The Highgate Pantry

The shop I knew when two charming Greek ladies worked there and it had a community feel for Highgate Village - my home area. There was a rude and abrupt younger East European woman who worked on after the shop changed hands.

The refit and new Polish Owners upped all the prices - but the space was made for more tables and chairs and a Breyer display counter. Some of the salads are fab - but the Quinoa has been withdrawn.

The Eastern Euro staff are still there - but they come and go and aren't particularly good at their jobs. A shame as the owners are really dedicated to their business.

Giving this cake shop 2 stars only because of the terrible hygiene I've seen twice when going there. Waitress biting her nails then serving food with bare hands...filthy floors (no one sweeping up crumbs after previous customers have left), main bin area downstairs before the toilet...lovely to pass this on your way to the loo and better still get a waft of rubbish coming up the stairs if you're lucky enough to sit at table by stairs...no loo paper or hand towels. On the plus side the cakes are probably the best I have ever had in London, especially Victoria Sponges and very moist cupcakes. Well worth taking cakes away but do yourself a favour and avoid eating in. Coffee is pretty rank too but tea was lovely.