Rosslyn Cafe (London Wall)

 

A serious outfit with a handful of locations, the one in London Wall is well placed near the Moorgate Elizabeth Line entrance.

Referencing Australian influences in their approach to coffee, this will no doubt add some gravitas (although not one I automatically agree with).  The staff are very friendly and enthusiastic, with clear knowledge of their product. They also share folders showing the various guest roasts they have had, which is an unusual and very interesting touch.

The cafe also uses an automated multi-pour machine method, which looks very sophisticated but somehow detracts from the joy of a hand poured filter. Still - the output was excellent.

I had a Kenyan which was unique in taste and very tasty, with a notes of toffee.

My only real criticism was the lack of choice on offer, two for filter on the day I went.

Look forward to trying them out again - one of the best in the City.

 ★★★★★★★★★☆

78 Queen Victoria Street 
City of London EC4N 4SJ

https://www.rosslyncoffee.com/

WatchHouse (Mayfair)

One would assume its not possible to gentrify Mayfair, the blueprint for most elite urban centres the world over. However it would appear they have given it a good go.  In a hushed corner off Hanover Square, the somewhat poetically named Medici Courtyard, is a luxurious example of WatchHouse, a brand with several locations across London already.  

Kudos to WatchHouse for taking themselves seriously . Offering several choices of V60 filters, among other options they have several guest beans available.  I had a Gesha from Guatemala.  The serving comes with a palate cleansing tea along with more information about the coffee, which is a nice touch.  My choice was a washed Gesha from Finca La Bella with some additional information, alhtough no real explanation of why the Gesha was blended with something else.  

Given the surroundings, experience and the cost of purchase, the actual taste of the coffee was somewhat disappointing, with limited notes that did not meet the expectation.   Still it is worth paying a visit and will be one to watch out for.

 ★★★★★★★★☆☆

https://watchhouse.com/

2-3 Medici Courtyard,
London, W1S 1BR

Blank Street Coffee (Camden)

A few of these have now appeared around London in the past couple of years.  The chain originated in Toronto, Canada in 2011.  This one is based in Camden, well located across from the market entrance on Chalk Farm Road.

They do offer filter although with no obvious details about what the origins of this are.  When I asked about this I was told it was a 'house blend' of brazilian and panama beans but nothing further.   

The staff are enthusiastic and friendly and the interior has a pleasant, modern feel in keeping with their bright looking brand.

Unfortunately though, it was one of the worst batch coffees I've had in a long time, weak and bland.

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

10 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AG

https://www.blankstreet.com/ 

The website is about as poor as the coffee, prompting you to download their app rather than simply offer a loction search in a particular city

Intermission

This is  a relatively new outfit, well placed next to the West Hampstead train station which offers a speciality experience in contrast to some of the more obvious chains nearby.

They offer a variety of roasts and emphasise the ethical, sustainable nature of their process.  

They also have vision to convert more people to drink filter, so this represents a new bastion of hope in the long war against generic Americanos.  

Of course this is all very laudable, but is the coffee any good?  

Well I had a Kenyan filter which didn't hit the heights I was hoping for and had no obvious flavour profile.

So, overall they could and should do better.  However I saw enough to feel they have something worth paying attention to.    

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Unit 2, Hardy Building

West Hampstead

London, NW6 2BR

https://www.intermission.coffee/

Redemption Roasters

 An outfit that I have intended to review for a while, the story of Redemption Roasters sets them apart from most other coffee shops. 

They provide barista courses in a number of UK Prisons, and also offer employment to prisoners upon release.  I truly hope this continues to be a success, and inspires other organisations to consider something similar.

Now to the coffee - they have a rich selection of guest roasts to order, and even more to purchase as beans. They offer V60 as well as filter.   I had a filter from Burundi, which was mildly floral and overall well balanced medium bodied taste. 

I visited the branch in Lambs Conduit St which has a very pleasant atmosphere with very friendly staff.  I'm looking forward to the next visit

★★★★★★★★☆☆

https://www.redemptionroasters.com/

84b Lamb’s Conduit Street
London WC1N 3LR

Prufrock

This impressive place has been operating in Leather Lane for almost a decade.  It stands out amongst a number of local competitors by offering not just proper filter, but a genuine choice.  Furthermore, as we close out a year of insanity amidst another lockdown, I will give them kudos for staying open and still offering three guest filters.  I tried all three that were available over a weekend, my favourite being Caballeros from Honduras, with red apple and macadamia (although I couldn't really pick that up).

Highly recommend a visit.  

Minus a star for unnecessarily ear splitting music even when queuing from the street.  

23-25 Leather Lane
EC1N 7TE, London

★★★★★★★★☆☆

https://prufrockcoffee.com/

The Hagen Project

Another day, another sign saying "Best coffee in London", which is always at least intriguing.

The Hagen Project is apparently a Danish concept and started in London, currently with a couple of different locations. I visited the small but attractive branch in Swallow St which is a peaceful enclave just off Regent St.  With very friendly and welcoming staff, Hygge appears to be happening, while the overall feel of the place seems more on the luxurious scandi rather than overly cool.

Pleased to announce they have filter available, the option available at the time I visited was a Colombian, very rewarding medium roast.  

Overall its an excellent place.  I wouldn't call it the best coffee in London but it is a very good attempt.

★★★★★★★★✩✩

27-29 Swallow Street, W1B 4DH

https://www.thehagenproject.com/

Glass (Buck St Market, Camden)

Buck Street Market has undergone a transformation, with a box-park style construction now replacing the old, more ramshackle market that occupied the space for many years. Some may lament the loss but there is a new energy about the place with a number of interesting options, particularly with regards to food.

The biggest and most pleasant surprise was encountering Glass coffee.

I have moaned on several occasions that when asking for a filter, I'm met with indifference, and often passed off with a generic 'americano'  which is always infuriating.

No such problem here, the staff know what they are talking about and they are happy to share their extensive knowledge of the coffee lifecycle.

The coffee of the day was from Myanmar, a place many dont really think of as producing much coffee.  This was complex tasting roast that took time to reveal itself.  

After years in the wilderness, Camden has slightly improved in its specialist coffee options, but it hasn't had anything that really inspires.  This changes now with Glass.  I suggest you go for the coffee and stay for the story.

★★★★★★★★★★

180-188 Camden High St.

Camden Town, London NW1

For more about Buck St 'eco' market please read:

https://buckstreet.market/

https://lhmagazine.co.uk/londons-first-eco-market-reveals-trio-of-latest-fb-signings/

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/

Kaffeine

This independent has been present in Fitzrovia for a few years, with a select couple of branches fairly close together.

Apparently inspired by the culture from Down Under, they have a number of great reviews on their site.  I can honestly say that you can believe the hype, they are one of the best I've found in the area, with a consistent and distinctive house blend.  The staff seem knowledgeable and nearly always seem to provide a level of care in their service.  My only complaint is the servings are on the small side, but a reason to keep going back for more.

★★★★★★★★★☆

66 Great Titchfield Street
London W1W 7QJ

https://kaffeine.co.uk/

Harris and Hoole (Fitzrovia)

"we are filter fanatics here!" said the barista, as I noted a degree of surprise they actually provided this option when visiting the New Cavendish St branch.  

With an excellent Rwandan house blend on offer the day I visited, it was a welcome change compared to many other west end 'indy' pretenders.

The origins of this chain seem to have a degree of involvement from Tesco, which may on the surface give the impression of a corporate monolith trying to look like an independent (it probably is).  However, if this is the result of the investment, I hope to see more of them around.

Keep up the good work please.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

136-138 New Cavendish St,
Fitzrovia

W1W 6YD

http://www.harrisandhoole.co.uk/

Soderberg (soho)

I stumbled across this one recently, seemingly a new addition to Berwick Street, in what appears to be quite a Swedish corner of Soho with several fashion shops nearby  (eg Nudie, and A Day's March) . The chain's origins seem to lie in Scotland with most of their branches in Edinburgh at the time of writing. They appear to be making all the right noises in sustainability, they also offer take-away in fully recyclable vegware cups, which is a major plus.

Not to mention the obligatory yet tasteful Scandi influenced interior, as well as friendly and knowledgeable staff its overall good experience.

Can they deliver what matters? The answer is yes - they have an excellent filter option available, dark roast (not sure of the specific bean origins though)

They even have a downstairs where they have occasional live music and one can also bring and play your own vinyl.

What's not to like?
★★★★★★★★★☆

36 Berwick St
London, W1F 8RR http://www.soderberg.uk/

Cafe Turquoise (Canterbury)

At first glance, a fairly nondescript café on a corner of Palace St.  However inside this is a delightful little place with an assortment of Italian pastries and food on offer.  It actually does not pretend to be some gourmet coffee outfit, but has a Turkish inspired feel and a very noteworthy americano.   Special note for the unapologetic 80's playlist, Alphaville & Laura Brannigan providing a particularly welcome soundtrack.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

31 Palace Street, Canterbury CT1 2DZ

The Borough Barista

An interesting looking brand that seems to have appeared in few locations recently.  This experience was in the St James location.

'artisan coffee prepared on demand' they said.  Except when you try to order a coffee, and I mean a real one.  "Americano - its kind of the same thing" said the barista.  I'm not sure what kind of outfit this is, but clearly not one that is in any way serious about its customers.

The said americano was lukewarm, weak and forgettable.

Hard pass.

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
15 Charles II St, SW1Y 4QU
http://www.boroughbarista.com/

Cube Cafe

Replacing the previous incumbent, the short-lived Tea and Glory.  Sadly it is a step backwards, as the new outfit seems to lack any sense of theme and certainly the scandi elements are not as prevalent.  I was very glad to see an aero filter on offer, although no details of the particular roast appeared available.  I have to say it was unfortunately one of the worst filters I've had in recent years.

I would avoid until it inevitably is replaced in a few months.

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

29 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AJ

https://cubecafelondon.com

Starbucks Reserve (redux)

*update - like all good things, the 'bucks bean counters obviously feel that offering something of genuine quality to a somewhat niche crowd is not worth doing.  Vigo street no longer offers this option...hopefully this is isn't repeated in the only other location but I am not holding my breath.  

A response from the big corporate to the increasingly discerning public and the growing trend to independent cafes and roasters, which in some respects they were a catalyst for.

As a move against the indys, the empire has struck back, and how. Generally offering three guest roasts that rotate surprisingly often, one can order an individually roasted and brewed coffee in their 'clover' machine.

So to the question - is it any good? The answer for me is a resounding yes, my recent choice was a Bolivian roast which certainly competes with some of the best I've had anywhere.


My frustration is there are so few - I have only found two in London, which given how many outlets there are, is akin to finding a golden ticket in a chocolate bar. There seem slightly more in the US but probably only in some of the more affluent areas. Also the staff themselves seem surprised when I order one, and even have forgotten to make it at times (not a unique trait at the 'bucks). I want to see them make more of this offering, which is a genuine contender and far better than many so-called 'specialist' options out there who don't even know what a filter is.

★★★★★★★★★☆
Vigo Street, London

https://www.starbucks.co.uk/store-locator/store/2888/vigo-street-6-a-vigo-street-london-eng-w-1-s-3-hf-gb

Starbucks

So here it is.  The Beast.  The Big Bitch.  The physical embodiment of globalist nightmares and a corporate black hole into which we, as free-thinking individuals, should pour our loathing.  Why do we set foot in such a place?

Readers should know I'm not entertaining the myriad of milk/sugar based candy drinks that masquerade as coffee in these establishments.  

And yet here is the thing.  While it can often be orphaned behind the baristas too busy to care, a freshly brewed cup of Pike Place still hits the spot for me.  In the UK at least, they one of only a couple of major chains that understands the difference between filter and an americano that is delivered at the press of a button. On one occasion when it had run out,  I once overheard an American visitor asking where the next branch was so he could get a 'real coffee'.  If only more people showed such integrity perhaps there would be no conflict in the world.

Haters can and probably should continue to hate.   But while there is a drip on offer, you will still find me helping to enable the neoliberal agenda.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Everywhere

https://www.starbucks.co.uk/

For those old enough to remember, a special nod to The Seattle Coffee Company, who in the UK were effectively a trojan horse for Starbucks to enter, but for a short time in the mid 90's were even better than the real thing.

Department of Coffee and Social Affairs

This chain has been building over the past few years. While this is often a bad sign and can lead to a dilution of the original ideas, I can say I have not encountered this here.

I have visited several sites but this recommendation is dedicated to the Soho branch in Sherwood St.  Always two filter options available with an explanation of the roasts.  I have tried a few varieties so far, with a fondness for a Kenyan roast at the moment.

The staff are nearly always engaging and knowledgeable, and often ask for an opinion on their roast variety. Tiny venue so hardly viable for sitting in, which is a pity because there is often a pleasantly surprising mix of gangster rap playing, both modern and classic.  stay keeping it real.

★★★★★★★★★☆

15 Sherwood St.
Regent Street Quadrant

London, W1F 7ED

https://departmentofcoffee.com/ 

Nordic Bakery (Soho)

A few of these have emerged in London in the past few years.  Smart outfits with a very good collection of Scandinavian cakes and baked goods, which clearly seems to be their focus.

Their cup of Nordic noir is a decent enough effort, with little information about their roast I find it pleasantly strong but not worth a special visit.


http://nordicbakery.com/locations/golden-square/

14a Golden Square
Soho, London W1F 9JG
★★★★★★★☆☆☆