Growing up in Malaysia, we didn't have dairy cattle in the country. So, all our milk was in powdered, condensed or evaporated form and we didn't grow up with a culture of drinking fresh milk. In fact, I wonder how Malaysians ever got any teeth! So, when I spied Milk Bar, I wondered if anything here would interest me. Well, this is small but trendy cafe serving hot beverages, snacks and some food. However, my eye was drawn to their milkshakes on the menu board. I adore a proper American malt milkshake and that's one of my treats when I'm on holiday in the States. I asked if this was such a milkshake and was told that it wasn't but that it was made with milk and ice cream. That sounded good enough to me and I ordered myself a chocolate milkshake. It was a lovely milkshake though not to the standard of a top 'made in the USA'. I shall return to try their other flavours read more

Milk Bar - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

We escaped from the rain here and sipped warm beverages while waiting for nearby Barrafina to open for lunch. My companions enjoyed their coffees and I quite liked my hot chocolate. We didn't stay long but when next I find myself in Soho I think I just might! read more

Having had a strange experience at their sister store, Flat White, we quickly retreated into Milk Bar which was open for business and exuded the smell of coffee throughout the small street where it was located. This is a small, quaint little shop which has a white board for a menu and a huge list of drinks including milk shakes, juices, coffee and teas. There are photographs on the walls making it a sort of gallery since they are displaying normal pictures of every day life in a pleasant way to contribute to the atmosphere of this cozy spot. Their bench chairs were a bit on the tall side and made me feel like I was playing at the kids' table at a doctor's office, but other than that the service was friendly and the coffee came quickly. And good coffee it was. True to their sister name, flat whites are the thing to get here. I, however, tried a latte instead since I was too tired to experiment. Thankfully it worked out quite well and soon we were done with our drinks and well on our way to the day. Onwards! read more

A beautiful cafe If u are tired，u could have a cup of latte If u are sleepy，u could have a cup of Americano If u need a peace space，u could go to MILK read more

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This place is one of the pioneering cafes in London's quality coffee scene. It is owned by the same people as Flat White, and has really lived up to expectations since opening earlier this year. The baristas all know exactly what they are doing. I had a latte, which had perfectly steamed, consistent milk. The coffee they use is there own unique blend, created for them by the Square Mile roastery. I have to say, it is one of the most well balanced, smooth espresso blends I have had for a while. As well as amazing coffee, there is a food menu of sandwiches, mini pizzas and various other things including breakfast. The interior is quite dark but in a really nice way, and attention is definitely paid to every little detail. Its location is perfect, just set back from the hustle and bustle of the main roads. It kind of reminds me of my favourite café in New York. I very highly recommend this place. read more

Milk Bar - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

I had a giant nosebleed walking into this place, and after it stopped was left with a ton of bloody tissues. No trash cans anywhere - but somehow the nice worker behind the counter was willing to touch them and throw it away for me (without asking??) I felt so bad. Anyway.. The coffee was good haha. and the food was great as well. They have an assortment of sandwiches and bread to choose from. My mother got toast and it came out in a heart shape with several spreads! (Jam, PB) Super cute. Everything was quite affordable and I was impressed by the quality of service. read more

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Sister cafe to nearby Flat White, this trendy joint in Soho knows coffee. Proper coffee. If you're into that strong, unburnt long black (yes, they actually know what that is) at right temperature with proper 'crema' (yes, they know how to do that too), or the flat white with properly heated milk (they even do good soy), then this is the joint for you. More room than Flat White up the road. They have a nice range of counter and hot food, pretty good shakes and primo coffee -Antipodean style. Add all that to the efficient and friendly service and you have a winner. I always stop by for a takeaway coffee if I'm in the area. read more

Milk Bar - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

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Cute spot for a killer cup of coffee. While I'm new to the neighborhood, I instantly felt welcomed and part of this caffeine consuming community. Everything is prepared fresh, from the drinks to the sandwiches all in their perfectly quaint kitchen. Thumbs up! read more

I just got back from lunch there today and was overall very impressed. They don't have a huge variety of food with today's offerings limited to a number of sandwiches and stuffed croissants, ranging between £3.5-£5. A toasted vegetarian sandwich with some brie/pumpkin and sweet chilli sauce went down a treat with a creamy flat white coffee. Like their sister restaurant, Milk Bar has a couple of benches outside and with their wide awning makes it easy to sit outside, regardless of the rain beating down (though the wind might get you). Inside they have about ten or twelve tables in a dark, modern and sparse interior only decorated with a handful of small hangings. The attendants were warm and courteous, telling us what they served and patient as we made up our minds. Most importantly, the coffee was extremely well made with the decorative leaf pattern drawn into the top with the rest of the creamy foam. A flat white sitting down costs £2.50 and they have different sizes with difference prices if you decide to have it to go. I wonder how busy this places gets in the morning as I'm not confident they'd be much standing space for ordering and picking up coffees. Highly recommended for a great place and a decent coffee. read more

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Very much enjoyed a flat white at Milk Bar. This is definitely one of the best coffee shops that I have been to in London! Highly recommended! You might also want to try out their other shop, which is usually a bit more crowded. read more

Milk Bar - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

Decided to supplement breakfast last Saturday with a professionally brewed coffee and wasn't disappointed by the Milk Bar. Far more relaxed than its older but more boystrous sibling Flat White and somehow seemingly more spacious. All I ordered was a flat white and it was perhaps the prettiest I've been served to date. Satiated the people-spotter in me too. read more

Milk Bar - perhaps the prettiest latte art to date - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

I like this place because it's simple. Their menu has two categories for coffee, "white" or "black" and the various sizes in oz. you can order. The coffee was great. But what I think makes this place stand out is their food is great also. The food is very brunch like, poached eggs, avo toast with lots of yummy sweet breads and pastries. Not a huge selection so you're not over whelmed but just enough to have decent variety. I ordered a white 6 oz coffee, two poached eggs on toast with some mashed avocado on the side, as well as a piece of banana bread. The man taking my order asked if I wanted the banana bread toasted and buttered and started nodding his head yes, so I took the hint and said "YES!", it was fantastic. Why I chose 5 stars is because all the staff was very friendly and helpful. I had my baby with me and they interacted with her very sweetly. When she got a little fussy and I needed to go, they packed up the food I had left over in a to go box for me. If you're looking for a coffee, quick bite to eat and friendly staff, you should stop in here. read more

Milk Bar - "White" 6oz. Coffee, poached egg on toast with smashed avo. - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

BAM! That's what the coffee did to my face this morning. The body was soon to follow. None of this pansy assed murky acidic goo that has been served to me upon ordering coffee. (p.s. That's like telling a child they're going to Disneyland, and then taking them to a burned down warehouse instead.) Nothing like a healthy dose of disappointment to make you appreciate amazing coffee served up by the fine folks at Milk Bar. The atmosphere of this coffee house instantly put me at ease, inhaling Seattle's attention to brilliant espresso, exhaling Portland's low key charm. While not the absolute best Americano I've had here in London, on the yardstick of deliciousness, it's about eleventy billion above bog standard. Certainly a lovely place to meet a friend, a business partner, or simply sit and enjoy the sounds of people who can pull genius of out of a roasted bean. read more

Really out of the way on kind of a desolate road. We definitely wandered a good deal from the tube station before finding this place. Stands out for two reasons though: it's a random, nicely decorated cafe on a street with nothing much else on it and secondly because it's so cramped! All of its three (?) tables are good to seat 1 - 2 people and are stationed right up against the front counter. However, to their credit, it is a clean-cut, cutesy type of place reminiscent of a lot of the hipster-type cafes I saw around other European cities. Not quite the same sort of hipster we do in SF but cute nonetheless. I got the iced chocolate. And soon after, I felt like I should've ordered coffee because they seemed good at coffee but it was what's considered a warm day in London so I wanted something cold. The iced chocolate tasted like chocolate milk blended with some ice. Over in the snacks and sweets, I also saw lots of vegan options. If I stayed in London longer, I feel like I might've come back (hoping there were no more than 3 people already in the cafe) and maybe tried a coffee and then found a table to sit down at with some reading or something. read more

Love antipodean coffee but hate hipsters? Forget Flat White and try Milk Bar instead. Mmm... this place serves up strong and good coffee with ironic fashion choices and stupid haircuts kept to a minimum. Its side-street location in Soho means it's not an obvious choice for passersby and therefore has more space to spread out inside. Don't tell too many people about it, though, because it would be a travesty if those of a paedophilic-moustache persuasion moved in. read more

Sweet! This place is like is the sister location to Flat White and with the lack of "nobber jons" that hang around this place gains a star. Still no loo but when I question the fella behind the counter about this he was so jovial about it that i seemed to forget my urgency to pee. That in itself is an achievement! So for the coffee again no filter, just an espresso watered down but maybe I was just in a better mood because it was quite tasty. Still not a touch on Monment but a good effort. read more

UPDATE (Apr 2014): NO MORE VEGAN BAKED GOODS. They do have gluten free options though. They no longer have their drink set menu, but the coffee is still strong and affordable. The fresh mint tea is a bit disappointing. If I were in Soho and needed a little breakfast, I would certainly come here for their avocado on toast meal! Lots of savoury things that sound nice on the menu. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From (11/06/2013): Brownies, muffins and other goodies that happen to be vegan just hanging out with my affordable long blacks? Sign me up! Love the set prices of coffee and teas, which is less expensive than their sister Flat White down the road. They also used the much coveted Bonsoy as their dairy-free milk. See you soon Milk Bar! read more

I'll be honest I'm not sure what to make of this discreet coffee place. It's small yet perfectly formed in the heart of soho which is good, but there's no wi fi (it's 2016 folks); it serves quite good coffee, all relatively affordable but has no character for me, just an opinion. Just not feeling the vibe here. I've been here a few times but not sure if call it a place to call on when there are better not far. read more

I'm not going to lie - there's probably not much more I can add, but I really wanted to give these guys a high rating to boost those averages! This is a cafe I'm really content to spend some time in lingering over my long black. It's the only place in London that - despite many repeated visits in other locations - have adopted me as one of their regulars and are happy to chat away to me. All thanks to that friendly New Zealand attitude no doubt. Bonus points go for the simple, fresh, veggie-friendly food. The homemade baked beans on toast were delicious, nutritious and light. Finally, they quite literally have water 'on tap' for you to guzzle and offset that caffeine buzz. I love the changing art work that they have on the walls, which always seems selected to suit my taste (bordering on the gothic). The music they play also always chirps me up (as if the smoothly blended caffeine didn't already). Any place that belts out Jimmy Eat World at 8am on a wet Tuesday morning is a winner in my book. read more

Different coffee places are good for different coffees needs, right? (just nod along here) So what is Milk Bar good for? Affordable, quality coffee. I think it's totally reasonably priced, and I like how their flat whites show quality, not quantity: I don't need a massive coffee to get me going in the morning, but I do need a good one. I also adore their little touches, and have possibly even (embarrassing admission ahead!) Instagrammed their takeaway cups because the hand-drawn sketches are the best. Feeling a little peckish, too? Allow me to recommend either their avocado toast or their marmite-n-butter option. An acquired taste, sure, but...erm...one I have acquired. What is Milk Bar not as good for? Keep in mind it's small...like, real small. It's not the best place to show up and camp out for hours on end, for a variety of reasons (space, wireless, lighting, as other reviews have mentioned). Now that I think about it...I'm not sure there is a bathroom? So, y'know, another strike against camping out there. Yelp note: one of my best spring mornings = grabbing a flat white, sitting on the bench outside, catching a few AM beams of vitamin D. Try it! (but leave a little space on the end of the bench for me, too, deal?) read more

Tucked away from the tourists plodding up and down Charing Cross, this little cafe was frequented by what seemed to be artsy fartsy yuppie hipsters, aka, the people I'm used to seeing at cafes, just chillin' on the sidewalk in front, which is happily devoid of traffic or bustle. In other words, there exists a little coffee bubble here, and it's nice. The flat white I ordered was good, if at the high end of the price point. The service was friendly and good natured too. The barrista was quite happy to debate the definition of flapjack, and how it properly represented the wierd oatbar behind the counter and how it could never mean pancake, and she'd fight me outside if she had to. I turned down this proposition, happy instead to sip my flat white in the little soho bubble. read more

London is absolutely brimming with American-style coffee and tea shops. While some are good and others less-so, Milk Bar is a truly great coffee shop in one of my favourite parts of town. While seating is VERY limited and lighting a bit lacking (look elsewhere if you're coming to read), Milk Bar provides customers with prompt and friendly service. The lattes and cappuccinos surrounding with absolutely beautiful, and my chocolate milkshake was among the best I've had in the city. Unless you're seeking out a quiet place to read or to bring a large group of friends, Milk Bar is worth a look. read more

Oh man, if you are a weird ass loner with no friends in London like I am then milk bar is your shit (that sounds kind of gross... I meant it in a good way). I rolled in on a Saturday, orders a flat white an a plate of baked beans, grabbed a little table for myself and read for a bit while I waited for the deliciousness to start. Guess what? Over half the people in there were also there alone. Nice. I loved the flat white. Was it better than at flatwhite? I don't know, just go to both and stop worrying about the comparison. Beans and toast? I'm not gonna lie, that sounds like a stupid thing to eat. You are telling me that you are going to mix together baked beans and toasted bread and feed me that? You must be an idiot. But no. I get it now. The beans and toast at milk bar were SO good. I love you Milk Bar. I see people claim its kind of expensive here, but I don't care about that, money can't buy friends so might as well spend it on little tasties like milk bar. read more

GOOD COFFEE. I don't have much else to say.... ... ... I hope this was helpful? It's on par with my other favourite gourmet specialty places, Monmouth and Tapped&Packed. read more

First there was flat white, then there was............Milk bar. Thankfully this coffee bar isn't trying to replicate our friends at Starbucks etc by giving you a huge cup of water and milk with a hint of coffee. They are spreading the word of of coffee greatness with their flagship drink THE FLAT WHITE!!!! I'll admit when i first discovered this place i was struck with a small sense of xenophobia " Aussies and new zealanders teaching me about coffee???? giving it their own fancy names??? Related to criminals the lot of them...ohhhh that tastes goooodddd" and so i was converted. Right in the centre of Soho with so many of my other favourite places around its a perfect rest stop when on a jaunt in town. As Lizzie G mentioned it also lacks the odious media types talking loudly about their NEXT BIG DEAL!!! that so often frequent Flat white. Plus i get to pretend that im in a clockwork orange without even a hint of ultra violence (im a pacifist you see but do love a good read) It is a tad expensive (£2.50 for a relatively small cup) but when the results are so good im willing to concede that in this place at least you get what you pay for. read more

I've stopped by twice and have been disappointed both times. I'll give it one more shot, but for now, I'm not impressed. The first time I stopped by, the wait for drip coffee was over 10 minutes, so I opted for a long black. It was meh. The second time, I came just after 3pm and they stop serving drip at 3pm because they only have two people working. They told us they need at least three people to make drip. Opted for the long black again. Again, it was meh. read more

This was probably my favorite of any food/drink establishment I found in London during my recent one-week stay in the city. I stayed in a flat directly across from Milkbar and found myself going there as often as I could for coffee and breakfast. The prices are a bit high when you think in American dollars, but everything I purchased was well-worth the cost. Knowing that I didn't want to resort to Starbucks or other chains while on vacation, I prepared for London by googling a list of the best coffee shops. Milkbar was #3. All I can say is that #1 and #2 must be out-of-this-universe fantastic because I can't really imagine anything much better than Milkbar. The coffee is perfect. Neither bland nor too bitter. And on chilly, wet London mornings, it made me feel warm and cozy and calmy satisfied. The flat white was my favorite, and each time I had one I was more and more impressed by how good it was. After living in Italy, I'm generally picky about my coffee, but Milkbar was just as good, if not better, than the finest espressos I had in Italy. The food is also delicious. The scrambled eggs came out looking much more liquidy than what we see in America, but man were they delicious. Creamy and rich. And the bread used for toast was superb. I also tried the french toast and although this sounds wildly dramatic, I could have died happy after eating it. The best part was for sure the caramelized bananas - incredible! Moreover, the general atmosphere of the place was really comfortable. They played good music (as a NJ native, I was surprised and excited to hear a Springsteen album one day), had interesting decorations and books, and seemed to attract a very relaxed, calm crowd. The baristas were really nice and friendly. When I told one girl how good the coffee was - better than anything I'd found in NY - she wrote me a list of coffee shops (several owned/managed by her friends) in New York! Thank you Milkbar for being awesome and for turning my chilly London mornings into warm, fond memories. :) read more

The guys over at Flat White calls this sister store the "cooler younger brother," and I think that's quite an appropriate comparison. More spacious than Flate White, it's also laiden with dark wood, which gives it a more subdued and relaxed atmosphere... athough loud music seems to be a shared trait between the two places. The mocha I had was perfectly thick, chocolatey and bitter -- one of the better if not best ones I've had here. The staff seemed to be well acquaitned with many that stepped in, and were also very nice to strangers like me. I like, I like. I'd definitely come here again and again, and to try out all the little treats and bites they have on the menu. read more

I stopped by the Milk Bar last week on route to a meeting for which I needed to do some last minute prep for. It was around 10am and I was desperate to escape the hustle of Soho and this place had a lovely welcoming tone. The Milk Bar is set out in a great way and the decor is subtle but effective - it is reminiscent of old Milk Bar from the 1950's with wooden stools and dark flooring. I had a coffee and some scrambled eggs on toast which was delicious and I could get on with my work in a calm and pleasant atmosphere. The coffee was actually one of the best I have ever tasted. The staff are friendly but they could see I was working so they weren't too over bearing. The perfect place for a quiet early breakfast. Lovely! read more

Having a flat white at Milk Bar is a nice experience. Not only is it a uniquely Australian drink, but it looks pristine before you drink it and tastes great on the way down. The only criticism I have is that the music seems a little bit too loud for such a small space. Other than that, reasonable prices, friendly service and a nice coffee shop atmosphere. read more

As I recall Milk Bar is owned by the same great Aussies that brought us Flat White, the original or so I've heard. So when I went in here I had high expectations. All confirmed. This place made perfect espresso too. It also seemed to be a little quieter, roomier, and easier to get a table. Also the baristas were cuter. I really liked the artwork on the walls too. What can I say this is as good as it gets people! The center of espresso in the GMT timezone!! read more

Previously known as 'The Blue Room' a friendly coffee shop, home to the eccletic Soho crowd. Now known as Milk Bar...not as cosy as the 'Blue Room' but definitely better coffee...some of the best I've had in London. Friendly Kiwi barristas too. Highly recommended. read more

I am a regular at Milk bar from the Great Latte and wonderful Gluten Free food options and thats always a plus for me. I think the staff is really friendly.all and all a very nice experience. This is the place for strong and good coffee. read more

Average, not really superior to other coffee shops in London or Soho. The latte is 3adi, meaning not special. Lemon and ginger tea is for those with sore throat, like my companion. read more

Milk Bar - Cafes Near Me - London, XGL

The rise of independent coffee shops is something I love and I hope London continues the way Sydney went (google Sydney Starbucks). Anyway, this place is great and offers a fantastic coffee. They also offer a tasty breakfast/brunch, however due to the size of the shop it can be quite difficult to find a sit. I will say that Milk bar, unlike a lot of new coffee shops have a GREAT set of staff behind the counter. Happy to serve you. Very central location as well. GO! read more

Milkbar gets a C, with 'could do better' as the comment. The decor is interesting and can spark conversation, and is typical of most of the gourmet coffee places in the area. The coffee is very good, but the service leaves a lot to be desired. For example, I was in there holding a can of coke (I'd gone in for a coffee), but they told me I couldn't come in there with the coke. They don't even sell coke. So I put it on the table and they said I couldn't leave it there. I had to either finish it up (i.e. down the can) or just throw it away. This was quite annoying. It also takes a while before they acknowledge your presence, dropping it a further star down the rankings. I still regularly go there for coffee though, because it's close to Chipotle. read more

I am loving the fact that they put mini marshmallows in the hot chocolate. Especially because I had no idea that they melt and go all gooey (in the best way) and you can drink it. Man, just thinking about the potential fun times I've missed as a child, is bumming me out a bit. Anyway! I love this place, it's cute, there's always a uber cool and laid back person serving you here, they do things like recommend things and smile and seem a bit more interested than most in serving you. People are chilled out and mmmm, did I mention the marshmallows? Man, they are yummy. read more

Really a nice place, located in Soho. Not as light and woody-pure as Kaffeine - but that's a matter of style and personal preference. The bread is not as good as at Lantana, but still it tastes good. Milkbar is definitely a great place to stop for a coffee and a snack! read more

I came to London for three days traveling alone. I had heard about Milk Bar and that it had a good breakfast for relatively cheap (by London standards). I headed there on a Saturday morning prior to starting my 20 mile walk around London. I loaded up on some scrambled eggs and avocado slices. The eggs were cooked very good, not runny yet not too dry. Eggs and avocado just go so well together and was good fuel for my walking. The place is very small inside so if its busy you might not get yourself a seat. On this day there weren't too many people inside and it was quiet. As others have said, the lighting is very dim. The service was competent. Not your typical hipster cafe, but definitely worth coming for a good light breakfast in SoHo. read more

Cute baristas & great coffee - not really sure what more of a reason anyone would need to stop by here. Seating can be limited as it's only a small space, but they have a a nice selection of pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth while you're wandering the streets of Soho. read more