Once in a while I come across a lovely independent coffee shop or cosy and innovative tea house and even though my blog really focuses on food,they should be mentioned. How often do I end up at Starbucks or Nero because I don’t know where else to go? That’s why I have decided to introduce the coffee shop and tea house category. There is no rating as I won’t mention any bad places (unless they are so bad that I find it necessary to spread the word…) and in most I won’t have eaten anything. It’s just about places where you could imagine hanging out for an afternoon,reading the newspaper or a book,do some people watching or watch the world go by and have some delicious coffee or wonderful tea.
I shall introduce to you now Royal Teas in Greenwich and Flat White in Soho.
Royal Teas (Greenwich)
When my parents came to visit,we did a lot of sightseeing and walking around in different parts of the city and ended up also in Greenwich. As much as I like Greenwich,I just never know where to go as everything is rather touristy. Thank god we found this lovely place somewhere up Royal Hill named Royal Teas.
Royal Tea is small and comfy and does some seriously delicious hot chocolate and for me,who is into weird teas,the choice of lavender tea. It was full of locals enjoying hot drinks and cakes.
I also liked the fact that their breakfast is incredibly well-priced e.g. salmon and eggs for 4.75 and scrambled eggs on toast for 2.35. I haven’t tried them but I would trust them to do it right. If I lived in Greenwich I would be there all the time!
Flat White (Soho)
When again I couldn’t get a place at Princi (do people ever get a place there I wonder) I was fortunate enough to at least get a table at Flat White which in the end might have been a better choice anyway. Flat White is a tiny coffee shop in the heart of Soho full of Australian staff (as far as I can judge the accent) and with super-delicious coffee. I don’t know if I would like to hang out there forever as it is rather cramped and busy,but it is THE place for coffee,cake and people watching.
The espresso and macchiato could not have been more perfect. Strong,dark,hot and with a real kick. A flat white is,if I am not mistaken,the Australian Cafe Latte. I personally hate coffee with too much milk,so please read a bit more about how a flat white is supposed to taste here (written by an Australian).
I love carrot cake and the one at Flat White was heavenly,moist and sweet with a beautiful sugar coating on top. The brownie was rich and chocolaty,what a treat. Interesting their way of saving on washing up dishes by putting everything on one tiny plate –but let me tell you,that’s part of their charm.
The real problem with Flat White is that you might just not get a table. And this of course would be a disaster.
This is a great new category. I LOVE weird tea! Tea is my number 2 favorite thing to consume. Obviously cake is number 1
You can make your own lavendar tea by buying dried lavendar (from the spice section at the supermarket)and mixing it with plain black tea (I like assam or early gray) or on it’s own with hot water.
@ Kelly –I always try the most unusual tea on the menu,love it! What a great idea to make you own lavender tea,sounds delicious,I have to try this. (You should expand to Cupcakes and Tea