The List of Cuppa Places

I don't go to coffee places as much as I used to when living in Ireland or Germany, where it was a very regular thing, but still, not all I drink is booze and I do have my little cuppa favourites in London. Here's my Top 5 (cause I don't have enough for a Top 10, really...):

1 Bertie and Boo's, Balham High Rd.

Its design is so cute it makes you want to vomit. But then again, Bertie and Boo's target audience clearly are young mums with their babies and toddlers. So it's your own fault if you squash into one of the old school desks and eat a delicious sandwich or have a cup of really good, yet not overprized Chai Latte. It has already won all kinds of awards, but sadly, it's in Balham, of all places. But if you ever end up in that neck of the woods, B. and B.'s is worth a visit for sure.

2 Mess Cafe, Hackney Central

Mmmmmm, lovely Mess. It is a Hackney institution with its breakfasts and burgers and smoothies and it has sorted out my hangovers a lot in the past and will certainly continue to do so in the future. At the same time it is not exactly a "cosy coffee place" where I'd meet a friend for a cuppa and a chat. But on a sunday morning/afternoon it is unbeatable.

2 The Empire Cafe, Hackney Empire

This Cafe is in my house, which certainly is a big plus. It also serves lovely looking (haven't actually eaten there yet) food for not too much money and if I was working in Hackney (and didn't live in the same house) I'd probably spend a lot of my lunch breaks there. In my current situation I only very occasionally pop in for a cuppa, cause it's nice and smart and never too full and makes me feel like I don't have holes in my shoes for a moment.

4 Parioli, Lower Clapton Rd

This is not the cheaptest place, selling Italian delicatessen and proper nice food. But it's the perfect place for a nice cuppa while reading a book when it's cold outside or raining. Or to meet a friend for a coffee and a chat. And if you are looking for nice cheese, salami or mortadella, grissini and other Italian things to take home, go there. Or if you want ice cream. Which is what I mostly want. Lovelyniceamazingyummy Italian ice cream. (Do you remember me complaining about the nearest ice cream place being an hour away? All I had to do was cross the street. Oh how I laughed.)

5 Hurwundeki, Cambridge Heath Station

This is a funny place. It's quiet and calming inside, all dark wood and traditional coffee place style and smell. In the rather big outside bit you will find all kinds of random antique toys, and buses thundering past. It's probably where I go most of all the cafes, cause it is a bit special, innit. Also I hear their cakes are amazing.