To be updated when I go again: as Tonic is run by the good folks at the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, I was expecting quite a bit from it. It's set up in a little unit in Piccadilly Circus in prime coffee-grabbing location - it's really conveniently located and I'm glad it exists where it does...there's not a lot of space, and it's very much a case of in - order - out, so very much less representative of the social affairs side of things.
Anyway, I popped in for an espresso (£2.40...it's on the pricey side). The beans are of good quality as I'd expect from a place like this. My espresso was pretty decent, but I think it was a bit unbalanced - I thought it had a good depth of flavour in the back end and finish but the front end was a bit disappointing and a little harsh tasting. I mean...it's a decent espresso. But it was lacking a little something that other top places nail. As I said, sample size of one so I should update this when I go back. On top of that, the baristas here were super super srs. I know it's not really the sort of place which needs a chilled vibe or anything, but...yeah, the seriousness does bleed through a bit. Definitely worth another shot (no pun intended). read more