There’s a lot that comes with the territory of living in East London. Although, when I say East, I am not discussing Clapton Pond – or even, good lord, Hackney – because I rent in Shoreditch. An area so gentrified it might as well be Oxford Circus. And yet, an area that still insists on being considered hip and edgy, despite the hoards of Essex ex-pats that turn up on a Friday and Saturday night. Sure, Shoreditch isn’t quite what it used to be, but the stubbornness to accept this had lead to three key outcomes for the area. First of all, it’s full of hipsters, or posh girls like me feigning to be as such. Secondly, most of these native characters that hang around, really cannot afford to. They’ll wax lyrical about the latest pop-up, sure, but I can promise their drink of choice is a tap water, served with a side plea that you’ll have a plug for their Mac book. Thirdly – to meet this demand of starving freelancers – is the invasion of the café. The niche, overpriced, 10-types of milk on offer café – because, really, where else would we all sip on our tap water?
Now, I am not opposed to an almond milk flat white. In fact, before I came to London, I pretty much only drank Starbucks, with as much syrup as I could handle. The concept of a trained barista and paying £3.00 for a tiny coffee was something I totally bought into. I am also not out to attack somewhere that is going to let me sit for hours without needing to spend any money, which many of these Shoreditch spots do. However, what this part of the city lacks, ironically, is variety. Everything is industrial these days, and minimalist, with a typical, attempting-not-to-be-typical mix of music playing in the background, and Aussies or Kiwis behind the till.
And so, we decided it was high (tea – see what we did there? Sorry.) time to find out what else the capital had to offer. No doubt I’ll have to go back to my tap water and bearded pals eventually, but until then, indulge with me in our edit of the best café’s in London – for those who are after something a little different.
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We’re obsessed with The Savoy. It’s a really pricey obsession. Which is why we were so excited about the opening of Melba. Right on The Strand, just on the corner of Savoy Court, Melba offers sweet and savoury offerings from pastry chef Ludwig Hely. But this is no regular setting. Matching up to the hotel’s recent restoration, Melba has striking monochrome marble flooring, grey marble counter tops and hand-carved woodwork interiors. They also specialise in éclairs, making it the perfect place to get your dose of old school Savoy glamour, without the scary bill.
Strand, London WC2R 0EU
Arriving at Biscuiteers somehow makes you feel like you’ve stepped into your favourite childhood illustration, the outside beautifully decorated in navy and white wistful drawings. Step in though, and your childhood fantasy comes to life – especially for someone whose first fully formed sentence was, ‘where’s the biscuits?’ Seriously, what this team can’t do with a cookie and icing isn’t worth knowing about. We strongly recommend you pop by for the sweetest afternoon tea we’ve found.
194 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2ES
The Wren is one of those places you just don’t expect to find. Set up inside a high ceilinged church in the heart of the City, the staff serve-up Workshop Coffee and a cracking selection of food, all baked by their in-house foodie, Natalie. Interestingly, Wren is actually in association with mid-week church, St. Nick’s Talks. It’s not preachy – in fact, unless you find yourself there on a Thursday afternoon when the team present, you just wouldn’t know about it – but it’s this unlikely partnership, delivered so well, that makes Wren stand out. Well worth a visit.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, 114 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4BJ
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Hayden Wylds
Hayden Wylds could easily fly under your radar. It’s very unassuming. But don’t be fooled – this spot has some very cool, if recent, history. Set up in part by Florence & The Machine drummer Chris Hayden, the tiny space on Lower Clapton Road has exposed brickwork adorned with framed posters of phrases and lyrics, with t-shirts, tote bags and vinyl records all on display for sale. It’s rather edgy – but if I got away with going, you definitely can.
118 Lower Clapton Rd, Clapton, London E5 0QR
Good coffee – that’s what Prufrock is really all about. Which is great, because it means you get an awesome espresso at a very reasonable price, but even better because they’re so keen to share their passion. The café also acts as the London Barista and Resource Training Centre, offering tastings, training and events over two floors. You might have popped in for a Flat White, but you’ll leave with much more.
23-25 Leather Lane, EC1N 7TE