London: Tea Time in Wonderland

I had wondered, before opening this guide, whether it could really be of any use to me -  I certainly have quite a collection of tasty addresses in town. Time Out certainly is the best reference is London but all reviews are subjective – everyone have their own standard.

And so I leafed through it. Nothing stops a foodie more in their tracks than a beautiful picture of a dish. I constantly looked for restaurant descriptions, noting them down and ended up, after 20 mn with more than a page of places I had never heard of yet was dying to go to. Preferably right now, even if it was not lunch time yet.

I also loved the accent on world cuisine and so from the very first chapter. We are all so focused on trying the trendiest places that we tend to forget the intriguing Brazilian, Jewish, Portuguese… dishes. London is a cultural melting pot and you can find your way through it in that book… Good idea to have added menu key words per language too.

Your wallet is in a crisis and restaurants are kept for celebrations? Not to worry -  you’ll get to know the best bânh mì cafés (serving these succulent Vietnamese baguettes), fish & chips, burgers in town or can choose from the many selections of budget bites.

And if you have a sweet tooth, have a look at that ice-cream parlour section – you will melt way before the summer’s back.

A mum of 2, I can only applaude that each entry mentions whether it is baby/kid friendly (with a distinction between admitted and welcome, as well as the vital notion of baby changing facility), offers high chairs, a play area and outside tables.

There also is a theme section: breakfast, brunch, enjoy the view, by the waterside, dishes to share. pretty handy and you will soon have the ideal meeting place with friends, no matter what you were looking for.

A very practical (with even detailed maps at the back), well illustrated, colourful, fabulous for any family outing or just to rediscover your favourite neighbourhoods. I will definitely offer it for Xmas or to any newcomer to London -  a must to start your life here.

Pssst: thanks to Time Out, we have 5 for you to win! How? nothing more simple. First, follow us on Facebook or/and Twitter. Then share in the comments below your favourite yummy place in London and why. You have until Friday November 11, midnight, to jooin in. The winner will be selected at random and the name announced Saturday Nov 12. Ready, steady, type!

Can’t wait? Buy it from the website. don’t forget to have a look at their Eating and Drinking Awards!

Cake lovers, your attention please. You may have thought you were an expert, knew the sweetest places in town, delicate pastries and fragrant cups of teas. You may even have had a sugary walk per neighbourhood.

This book will get you hunting again. How could you have missed this irresistible cheesecake? And here, a lavender cake? Ooooh, what about those adorable vintage teapots…

A clever guide divided in everyday pleasures, extraodinary afternoon teas with a twist, take away temptations, and well done a section with vegan/allergies places.

Warning: never, ever open without a homemade dessert on the side. The pictures will make your mouth water in no time.

Tea & cake -London, £9.99

Nothing worse for a froggie than a cup of bad coffee – too watery or bitter. We cherish places that serve it just right.

I have found the perfect little haven, just a street away from the Soho buzz. The address is mostly famous for its sublime gelato with fascinating flavours: watermelon, pineut and ricotta, clementine, saffron and vanilla… The Pierre Hermé of ice creams!

Their menu also propose amazing hot drinks such as bicerin (a specialty from Turin, an alchemy of dense chocolate with cream and espresso), caffe allo nocciola (on a spoonful of the most delicious hazelnuy paste), caffe allo zabaglione  and my favourite, caffé affogato, enriched with a scoop of hazelnut. be adventurous – you can ask for the ice-cream of your choice – montebianco  (chocolate, chestmut and rum) or pistachio are a match made in heaven. Choose one instead of desert, play with the textures and don’t hesitate to have another round!

Gelupo
7 Archer Street
London W1D 7AU

Yes, but as a lovely café this time. Much cosier, it does fit perfectly whithin the village atmosphere of the neighbourhood. At first glance, you might almost think it is a local new wave diner (you know, the ones with a really cool deco) rather than a branch. We loved the open windows towards the street bringing in a  soft natural light, the long tables to be shared, the well thought space, the leather benches, the warm tones and very graphic touches. It whispers to you – come, slow down, take your time, life is sweet.

The seats are very comfy and you will have the strange feeling you have always known the place. Maybe it is the glossy wooden notes. maybe it is the cheerful welcome as if they are used to see you every week…

Start with a smoothie – a giraffe must. everyone has their favourite in the family: Mango Mama (mango, strawberry, banana, apple, smooth and fun with its colourful layer, £3.50), Marathon Runner (avocado, kiwi, cucumber, banana, apple, very refreshing, £3.50), Hippy Hippy Shake (pineapple,passionfruit, mango, banana, pomegranate, exotic, £3.50). So tastier and healthier than a soda – even the kids menu includes them. Alternatively, try a jug of Teapig ice tea.

This is the ideal place for small and big appetites. We shared a plate if freshly prepared hummus, enhanced with pinenuts, cumin seeds, paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. Nice toasted notes, delicate on the palate, served with an assortment of olives and a generous portion of pitta bread. We all dipped in again and again, kids included.

I really fell for their open saltie sandwich -  the herb foccacia is just delicious, slightly salty and the toppings are a perfect summer combination: meltinf feta, capers, boiled egg, roasted red and golden beets, peppery salad (£6.50). It is huge and although I was starving, I could not finish it, no matter how good it was.

Guys will love the smokehouse bbq grilled chicken burger (£7.95). Amazing portion, isn’t it? The meat is nice and juicy, the sauce well balanced, the smoked cheddar really brings everything together. You can add toppings -  why not a little avocado?

Forget classic fries and go for the sweet potato ones (£3.95). They really are festive so you might as well order two portions straight away. you will see: the kids will not even ask for ketchup!

For dessert, we chose a light yet fragrant option with vanilla frozen yogurt, perfect for the warm evening, sprinkled with hazelnut and very fragrant orange blossom honey. Perfect if you have a sweet tooth and need just a little sugar for the perfect finale.

Verdict? You quickly forget that you are in a Giraffe -  it has its own personality, its universe with all the usual goodies on the menu… Start the day there with a brunch! Oh, and have you tried the Soho one yet?

Giraffe Hampstead
46 Rosslyn Hill
London NW3 1NH

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of Giraffe.

Like Alice’s white rabbit, I am runnign after time these days. But follow me through London-wonderland!

* For their late evening, V&A turns into a summer camp.

* The Urban Physic Garden offers more than a green oasis in the City. This Friday there will be dinner and theatre.

* Learn how to do a perfect ice-cream at this free workshop.

* Your heart will melt for this adorable café.

* But if you are looking for the best coffee in London, follow Time Out’s recommendation!

* Brunch and dance on the roofs of Kensington.

* Southbank turns vintage this week-end with a fabulous festival. Worth stopping, especially for the BA catwalk retracing stewardess fashion -  so elegant!

* Try a London buggy tour.

* Gladiators are back in London -  place your bets, the games are on.

* It’s shoe time. Apres Vivienne Westwood, Selfridges welcomes a Terry de Havilland retrospective.

* Love narguiles? Try those vodka, wine or champagne infused tobbaccos.

* An unusual bar -  try it quick!

* Nothing better than a summer fete on a Sunday. This one will be a delight for cyclists.

Pssst: Remember The Blues Kitchen? Join on a Tuesday note and pretend you are Indiana Jones. The restaurant proposes a Carnivore Club with a different exotic meat each week in August. Kangaroo on the 2nd, crocodile on the 09th….

Because they are playful and irresistible.

Because you can go for the British version with scones and tringle sandwiches. Or choose a single pastry if you prefer. Or even be a child again with a glass of milk and cookies. Or be very Parisian and drink of of the velvety Mariage Frères tea. Or even add a little crazyness to the day and have a sweet and a Mariage Frères cocktail. There is always the perfect variation to suit your mood.

Because the afternoon tea also proposes petit-fours and you can try more in miniature versions and you feel spoilt and happy.

Because the lemon tartelettes are the best in town, tangy, not too sugary, a touch of cream, perfectly addictive.

Because you had never tried this heart-shaped biscuit, very French, almost caramelised, crunchy, and you will not leave a crumb behind. The alliance with an espresso is the best fix and we need it on the menu every hour of the day.

Because hot drinks always come with a square of Dolfin chocolate. Which one will you have today? Milk? Aniseed? Cinnamon?

Because we just know a sweet heaven when we see it!

Café Luc
50 Marylebone High Street
London
W1U 5HN

Afternoon tea from 14.30 to 18.00

You know, one of the first expressions I learnt in English was « it’s raining cats and dogs ». Well, it was one of those days. The wind made the icy water twirl. My umbrella was threatening to fly away without me. My shoes were so soaked that I flick-flocked along and wondered whether there still was a point in avoiding puddles. I pushed the door of the first café in view.

I feel taken years back instantly. In between lessons in high school, we used to go to the local bistrot, play pool or cards, reinvent the world around a coffee rather than go through our textbooks… This place has the same cheerful, relaxed atmosphere.

Here, table football is king – warm colours, vintage style posters, ball-themed objects… In the background, the clicking noise of lead players, the ball bouncing around, the soft sliding of tokens to count goals, the noise of chalk writing players names and teams…

The kind of place you happily spend your whole Sunday afternoon with a band of friends. Nice little dishes on the menu: pistou soup, platters to be shared, chorizo sandwiches, beetroot and halloumi couscous… and a daily Happy Hour, from 16.00 to 19.00!

Bar Kick
127 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JE
Why not try Café Kick in Farringdon?

Bar Kick Place page

127 Shoreditch High St
City of London E1 6JE

I recently went to Chocolat Unwrapped, the chocolat festival of the year. Each stall was more than happy to let you taste their creations (Oh, the joy of FREE Charbonnel truffles!) but the innovation side left me hungry for more.

I stepped out a little disappointed and was welcomed with a sudden rush of icy rain. If course, my umbrella had stayed home that day.

Thankfully, the Borough Market was just a sprint away. Hop, splash, hop, this place looks like a nice shelter. Little did I know I had stepped in chocolate heaven!

Rabot Estate does not ring a bell? If you are a chocaholic, you do know the name – this is Hotel Chocolat cacao plantation in St Lucia. The brand has chosen to widen their range with this café/shop to touch the heart (or the stomack) of Londoners.

Rustic notes for the decoration, on one side the Hotel Chocolat products, on the other the café, a few tables in between. We are far from the glossy side of the usual shops – the idea is to remind us of the natural side, a return to sources. Have a glimpse at the menu and your mouth already waters: everything is cacao-based! Chilli chocolate chicken with rocket… Salmon with chocolate creme fraiche… Duck confit salad with chocolate dressing and orange marmelade… Chicken salad with cheddar and white chocolate dressing… Before making a face, forget profiteroles and their oversugared sauce. Focus on real cacao and its fruity, almost bittter aroma. Focus on taste!

I chose the goats cheese -  honey- bitter cacao. They ran out of cheese but went to a local stall in the market to get some more -  fresh products guaranteed. Ah, my friends, if you just knew how gorgeous that was, the different textures, the tastes mixing subtly, what an alliance! If you are more of a purist, try their crumpet with chocolate spread and hazelnuts or their banana, salted caramel and cacao in  toasted brioche. They also do a real macchiato.

Rabit Estate also has a spice range that can only tease your culinary skills…

Still raining? Great news! Now, what haven’t I tried yet…?

Rabot Estate
2 Stoney Street
Borough Market
London
SE1 9AA

Count £3.75-4 for a toastie, £4.75 for a salad. The place is well known, do prefer a take-away!
Chocaholic? Have you tried Rococo‘s gorgeous treats yet?

Shoreditch is rather a synonym of street art these days. You have a stroll, you find a gem. The last time I had had a good look at the walls was quite some time ago. As my friend Celine - an expert – was here for the week-end, I took the opportunity to visit with her the best places in town.

One of my favourite breaks in this neighbourhood is no doubt the Albion. Great British classics, reasonably prices, under the shadow of -no less – Terence Conran. Thisis on the brasserie side but still family friendly, wooden notes, comfortable. My love for it is not the lovely food but having my breakfast coffee served in gorgeous red enamel tea pots. So French Sunday mornings.

Crossing the street, I just stop in my tracks in the cutest and yet tiniest cafe. A counter, 4 bar stools, and what looks like amazing machines.

Forget espresso robots, automatic buttons, steam, speed, noise. Here, coffee, my dear is an art. Everything is measured, enjoyed, admired. Manipulations are methodical, precise, yet easy to do at home, should you wish to buy the equipment. The effect is between mesmerizing and mind blowing.

The menu proposes three choices. Each coffee pot serves enough for two. And the price, given the quality, is pretty reasonable.

Our tastebuds have been seduced by…

Tegu Aa, Kenya, £4 for 240ml -  splendid cacao notes, velvety…

Yirgacheffe, Ethiopie, 230ml – floral, almost lemony…

One forgets, with Starbucks and Costas on the go, or those mechanical mugs of Nescafe drunk at work, the sheer pleasure of a real coffee. The kind that just ceases any conversation, that closes your eyes, that just kicks in your system immediately. Here this charm is intensified by the dance of the alchemists in fromt of you, by their passion, their explanations of each single step.

Sadly, the address will close its door on July 30th, 16.00, the adventure was always meant to be temporary. You still have a few days to discover it! Let’s hope the torrefactor Square Mile will soon launch a similar experience…

Penny University
4 Redchurch Street
London E2 7DJ

Open till July 30, 2010
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10.00-18.00, Friday 10.00-16.00)

Coffee lover:? Have you tried Monmouth yet? Or Flat White ( for the coming two weeks, you can even get a free coffee there thanks to this operation. I did try on friday, works fine, and what a joy!)?

Hilary and Fran told me this place was such a reference for Londoners. You just had to go there and queue if necessary.

I’m more of a tea-lover but today was just one of these days where you just need caffeine to be injected straight into your system… This sounded like the perfect address to me.

Just a step in and any French is already in love – the counter is litterally covered with pastries: danishes, pains au chocolat, almond croissants, brioche with sugar pearls… Mouth-watering from the very start!

Just behind, you can see the different roasts – ask to try them before bying . We’re talking true coffee lovers here, passionate for the taste but also for the origin and production means and they will happily tell you the stories of each variety.

The shop started here in 1978 – they used to roast the coffee in the basement. In 2003, they move the roasting to Bermondsey, then open at Borough Market where success was immediate. If Parisians are ready to cross their capital for an excellent baguette, the Londoners will brave any obstacle to come here.

Not a lot of space at the back. Very… cosy! A lot of charm though, and you feel at ease immediately. You have to be thin to squeeze in though, I struggled to find a space for my huge handbag.

But the coffee is superb! The organic espresso is so worth it and yes, it does have a cacao note to it. Not enough space? Who cares? For this quality of coffee? We’re talking real coffee here, French like, the one that wakes both spirit and body, that does not leave a bitter taste in your mouth but a lovely roasted aftertaste. I’m seduced. I go straight away to a flat white (the term comes from New-Zealand and applies to a double espresso shot with half the frosted milk a cappuccino would have): delicious, amazing. Just what you need for breakfast. You can actually forget about food, you just want to sip your morning away with a newspaper. And this one is wonderfully decorated -  look below: this is the one to advise your friends when you bring them here for the first time. Definetely the dring to impress a girlfriend too.

Monmouth Coffee gets all the stars – from the welcoming staff to the quality of their products. You walk out… happy. Not even the rain can bother you.

Of course, this is not parent friendly:  just order to take away! With Covent Garden a few steps away, the kids will happily watch comedians, singers, etc… (especially if you have bribed them with a croissant) while you close your eyes and savour your drink…

£1.30 for an espresso, £2.30 for a cappuccino or a flat white. Worth every penny!

Monmouth
27 Monmouth Street
Covent Garden
London, WC2H 9EU
(you’ll find them at the Borough Market too)
Beware, they’re closed on Sundays!