Whilst I love my morning coffee, I’m getting a bit weary of the standard fare, stressful busyness and dog bans at most of the coffee chains. So it was a delightful change to be able to relax in relative calm and enjoy excellent food (that’s reasonably priced) in the presence of some well-behaved dogs. And all this in the City across the road from Smithfield Market.
The décor of this eatery is retro, no-nonsense and homely. There's light and space. A lived-in leather sofa with a low table. And scrubbed wooden tables – usual or high versions - adorned with enamel coffee pots and jugs containing cutlery. The floor is utilitarian rather than decorative. There’s a large bar in the rear corner covered in small white tiles that give a hint of yesteryear retail – but with an impressive array of spirits and satisfyingly large proper coffee-making kit. And right at the back is an open kitchen.
I was swiftly given a jug of water and a glass by a friendly waitress – it’s so good when you don’t have to ask. And I requested a cappuccino (£3.50) while I studied the breakfast menu. From the artful milk-leaf design on my coffee when it arrived I knew it had been created by a maestro, and my taste buds confirmed it – rich, smooth, strong and creamy.
The menu had some counter options including toast and spreads (£3.50) and granolas with berries, honey and yoghurt (£6.50). Kitchen options covered simple items such as crumpets with jam (£3), eggs on toast (£5.50), sausage and onion sandwich (£6) and hash brown with chorizo and a fried egg (£8.50). Recent additions to the menu included buttermilk pancakes with ricotta and berries (£7.50) and mushrooms on toast with garlic and poached egg (£10).
But influenced by watching a Spanish companion recently, I selected the avocado, chilli and coriander on sourdough toast (£8). When this arrived I was overwhelmed with the fresh, summery aroma. Divine.
There was a huge slab of toasted bread under a mountain of good sized chunks of perfectly-ripe avocado with a sprinkling of leaves over the top and a pile at the side topped by a piece of lime. There were decorative dots of flavoured oil around it. So now both my sense of smell and sight were engaged. It tasted wonderful too. And healthy.
There were a few groups of folk in suits having business meetings. But also an equal number of more casually attired people who were either creatives doing their thing or friends. There were one or two couples – both male and female - who could have been in business meetings or buddies who brunch.
I was eating alone but felt perfectly comfortable and was able to either work or simply listen to the interesting background music. And, of course, admire a wonderful black Labrador/spaniel cross resting happily at his or her owner’s feet.
And there are seats outside for when the weather is fine.
Taking time out for breakfast can be a bit of a luxury. And I rarely indulge myself outside my own kitchen. But on this occasion, it was a really pleasant start that set me up for a long working day. In future I’m likely to arrange to meet clients and friends for informal breakfast (or brunch) meetings here – especially those who have canine companions who they don’t want to leave at home.
http://askforjanice.co.uk/ Breakfast is served from 8am to 1145am. The menu varies regularly.
