Le Café Alain Ducasse

Alain Ducasse has pedigree that puts him amongst the most decorated chefs in the world, with around 21 or so Michelin stars across his various restaurants.  So when I stumbled onto this café in London's newly gentrified Coal Drops Yard, I was both surprised and intrigued to find out what may be on offer.

In keeping with the rarified approach to his cuisine, this is quite an experience for the coffee purist.

A small but serious looking place, a diverse and wide range of roasts are on offer, including Blue Mountain, something you are not likely to find in Pret (or frankly any of the indy's I've been to either, given around 90% of this appears to be snapped up by Japan).

The staff know their craft and appear more like sommeliers of coffee.  Pleasantly I was offered a chance to experience the aroma of the beans after they have ground them.

Need I say more? Of course it was good.

Monsieur Ducasse proves he can deliver coffee at the highest level, and for me has established himself the current champion of the London scene.

★★★★★★★★★★
Unit 16, Bagley Walk Arches, N1C 4DH
https://www.lecafe-alainducasse.com/en/

Omotesando Koffee

Named after one of the most fashion conscious districts of Tokyo, the specialist already has branches in Singapore and Hong Kong, Dubai and elsewhere, this being the first offering in London.

This is a delightful entry onto the increasingly busy Fitzrovia coffee scene.  The aesthetics are ridiculously authentic - with the wooden interior, respectful staff and precisely made pastries, it feels like stepping into a café somewhere in central Tokyo.  Even the menus appear in both English and Japanese.

A variety of coffees are on offer, the single origin pour-over changes on a weekly basis.  The one I had (Assembly) was an excellent, clean taste as one might expect given the Japanese influence

Absolutely worth a visit

★★★★★★★★★☆
8 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PB, The United Kingdom

http://ooo-koffee.com/