Coffee (noun): a beverage that keeps you approachable in the morning. There are literally hundreds of coffee shops in London and most people will have their regular favourite, but if you’re in the mood for something different we’ve put together a list of what we believe to be the best coffee shops (#bigcalls) in North London based on their coffee, atmosphere and food offering!
- Tina We Salute You
The things that come to mind when you enter the café: quirky, cute, weird and who is Tina? Starting from humble beginnings as just a cupcake stall, Tina We Salute You literally salutes Tina who is apparently the sultry exotic goddess, who would have guessed! Great coffee, great food and great service, this café is defiantly a must visit next time you are on King Henry’s Walk.
Food: Think tasty Bacon, Bubble and Cheddar Butty, fluffly American Style Pancakes or a toasted Beigel with avocado, chilli and lime.
Drink: All your standard favourites however one that stood out was the Gibraltar, which is suitable for anyone needing a drink that is taller than a macchiato but shorter than a latte.
- Maison D’Etre
Don’t you feel just a little bit fancy even trying to pronounce the name? Once you move on from acting all posh when pronouncing the name you will notice the scones; the many, many, many scones. Now you are saying scones all posh right? The mismatched crockery, Polaroids of the waiting and the mini milk bottles just add to the appeal of the café. Located next to some of North London’s most luxurious flats, this café is a must.
Food: Your standard fare of lightly toasted sourdough sandwiches, a small selection of cakes and tarts and some light breakfast options.
Drinks: A good quality cup of Joe with coffee beans sourced from the Nude Espresso micro-roaster off Brick Lane.
- Ginger and White
Interesting name, interesting concept, fantastic coffee. Operating off the principle “we don’t do Grande” the coffee here is far from milky. You will receive rich and full bodied coffee that will have you coming back time and time. The family friendly environment and drool worthy food will change your outlook on life.
Food: All day breakfast and not to mention their enticing cake menu. Reading the descriptions is enough to make you salivate.
Drinks: Their beans are hand roasted in small batches from a local UK supplier and milk is supplied by the cows at Northiam dairy.
- Fingers Crossed
This quaint laid back café is the embodiment of what a brunch café should be like. Think fluffy doughnuts, all day brunch, great food, strong coffee and friendly staff. The ultimate little local café found on Amhurst Road.
Food: Suitable sweet and savoury brunch options including ricotta hotcakes, breakfast trifle and scrambled eggs on truffled mushrooms.
Drinks: From freshly squeezed orange juice to hibiscus berry tea, there’s something new to try and all the standard favourites.
- Kipferl
Kipferl, a type of European croissant. This Austrian coffee house and kitchen is fast becoming North London’s best kept secret. With the simple philosophy that: quality, authenticity, consistency and attention to detail is important, you will soon understand why we love London’s ‘Geteimtip’ (little secret).
Food: All the Austrian classics from Frankfurters to Wiener schnitzel.
Drinks: Enjoy the authentic Viennese coffee specialities with a homemade Austrian cake.
- Blend
A favourite with the locals. This café isn’t somewhere you should consider going, it is where you will be going (are you free tomorrow?). First off did we mention espresso martinis? We will stop for a moment and let that sink in… coffee and alcohol, nature’s liquid gold. I am going to end on that note and have you not wanting but needing more. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Food: Cakes are made on-site from organic flours, eggs and chicken are free-range and their beef, bacon and sausages are from grass-fed cows. Tick!
Drinks: All of your favourites as well as an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
For more information about living in North London, contact the friendly Carltone team on 020 7935 7125.
