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
★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Soho Grind

A small outfit on Beak Street, apparently with a cocktail bar in the basement.

In my opinion it doesn't quite live up to the aura given off by the marketing.  They offer a solid brew without it being particularly memorable, but worth a visit if you can find a space to actually sit in the very thin seating area.

http://grind.co.uk/sohogrind/
19 Beak Street, Soho, London W1F 9RP ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Guy Gold

Part coffee house, part osteopath, representing one of the most unusual combinations of café I have come across.

The dual nature of the offering means the space available for the café is tiny, with one or two tables to sit at.

The coffee appears to be carefully selected, they offer beans from ‘The Baron’ Espresso, Daterra Estate, Brazil.

I have tried them several times and personally always underwhelmed by the taste,  Very hot and excessively bitter even for my brutal palate.  They also have a tendency to only offer filter in the morning, I'm sure its all very purist but it further reduces my motivation to visit during the afternoon.

http://guygolds.com/

85 Jamestown Road
London

NW1 7DB

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆