This unassuming little coffee bar at the less salubrious end of Portland Road (is there a more salubrious end?!) is one of my favourite places to wile away a couple of hours with a hot drink and a good book.
Probably off most people's radar due to its less than central location, it's a true hidden gem. What makes its so special you ask? - well, the staff for one. The girls that greet us treat us like old friends every time we come here, and we have a good old gossip as if in deed we were. We are never made to feel like we are wasting space if our drinks have long since been finished and we haven't ordered another. The seating is comfy and well spaced out, and the decor is eclectic - old record sleeves adorn the walls, there is a wooded rocking horse that greets you as you walk through the door and there is numerous other memorabilia from around the world.
The music too is fascinating, being worldly, soulful, and most importantly being played at a volume that does not prevent you reading or talking.
This coffee house seems to appeal to a wide range of people from grubby workman, to older couples, to yummy mummy's - the children's room at the back scattered with toys is a great place to bring the little ones.
The drinks here are also great - my boyfriend swears by the new gold blend coffee, praise indeed from a Brazilian! And I'm slowly working my way through the different flavours of chai latte, my current favourite being the spiced.
They do a good range of sandwiches, paninis and bagels here as a very decent price, as well as homemade cakes, biscuits and other treats.
Go on, venture down this end of town and give it a try, you won't be disappointed. read more