What a nice find right around the corner from the tube station. The service is excellent and the ambiance is fantastic for the local hipsters and students. read more

I like the Candid Café quite alright: I like the fact that you have to go up to the first floor (first floor by British standards) and that you then find yourself in a rustic room full of worn furnitures. I like that they have a large communal table at which a bunch of people can communicate with each other; and I like that they have quite a generous outside seating area where you can enjoy some quite and piece away from the huzzle and buzzle in Angel... ...yet what I don't like about this place is that I never feel welcome. I mean, the whole café is decorated in such a way that you want to feel at home and enjoy a cup of tea or a nice lunch, but somehow the staff never made me feel as if I was welcome there. As for me, I like to have a little chat, even if it's just about the wether, but the people here always seem to be too busy even when I'm the only customer. Still, if you're in the area...give this a try and who knows, maybe they're just not nice to me? read more

This is a cafe made for sleet-whipped November days if ever I saw one. You enter the womb-like space by finding the discreet entrance down an alley off bustling City Road and climbing three flights of stairs. A large but well-heated room greets you, with friendly staff serving comfortingly thick and filling food in boho surroundings with, crucially, a large window to stare out at the horribleness that you are missing outside. Ideally I would spend more than an hour in the Candid Cafe, preferably not on a day where I had to be anywhere else. There are comfortable vintage chairs to while away some quality reading time on. The coffee and soup are what I usually go for, but the sandwiches are good too. All the food looks very healthy and wholesome, in fact. Prices are correspondingly above budget-level, but it seems justified for the experience. read more

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Artful thinkers and good friends, here is place for all to unite! Really it is like your mates house, where you can go and have a nice meal, read a book or just talk art or anything for that matter. The patio area is cozy and the good thing it is not on the high street so you really get that feeling of seclusion in a green area. The desserts are tasty as well, at £3.80 for a cheesecake and if you are after some alcohol please note that it will only be served with your meal. Good, it keeps the sanity. The Candid Trust also offer art classes so give it a minute to see if there is anything you might be interested in. Drawing? Painting? Keep an eye for any exhibitions in their above space, usually have very interesting artists. read more

Candid Café - candid courtyard - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

I found this place a few years back through some friends and it hasn't changed much since than. Big wooden tables, candles, fairy lights, sofas and comfy armchairs combined with fresh flowers and art works on the walls. It's not easy to find, but you're gone be ok if you follow the half horse statue up the stairs. The food is simple, but delicious and plenty. Only ... When they say smoothie on the menu they mean Innocent smoothie. That's the only niggle. Otherwise the perfect place for a lazy afternoon, especially as the cakes were amazing. Even Grant said so!! read more

Candid Café - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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I never thought I could find such a hidden gem in North London but hey...! This little cafe, hidden in the second floor but easy to find ! to its fun signs around the place, is cozy, with a retro vibe and amazing food for any time of the day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, they have food for everyone. We went during lunch time and we were pleased to see a quite nice arrange of dishes, but decided to go for the beetroot risotto. It was delicious. Risotto and salad, fresh and tasty, just for 7£. Quite a bargain! If you decide you prefer a nice tea with cake, feel free to order one slice (or two) from their selection and enjoy the cozy velvet sofas or arm chairs. I will definitely come back again. read more

Candid Café - Beetroot risotto...yummy! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Aww, the Candid Cafe is so lovely. Tucked out the way, up a couple of flights of weird factory-like stairs, and you're there. When I went it was all lit up with candles. It just attracts and inspires a really pleasant atmosphere. The place where you'd go for wine and coffee in equal measure. I seem to remember some really good artwork on the walls, it's quite an arty hang-out. I came here with a book club, and it was ideal. We needed a big table to sit around and chat, and they had it, right there in middle. And it was warm and comfortable. Mid-way through the discussion, a man arrived to say they were beginning on an ad-hoc theatre performance, 'did anyone want to join in?', Brilliant! That kind of place. Come here with a close friend, or a group of friends. Or a lover. Just a lovely establishment. read more

Candid Café - exterior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Bohemain Rhapsody the Candid Cafe brings to one and all who visit. An attitude of a place in a good way, its absent yet sitting behind busy Angel high at the top of one of the warehouses that is part of the Candid Trust. Artists and designers of all kinds are seen here to connect and share ideas with one another. A truly godforbidden place to be seen in. Vintage meets Romanticism meets Gothic meets mediterranean and so on. Highly ecclectic there seems to be a contribution of multitalents. I enjoy drinks here usually and can spend time reading a book. The courtyard space on a sunny day is like sitting in a well done dry water well, with creepers, ivy and green plants surrounding it. read more

Candid Café - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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The Candid Art's Trust Theatre has a very popular second floor cafe which is popular not only with the residents of Islington but also with people who come from outside.Candid is bohemian in all aspects except for the prices because although the food is good I think that its not cooked on the premises-usually after ordering. There are 2 choices of seating either in the lounge which has quite a nice atmosphere akin to an attic room or prop up the stately communal table. At night the cafe is very dark and it lit by candles with wax dripping down the metal holders. To get to the menu-there are homely meals of lasagne,pies quiches,curries,stews.Expect to pay 8.00 to 12.00 pounds for a dish made earlier and reheated and served with rice or salad. The selection of coffees and cakes represent better value.As for the service the staff are a bit disorganised but not unfriendly read more

Candid Café - theatre - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

The Candid Cafe is a hidden gem thats a stone throw away from Angel Tube station. It's a great place to go and spend an hour catching up with friends or relaxing reading a book. The art house style decor is lush and in the summer it's really lovely to sit outside and take it all in. They serve salads, soups, sandwiches, cakes and a good selection of teas and coffees. Definitely one to try! read more

Candid Café - cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

"Where are you taking me???", said my friend. I was taking her to Candid Cafe for our pre-theatre meal. My friend could not believe that there is a cafe on the 2nd floor. The stairs leading up to the cafe were dimly lit. When we got to the 2nd floor, there was a sign that read 'Candid Cafe. You've made it!'. We pushed open the door, it was dark and then there was another door...creepy...and we finally made it!!! We were surprised to see the actual cafe and how lively it was. The ambience was warm, the friendly staff welcomed us. I asked for the menu and the waitress told me it was on the wall. Hahaha how corny! We immediately ordered our meals and drinks. The waitress said we could sit anywhere. Most of the tables were taken or reserved. There were some cosy sofas but would not be suitable for eating our dinner. I asked a couple of women who were sitting at the long table with 'reserved' tags on the table if the seats were taken. My policy is 'if you don't ask, you don't get!'. I got us 2 seats! Apparently their guests would not be arriving until later (in an hour's time). I had the tamari salmon with rice and salad £9 and mint tea £1.70. I was surprised to find the salmon had its skin on! The salmon skin was crunchy while the meat was tender and juicy. The salad was fresh and light. The Greek rice pilaf was just the right taste for me. The rice had a subtle flavour of saffron but the colour was a brilliant yellow. A little goes a long way and I appreciate the effect on making a dish a brilliant yellow with a mellow flavour :) There were no lights on the ceiling, in the dining area. There were, however, lots of candles used to light the dining area. The candle lights created a dark and gothic look to the ambience. Oh, so romantic! I will definitely take my future date to this cafe, to see how he would react. Hehehehehe... read more

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This is a great little café, hidden away at the top of a funky building an Angel. I've had two vastly different experiences at Candid, the first one very good and the second a bit disappointing. The first time I went to Candid I was greeted by a young and smiley waitress at the top of the stairs. She took my order and very kindly explained to me that I would need to order some food to go with my glass of wine (apparently due to licensing constraints). I found a nice spot inside and the wine arrived soon thereafter, soon to be followed by my plate of olives and bread. In short, the service was good, the staff was friendly, the food was tasty and plentiful, atmosphere was nice, etc. etc. I expected something similar the second time around, but was rather disappointed after a very strange experience. After stepping up to the counter, the waitress (not the same as the last one) took one quick look at me, didn't say a word, looked down, and continued whatever she was doing. It took the waitress a few good minutes to really recognise my presence. When she finally did take my order, I felt like she was doing me more of a favor than actually helping a customer. I ordered the exact same thing last time: a glass of red wine and the plate of olives and bread. The food arrived first but was about half the size of the same dish I had the time before, and not nearly as tasty. Another 10 to 15 minutes later the wine arrived brought by the same waitress (who almost seem to be looking at me in disdain - weird!) The difference between these two visits was like night and day. The only thing I did was dress differently. I wore casual clothes on my first visit but a suit on my second visit. I admit, I was the only person there dressed as if I had come straight from work, but is that a good enough reason to be treated so poorly? Because my first visit was so good, I'm tempted to give it one last try. I guess I had better dress down, though! read more

After checking the trusty Yelp iPhone App and reading Derry N's review that involved November, sleet-whip and wombs, I knew I couldn't pass up a trip to Candid Café. (I mean, I've only been to one womb before, but I thought it was pretty great, so why not give it another go, hey? Especially since this one promised to deliver the sweet nectars of life: coffee and wine.) After trekking down a small alley directly behind Angel tube station, then up three flights of freight stairs, I walked into my version of coffee shop heaven. Candles and cushy chairs, exposed wooden floors and large squared windows, long communal tables and small private round desks -- this babies, is a life changing communal space experience. I only had £2 on me, which is lucky because it was prime cake+white wine+siesta time and Lord only knows this would have been the perfect spot to indulge. However I responsibly spent £1.50 on an Americano, and went on with me day, leaving my heart and tummy to lust for the day I return. . . Which will most likely be tomorrow. And maybe the next day. read more

Shhhhh... Candid Cafe is a secret. Well not that much of a secret but secret enough for me to take 8 years of living in London before I stumbled upon it. I don't know, maybe I'm not mixing in the right circles. So I came here when it was raining and I desperately needed the loo. Creeping up the staircase of what I thought was an abandon building in search of the ever elusive London toilet, I wondered into a cosy little hole. This apparently is the Candid Cafe, serving fresh homemade cakes, tasty teas and playing soft classical music throughout. You'll be served by a very rude lady and don't think about chatting or laughing loudly, this is an arts café, fine arts. It's the perfect spot for a bit of afternoon reading or getting around to penning that novel you've always wanted to write. I really like it, I just don't love it. read more

This is one of my favorite cafes in London. It is hidden in a building where as you climb the stairs you wonder if you will ever reach any place civilized. The first time I came here with a friend, I was completely surprised, pleasantly. I love the way it is decorated, with candles and velvet sofas. It was warm and inviting, but quarky. I never tried the food here, only the teas and coffees. They were quite standard, but cheaper than the other cafes in the area (Euphorium and Tinder Box). read more

Tucked away discretely in the backwaters of Angel, this cosy cafe has that 'artist's hang out' feeling about it. Go for cake and tea. And to day dream. And marvel at the miscellaneous collection of arm chairs and coffee tables. And feel like an 'artist' whatever that feels like. read more

The first time I was going to eat here for brunch on a sunny day, I turned away because it was confusing how to order your food and get it to the courtyard. I am still a bit turned off by that setup because you don't necessarily get "service". But what I didn't realize is that they have this amazing room with great tables, illustrious couches, candelabras and full-on ambiance. You order and then go to your table. They don't have a full liquor license, so if you want to get a drink, you basically order up a bread and olives plate. It is a great place to meet up with a friend or go on a first date. The salads and soups looked lovely as well. read more

YAY for great new finds! Jules recommended this place for book group, and I'm glad she did. It's located on the second floor of an art gallery type thing. The venue itself is quite eclectic and homey, without the pretentiousness of hipsters invading. I had some hot chocolate to start which was warm and welcoming. They do booze as well, but after my weekend bender I needed a bit of a break. The food is quite simple, but delicious. We started with olives and bread and some bruschetta. The bruschetta was fresh and cheesy, and the bread was garlicky and there were a ton of olives to go around. I had the roast chicken and it was cooked quite well with a side of rice and salad. There's also a good amount of vegetarian stuff on the menu, if you're that way inclined. Dessert was three different cakes we split. Very nice and not very expensive. It's definitely worth checking out. read more

Do you want to feel removed from the hustle and bustle of London? Maybe leave this epoch of time, this dimension? The doorway of Candid Cafe transports you to a pseudo Victorian era of time forgotten decadence. The cafe is beautiful. It is one long room with huge windows along one side and wonderful artwork along the others. The furniture is made up of mismatched rustic, old looking tables, chairs and classic sofas. To top off what the eye sees, there is classical music played at just the right volume to send you off into a blissful daydream. Unfortunately my reverie was abruptly shattered, my butt-cheeks involuntarily clenched when I heard how much they wanted for a cola and a slice of chocolate cake. £5.60!? Oh dear. Candid Cafe was a sure-fire five star experience that even the slightly snooty service couldn't detract from. The inflated price of my lunch meant I had to in good concious remove one star. read more

Great place to tuck-up in with your laptop and let the day passby. I've only had coffee but the staff was friendly. And my writing group had plenty of space to get to work. Not five stars because 1. liquor can only be had if you're consuming food. 2. Minimum spend to use a debt card. read more

Wonderful, sort of forgotten looking real old school style/arty cafe. I loved all the retro furniture, pottery and glasses. Home made food and no wi-fi makes you forget all about the every day world, because Candid Cafe will make you feel almost like in a Fairy land. read more

I really like this spot for a place to get away from it all! Been here twice now and eaten once. The food is good value and healthy, but a little light on flavour. I love the decor upstairs, particularly the Sapphic imagery ;) But it deffo loses points for the gross loo. All it needs is a bit of TLC and a lick of paint to not be so icky! I think it has 4 star potential for sure x read more

Tucked away behind Angel station, I never would have known this cafe existed without doing a local Yelp search of the area. Following the signage up a rather commercial looking building, the journey into the cafe was reminiscent of finding off-the-beaten-track venues in Eastern Europe. The cafe is cozy, and staff were attentive. We found that the license is set up so that if you order alcohol you must also have food to share. The food and coffee we did try was nothing to rave about but if you're looking for something a bit different and more relaxed that what you normally find on the high street, check this place out - bring a book or a good friend and you'll find a quieter space than most to catch up. read more

Candid Café - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

The Candid Cafe is a hidden gem thats a stone throw away from Angel Tube station. It's a great place to go and spend an hour catching up with friends or relaxing reading a book. The art house style decor is lush and in the summer it's really lovely to sit outside and take it all in. They serve salads, soups, sandwiches, cakes and a good selection of teas and coffees. Definitely one to try! read more

If you were to ever visit my home in 10 years time for tea, this is exactly how it would look like. Its the kinda place that is owned by a crazy hoarder who collects random pieces of furniture from street markets. I have been here for lunch once. Had some spiced chicken with rice. There was nothing over the top about it, and it was exactly as though a dear friend cooked it up for you. Other times I tend to come here for a bit of quiet study time with a nice cup of tea (usually alone as my friend tends to get distracted by the murial of a naked lady), or to sit in the courtyard with a nice lemonade. Good times! read more

A hidden place with very casual and warm environment and old furniture and decoration. It makes you feel very comfortable and relaxed, stress goes away.. It is much different than the common corporate cafés. I love this style and I wish I could find in London more places like this one. Highly recommended..!! read more

Hello, I'm in love. I work literally around the corner from Candid and am grossly ashamed to say it took me almost a year to finally stop in. Well friends, today is the first day of the rest of my life! I love every single thing about this cafe, from the alleyway local to the narrow staircase you must climb to find the place, and then to the cozy couches, funky lighting and brilliant atmosphere. Oh yes, and the coffee! Upon arrival, I was greeted with BOOMING Beethoven which is just about as good as it gets when you're....ME! There is nothing greater than an amazing bit of Beethoven blasting through my veins, especially when it's accompanied by a delicious cappuccino and a cozy setting. Perfection. read more

i had been recommended this cafe by two friends and i finally got my butt over there this weekend. i had a book in tow and time to spare. i climbed the unassuming stairs to come to a lovely "secret" clubhouse fo sorts. i ordered a large americano. they deliver you your drinks so don't stand around like dummy (like i did) waiting for your bevie. i parked me rump on the couch and dug into my read. there is indeed classical music playing and it's on repeat. i was there for a good few hours until my gal pals joined me. i went and got the apple crumb with custard. it was divine! hot and charming in my tummy. i noticed a quite a few foreigners popped by. not sure if it's been written up in some lonely planet sort. if not, it should. i'll be back to amble away another few hours. read more

Just love this place. It's a bit like the underground supper clubs that's been all the vogue but has actually been here for years and years. Healthy home cooked food, limited menu and all good. Reasonable too, a mains is around £8. Love the huge, warm room with plenty of windows, wooden shared table, bit like being in the scene of 'The Last Supper'. Go on break that British reserve and fraternise with a stranger! Let me know how that goes! Picture this, the rain and wind is howling outside, supping hot chocolate and cheating at board games on the wee love seat couches or across the school tables for 2. There's something tongue in cheek pre-Raphaelite, could be the red walls or roman columns, the art work, flickering candles. Who knows, who cares. Just don't let the street door and stairs put you off, I am sure it's left authentically distressed so as to be inviting to those with substance and inner cool. Feels like a private members club minus the toffee and bouncers. They do have a private room with long banqueting table half a level below, hope they've introduced a humidifier to that particular room as the private banquet can look glorious. There's the Candid gallery with regular exhibitions, garden and not sure if the venue next to it is separate or belongs to it. Remember the half horse and you'll be like Alice in Wonderland as you fall up the hole.... read more

This is a cafe, so coffee is cheap; cake is expensive. I liked the fact that walking into the cafe felt like walking into someone's house. Nothing special, but this is a solid alternative to an over-crowded Starbucks. read more

This placew is great and im looking forward to go back there next time im in angel. i love their greek salads and the staff are really friendly. bestof all is the giant comfy sofa and the slightly un-starbucks feel to it all :) read more

Look for the big white horse and you'll find Candid. Tis place is the perfect local spot for a quiet lazy afternoon with a book in your lap. They have these super comfortable couches on the upper floor, that make you loose track of time and spend a whole more time than you have planned to. But another good thing is that the staff are very firneldy people and will never interrupt you or shush you out the door as soon as you are finished with your drink. Definitely recommend sitting in the garden at the back if the weather is good. It is very picturesque and refreshing there. read more

I was intoduced to Candid by a backwards thinking Russian ex. The relationship ended in tears and woe me, I came away troubled and somewhat scarred. But hurrah I also came away with this little place in my cache. Honest to god there is little that merits it in the way of food but as a welcome alternative to the rest that is on offer in Angel, it is a positive delight. And the great thing is that unless people know about it or are introduced they are unlikely to stumble upon it. Upstairs in a somewhat run down warehouse building snuck behind Angel tube, up the grotty stairs and through a door you stumble into a space that could easily be mistaken for someones rather quirky kitchen diner. Long table runs the almost the length or the room, sofas at either end and intimate cafe tables by the drafty sash windows along the side it's easy to while away hours reading, watching, drinking tea or watery, far-too-hot coffee or having a rambling ambling conversation with a dear old friend. It's a retreat from the outside world and often one i find hard to drag myself from. read more

Candid Café - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Quirky and relaxed cafe in Angel - hidden from the outside chaos. The cafe is full of interesting people (social entrepreneurs and creatives) from the Hub upstairs, always worth a visit. read more

If you're looking for a great cup of coffee and relaxing unpretentious atmosphere this is the place. I was jet lagged and trying to stay awake but hated the thought of going to a chain coffee shop. This place is very laid back and I was a bit apprehensive when walking up the stairs, but was delighted to find comfortable tables and couches and no one rushing me. If I'm ever in London I will be back! read more

This is a hidden gem indeed. My most favourite cafe in Islington. Tucked away behind the tube station, and up some dodgy looking stairs, it's a great place to chill out with friends. The decor is really cool - there's a huge dining table in the middle of the room and lots of candles. They have delcious home made cake and the sandwiches are good too. Definitely beats anything on Upper Street. read more

I can't believe how quiet the garden is, considering how close the cafe is to City Road. Someone truly loves plants at this place, as they've created a real container garden gem in the middle of the city. I think the food is rather standard cafe fare. The coffee was good though. And really, for me, this place is all about the fantastic atmosphere, which everyone summed up already. Definitely worth dropping in whenever you're round these parts. I can't believe it's never been crowded when I've been there. read more

Another hidden gem. No hint of commercialism, despite being right at the heart of Angel, at the pretty ugly crossroads of City Road and Pentonville Road. Very arty and bohemian with some naked women in the art on the walls, to give you a flavour. No one seems to mind if you spend all day here chatting and/or working. Good place for informal meetings as tends to be reasonably quiet (though there is background music) read more

I discovered this place after a year and a half of living in London, through word-of-mouth, and I wish I had been here sooner! To get to it, you have to climb up a few floors through a nondescript staircase, and then go through a dark hallway. It's like they don't want you to find it, which I loved. The coffee itself was ok and it took kind of long to arrive. But that was secondary to me; I loved the atmosphere, quirky decor and the hidden-away feeling. I am definitely a fan. read more

Very hidden and lovely café. Went there on a date and think it's the perfect place to take someone for a coffee. The coffee itself isn't the best but the atmosphere is great. It's got a lovely interior with wooden chairs, sofas, candles and fairy lights. And don't forget the big windows and nice view over the backyard! Occasionally gets quite busy but have managed to get a seat by the window most of the times I have visited this café. Do recommend! read more