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Café Review: Prufrock at Leather Lane

I have been a fan of Prufrock at Present for some time.  Not just because it's Gwilym Davies' baby, but because every single drink I have ever had from there has been of great quality: each barista who works there is constantly driving for the best drink that they can produce and they are always happy to make time for light hearted, or more profound coffee conversation.  Admirable stuff.

That doesn't mean to say that there were things that I don't like about it - well two things:

• People buying 'fashionable stuff' getting in the way
• No seating

So hurrah and huzzah for Prufrock at Leather Lane as it plans to address these issues in no small way.  How?

• No clothes of any kind getting in the way (apart from the ones being worn by the staff and customers)
• A colossal amount of space for seating, or standing if you prefer the old Present style.

So, what is this two floor behemoth all about then?

First Impressions

Before I continue any further, I need to point out that the café is still a work in progress (there was a queue outside, they decided to serve some coffee - then they decided that they would stay open in the day and work on the café out of hours). The downstairs isn't open yet and the main café is still in development - but that doesn't matter.  The coffee is as good as ever, and the space feels relaxed and friendly, if somewhat sparse at the moment.

The entrance, in fact the entire café, is well hidden (at least in the week) behind market stalls.  Even knowing its rough wherabouts, I still had a little trouble finding it immediately.  I'm sure this will change as some signage is displayed and it gets better known outside the coffee community but, until then, the below makeshift open sign will have to suffice.

As you enter, the first thing that hits you is the large bar area: it's basically a big square, larger than some London cafés in their entirety.  Facing you is the brew bar, sporting  a range of brewing paraphernalia (more on this later).  To the right, you see the espresso end of the stick.  The plan is that space behind the bar will be used more effectively but, until then, it's a large square space to make coffee and play the organ.

Details

White plastic, figure-hugging, ribbed designer chairs, white tables, and railway-sleeper (correction: ex-groyne) benches provide somewhere to park yourself. These are complemented by some high stools for those who want to watch the action at the brew bar.

Prufrock escorts the coffee beans to their final resting place in the usual way when it comes to espresso - high quality machines, grinders, etc. but has also added a few nice little surprises to set it out from the crowd when it comes to filter.

First, a Trifecta. they are playing with this at the moment (not unlike Tapped & Packed did some time ago) and I'm sure that if they get consistent, good quality results it will stay as a quick filter offering.

They also have the now-essential Siamese twins of the specialty coffee world: the Uber boiler & Mahlkoneig Tanzania grinder, for the filter coffee offering.

They are currently concentrating only on syphon brews, but gas heaters weren't enough for the guys at Prufrock.  Oh no. The only way forward was Beam Heaters! Two of 'em!  Syphons produce great coffee and great theatre but this is only enhanced by the lovely glowing light and wide contact area of the first beam heaters I've seen in the city.

Other noteworthy items?  A mix of retail is spattered around the shop on various shelving units (ask any of the baristas what the shelves, and bar, were in a previous life) ranging from whole bean Square Mile coffee to brewers and grinders.

 

Drinks

What can I say.  The drinks, as to be expected, were delicous.  I had various drinks made by various baristas and my base-line drink - the cappuccino - was a winner: great taste, great consistency and the perfect drinking heat. 

I didn't try a syphon or anything from the Trifecta as I was caffeined out (maybe next visit?) and the teas (Postcard) are still officially unavailable but, if you ask nicely, you never know...

If you're struggling to decide what to drink, and you see Gwilym on the bar, be sure to ask him for a 'Classic' Cappuccino.

Need to Know: Prufrock Café, Leather Lane

Coffee: Square Mile Coffee
Machine: Nuova Simonelli 2010 WBC Edition
Grinder: Mazzer Robur E, Anfim Super Caimano,
Mahlkoenig Tanzania 
Address: 23-25 Leather Lane,
London EC1N 7TE
Nearest Tube Station: Farringdon Map me...
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 17:00. TBC
Sat: 10:00 - 16:00. TBC
Site: www.prufrockcoffee.com

Food

At the time of writing, a few different cakes are on offer although this will change as the shop goes from half to fully open!

Customer Service

Customer service seems to have become a hot topic for specialty cafés over the past 6 months and I'm not quite sure why as it's so rudimentary to any retail business of quality.

If I receive bad customer service chances are I will not return to an establishment.  Also, it will have a negative effect on the enjoyment/taste of the product I purchase.  Conversely, if I receive great customer service and a sub-standard product I may well give the place another chance and, possibly (although I need to test this a little more scientifically), the service will physiologically influence positively the way a perceived a product to taste.

In the case of Prufrock, the product was great and the service was superb.  And I'm not talking about just for me.  Every customer who stepped through the door was treated like a friend and each question or query was given time and consideration.  Where advice was asked it was given in a non-condescending way and everyone was made welcome.  This is how service should be.

Conclusion

This is a great place, and with so much more potential to develop further.  Moving forward we will see lever machines in action (instead of languishing in the window display), cupping sessions (on ex-Penny University counters), training for new (and used) baristas, machine repairs and much more.

We may even learn the secret of the magic levitating window pour over...

 

 

St. David Coffee House, Forest Hill - The latest addition to the 'Square Mile' Collective

 

There are some things that I have come to expect from a new London(ish) café.

• Slate bar
• Exposed brick work
• Designer 'naked' light bulbs
• Black exterior
• Young, Uber-cool Co-eek (coffee geek) behind the counter - sporting either some sort of trilby/stylised facial hair/asymmetric barnet/new romantic makeup
• Synesso
• Square Mile Coffee

 

Call me revolutionary but, whilst I love all of these things, sometimes you want a change from the norm.

Enter stage left: St. David Coffee House. 

Believe it or not, it actually fulfils only one of these requirements.  Yes, I said one. Only one. And if you don't know which one then you haven't read the title.

Out with the minimalist industrial design and two fingers to the achingly-cool artiste baristas. In with the 60's/70's inspired retro-chic, and intimate and comfortable surroundings.

 

 

First Impressions

 Located in Forest Hill (Southeast London), only thirty seconds walk from the station, this beautifully presented cafe instantly has curb appeal. (Okay, I sound like an estate agent, but it's all true). Although it's close to the main road, it is actually set on a raised pavement which means that there are a couple of seats outside next to the railing.  It's made all the prettier by the greenery out front and some flower baskets over the railings.

Details

 As you enter, you are presented with a mixture of comfortable wooden chairs and solid tables, my favourite of which is a long table that runs the full length of a sash window which opens fully - ideal for when the weather is good.

Whitewash walls are decorated with retro mirrors, old books, pictures and general 'stuff', the majority of which can be purchased if any particular item takes your fancy.  Lisa and Dan (the owners) recently renovated their house in Dulwich, and Lisa saw this as an opportunity to disperse some of her more unique objet d'art.

The bar is located at the rear along with lots of artisanal goodies that tempt you to part with a little more cash. 

Another really cool feature is that they stock a selection of used books: some of which are for sale and some that you can just swap with a book that you have finished. Whilst this isn't a new idea it's one that I, as a coffee house bohemian, appreciate.

 

Need to Know: St David Coffee House

Coffee: Square Mile Coffee  
Machine: Rancilio Classe 10 S
Grinder: Anfim Milano 
Address:  5 David's Road, London SE23 3EP 
Nearest Train Station: Forest Hill Map me...
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 18:00.  Sat: 09:00 - 17:00.
Sun: 09:30 - 15:30
Site: Coming soon...maybe...

Although St David has only been open for just under two weeks, it's already got a bit of a following, as this area has been sadly lacking a quality coffee drinking establishment for...well, ever (the nearest of alternative being Browns of Brockley).

I have manged to visit twice since opening, and what I really like about them is that they are focused on the quality of their offering - when they ask you if you enjoyed their coffee, they want an honest answer. 

With that sort of attitude things will just get better and better.

 

Drinks

They have the usual range of espresso based drinks (see below), all containing a double shot: it would be great to see them move into filter coffee at some time as they already sell the beans and have a lovely little bar that would suit pour over and aeropress perfectly (see second photo).

Additionally, they actually ask you if you want chocolate on your cappuccino and don't just assume.  On both visits that I have made, I have had a cappuccino - but on the second visit I also sampled a machiatto, a flat white and a couple of espressos:  I can happllly confirm that all of the drinks were made well and consistently. 

They also sell a range of Suki teas and quality soft drinks.

 Food

A selection of lovely foods scatter the counter - cakes, pastries, sausage rolls, slices of watermelon, etc - and we enjoyed a vanilla madeline that complemented the caramel of the espresso perfectly.

Conclusion

It's great to have a new location in Southeast London that serves quality coffee in an unexpected environment: one that you are immediately at ease in and don't feel that you require a PhD in cool to be seen in.  It takes some of the best beans and support from Square Mile, and wraps it up in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

Another worthy addition to the coffee map...

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  This review was in no way influenced by the bag of delicious leftover pastries that Lisa and Dan gave us to take home at the end of the day when they were closing up shop.  Well, maybe just a little.

 

Café Review: Lantana

The first time I visited Lantana it had been nominated for London café of the year by Time Out.  The second time, the chalk board to the right of the entrance had been updated: Winner!  But does this award translate to a great coffee experience?  I've visited on several occasions and up until now haven't been sure whether or not to add this to my list of great London cafés...

 

 

First Impressions

Lantana sits on a side street and, from the exterior, it looks good: two picnic benches outside that each seat around six people, the impression of a very open shop front due to a window that fully opens by swinging upwards, and an island separating the interior from the exterior.

To the left as you enter, the centre island has a few magazines and papers scattered around, with three stools to sit at so you can people-watch to your hearts content (one of the best things about going to a café if you ask me).  Bench seating is against the left wall and tables and chairs provide a decent amount of seating for any visit - although this has recently been increased with the reduction in size of the bar, which sits to the right of the café, and the addition of a high table with room for another few people.

 

I really like the consistent design theme that runs through the café - a wooden rib over the island, bar, base of the bench seats and the stools. But it was starting to look quite worn as bits were falling off.  Thankfully, this was addressed when the refurb was done a few weeks ago and, along with a lick of paint and removal of a few too many posters, it now looks spot on.  

Some stand out points:

• The decor: cool but unpretentious

• The tables out front

• The island to sit at and people watch

• Open until 9pm on Thursday and Friday

• Sensational food

• An alcohol licence for that rare occasion when you need a substitute for coffee

All is living up to the Time Out accolade but will it continue?

Need to Know: Lantana 

Coffee: Monmouth - Lantana CoE 
Machine: La Marzzoco Linea
Grinder: Anfim Milano, Mazzer (model tbc)
Address: 14 Charlotte Place 
London, W1T 1SW, 020 7323 6601
Nearest Tube: Goodge Street. Map me...
Hours: Mon-Wed: 08:00 - 18:00.
Thu-Fri: 08:00 - 19:00. Sat: 09:00 - 17:00. 
Site: http://lantanacafe.co.uk

Details

If you are sitting in, you are encouraged to take a seat, after which a member of staff will come over to provide you with a menu and take your order - more restaurant style than café.

The service is generally good, and they have all the necessary equipment to produce high quality coffee: Anfim Milano & Mazzer grinders and a Marzzoco Linea machine.  The coffee is Monmouth sourced and, in a bid to develop a higher quality and a unique espresso, they now use a Lantana specific Cup of Excellence coffee.

Drinks

The coffee should be good, and we know the equipment is in place to get the best from it but, Charlotte Place, we have a problem: consistency.  The first time I visited, I had a cappuccino and it was okay, but not great.  The espresso was a little astringent and the milk was not steamed to the right consistency - it was a little thin.  The second time it was good and the last time the milk was really quite thin.  I only purchased a straight espresso on one occasion (before they changed the beans) and it was not a pleasure to drink as it was, again,  bitter.  The drinks situation didn't get much better with the tea as, on the first visit, my wife had a green tea but and it had been over brewed - I had to go and get a saucer to remove the filter to stop it getting even worse.

 

 

As I said earlier, Lantana are trying to increase the quality of coffee and that has to be applauded, but there is still some way to go.

Food

The food is great.  I won't go into excessive detail as this isn't a food blog but the food is well sourced, well prepared and is no doubt one of the main reasons that the Lantana is so popular - so much so that next door is now a Lantana take out.  There are a range of cakes and other foods, but I would recommend wholeheartedly that you order the charcuterie.  Both the veggie and meat option.  Together.  Delicious!

Conclusion

You may wonder why I keep visiting when the coffee is not up to a consistent standard but, the thing is, it's a cool place to hang out, the food is great, and the coffee can be good.  There is obviously a real passion for quality here and they are trying hard to improve the coffee offering: some support and/or training for the baristas could improve the situation, pretty swiftly bringing the quality of the caffeine up to the high standards of the food.

Lantana is currently a great restaurant that serves okay coffee.  With stunning coffee it would be a tough act to follow but, until then, it hasn't earned its place on the quality coffeehouse map of London.

Café Review: Tapped & Packed

Jen (the wife) is lucky enough to spend much of her day with access to the full richness of the interweb, a luxury that I don't have, and it's due this that I initially found out about Tapped and Packed. She had seen it mentioned on Young and Foodish and suggested I meet her after work and check it out. This little café is located just off Charlotte Street (actually quite close to Lantana) and opened its doors a month or so ago.

In case you missed it, yes I did say after work: a café that actually opens until 8pm every weekday! A great start but was it going to be any good...?

First Impressions

As we approached I couldn't help but think that we'd been magically transported back to Kaffeine, or Fernandez and Wells, as the black paint job is starting to become the signature of the newer wave of coffee shops in Central London, along with the 'industrial minimalist' interior design.

   

At this point I'd like to point out that I am actually a fan of this style, especially when it is done well, as it is here, but I can't help but think that we need a little originality in design. So, whilst it may not deliver a fresh visual approach, it does provide a few other pleasant surprises including:

• A changing range of coffees that can be brewed not only via a cafetiere, but also Aeropress, siphon or pour-over filter
• A guest espresso is offered, thanks to a third grinder, giving you an alternative to the regular house espresso
• An espresso bar in front of the espresso machine, which you can sit/lean at and sip espresso 'come in Italia'
  
• A comfortable row of bench seats opposite the bar

The only unpleasant surprise the the absence of any washrooms - a big omission in any coffee shop.  When I asked I was directed to the pub next door which really isn't ideal.

Need to Know: Tapped & Packed

Coffee: Square Mile Coffee
Union Hand Roasted
Climpson & Sons
Machine: Nuova Simonelli Aurelia
Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano
Mazzer x 2 (models tbc)
Address: 26 Rathbone Place,London, W1T 1JD
Nearest Tube: Goodge Street. Map me...
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 20:00.  Sat: 09:00 - 19:00.
Site: http://www.tappedandpacked.co.uk/

Details

When we arrived we were the only customers (although it was after six) so we grabbed a table at the rear of the cafe and I went to get a drinks menu from the bar - they do not have a menu board which could be a little frustrating if you wanted to take out and couldn't find a paper menu. I ordered an espresso and a white tea and Vic, the head barista, was happy to talk with me around the espresso on offer (Climpson & Son and a single origin from Square Mile).

Drinks

It's much easier to show you the menu than to type so here you go: the main range of drinks offered at Tapped & Packed. 

 

As mentioned previously, the brewed coffee changes so i won't run through those with you here.

Food

We got a bit hungry as we'd come straight from work, so I decided to see what was offer.  Sandwiches, salads and pastries (the usual fare) were available, if not in somewhat diminished quantities due to the time of the day.  I grabbed a small salad which was really tasty, good quality and reasonably priced.

Conclusion

T & P provides another quality coffee shop for the discerning central London coffee crowd and whilst it could be just another alternative to the growing number of cafes, it has a few unique selling points, namely the choice of brewing methods & espresso, stocking several brands of coffee and that you can sit at the bar sipping espresso and admiring the baristas at work.

I'll be making sure I visit soon to sample a siphon brewed coffee and possibly some of the delicious looking chocolates that were tempting me on the counter - strictly for scientific pairing with the coffee, obviously ;)

Café Review: Kaffeine

Kaffeine is one of the newer artisanal cafés in central London, and as soon as you enter you realise that they are serious about espresso.

First Impressions

If, like me, you believe free time was invented to spend in high quality coffee houses, you may experience a small slice of de-ja-vu (not a cake on the menu) when you enter this great little place: slate bar, industrial minimalist design, Synesso machine..?  Well, for those of you who make more noble use of your time than me, it's designed by William Tozer - the very same people who created, yes you guessed it, Fernandez and Wells.  In my book, this is no bad thing - especially as this design seems a little warmer than F&W, probably due to the lighter woods and, in no small amount, the friendly and passionate owner and staff.

I have visited on two occasions now, and have sampled an espresso, a cappuccino and, on my latest escaping-the-torrential-rain visit, a flat white.

Need to Know: Kaffeine

Coffee: Square Mile Coffee
Machine: Synesso Cyncra
Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano
Address: 66 Great Tichfield Street,London, W1W 7QJ
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus. Map me...
Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30 - 18:00.  Sat: 09:00 - 18:00.
Site: http://www.kaffeine.co.uk

Details

Kaffeine chooses, like so many other great cafés in the city, to use Square Mile Coffee.  This is ground via an Anfim Super Caimano grinder, and the beautiful resulting shots extracted through a Synesso Cyncra.  Of course, all of these great players would be useless if not manged in the correct way - which is why all of the baristas here have at least three years' experience.

For most of us the above means very little so let me translate

• Espresso which is balanced and delicious
• Perfectly proportioned and smooth espresso based drinks (lattes, cappuccino, etc.)

Drinks

The usual range of espresso based drinks are served here and are all priced around the £2-£2.50 mark (excluding espresso) and all are served as a double shot (50mls).  If you are expecting to have a big-gulp full of burnt, hot milk with a splash of bad espresso, this is not the place for you.  The drinks here are all between 6-8oz in volume (except for espresso...again!), are hand crafted for the individual and made to order.

A range of fresh juices and other high quality soft drinks are also served for those who are over-caffeined or don't like coffee - apparently these people do exist.

Food

I haven't yet had the good fortune to eat at Kaffeine but what I can say is that the food on offer is freshly prepared with great ingredients and looks delicious, although the choice is limited  (I'm not saying that's a bad thing - just an observation).

Conclusion

In all honesty, several locations around London offer similar experience with regard to drink quality, ambiance, food offering, etc. But what make's Kaffeine stand out for me is that they are truly interested in educating customers around all aspects of espresso.

On my two visits alone I have seen impromptu training sessions behind the Cyncra, recommendations of where to get coffee supplies and hints and tips for making great espresso at home.  A selection of coffee reference books are also available to read on your visit (located in front of the espresso machine) including my current favourite, The Professional Barista's Handbook by Scott Rao. 

The only issue I have is that it closes at 6pm and doesn't open on Sundays - my prime day for café surfing.

I love Kaffeine.  I will visit again.  Many times.  I suggest that you do the same.