cougars that work there as it is for its cakes, especially the juicy, crunchy, round Melon cake made from melon soaked in rock sugar and covered with crumbly, flaky pastry. Other cakes that are particularly gnyummy are the large chocolate Swiss rolls, yellow bean slices. The yellow bean slices are only in season 6 months of the year - look for them if you are there ... they're fairly toothsome & wholesome. The place is always spotless. The formica covered tables at the back usually have a few local chinese looking a bit worse for wear hanging out. Ooolong Chinese Tea is seventy pence a cup. They just thwang a few leaves in and zap it with hot water. Cakes are well under a pound each - way cheaper than more high falutin cake-holes nearby, where they meet treat you with civility but you won't get that genuine taste of China.

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.

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.

Crown Cafe - No recession apparently by akilshaw

akilshaw — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:56:26 +0000

Review by akilshaw

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7836 8549

Walked in with Starbucks in hand.

Ordered an English breakfast, although I asked for a BLT.

Guy behind the counter shouted at the woman I ordered from "you take the order, you make the breakfast!".

Saw I had a Starbucks and said "You can't drink that in here!".

Mentioned I had just ordered two breakfasts.

Repeated "You can't drink that in here!".

Cancelled said breakfasts and went next door...Walked in with Starbucks in hand.

Ordered an English breakfast, although I asked for a BLT.

Guy behind the counter shouted at the woman I ordered from "you take the order, you make the breakfast!".

Saw I had a Starbucks and said "You can't drink that in here!".

Mentioned I had just ordered two breakfasts.

Repeated "You can't drink that in here!".

Cancelled said breakfasts and went next door...