I have been a bit lazy reporting back on independent coffee shops. But I have been doing my ‘research’. To compensate I will report on two cafes I have been recently and got my approval stamp.

TAP coffee

193 Wardour St, Soho|£|Have a look!

This is a minimal cafe in the heart of Soho. It has a very small window front but the place extends several metres back. The green house glass ceiling is a huge advantage because of this bizarre layout and keeps the place very well lit until the very back. Feels very New York, has to be said. I think because London only recently started developing its coffee scene is still trying to find its deco identity. Wood minimalism dominate, an industrial feeling to it and the absolutely necessary; coffee, tables and chairs and state of the art coffee brewing methods.

Deco aside, the place takes its coffee very seriously. And for hard core coffee lovers this is (finally) great news. Quality range of different coffee varieties and brewing novelty guarantees you a tasting experience different to other cafes. I had filter coffee, which is usually not my choice when I am out, but wanted to try the effect of drip-filter brewing.

This is a neighbourhood cafe, it provides a great setting for a relaxed catch up in the weekend or an alternative to office working.

Timberyard

7 Upper St Martin’s Lane, Seven Dials|£|Have a look!

West End for coffee would never be my choice, I am getting panicky just thinking of spending time in Theatreland, unless I am there only for the theatre. I was introduced to Timberyard by a friend, and it made me see the area in a different light. Then again, small detail, Timberyard is located in Seven Dials – the area would claim its own post code – a small trendy planet in the midst of commercial shops and tourists.

Timberyard is definitely a coffee shop with British character and the place is flying the flag for British suppliers with breads and baked goods all freshly made by local bakers. I really loved the ground floor with its randomness of furniture, objects and general colourfulness. The coffee and food is well presented when served.

The basement, is almost double the size of its ground floor and resembles a trendy workspace dominated by Apple macs and creative types either working alone or holding their business meetings. Although not a fan of basements in coffee shops this is definitely the most pleasant I have seen with a lot of natural light and in the winter time I wouldn’t object sitting there.

After discovering this cafe, coffee hunting in the West End will never be a painful experience again.