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

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/