Saturday 3 September 2011

A review of Shoreditch Grind

213 Old Street, London, EC1V 9NR (Exit 8, Old Street Tube)

Only opened in June, this trendy street-side coffee bar does caffeine, cake, pastries, gourmet sandwiches and salads at surprisingly affordable prices. Their cinema-esque signage adds a touch of humour with an ever changing slogan - follow them on Twitter and you might even get to suggest one.

I’m really pleased (if a little surprised) to report that this new Shoreditch coffee destination is uncharacteristically unpretentious, with realistic prices and a relaxed atmosphere. We stopped by on a Saturday morning and were greeted by a short queue and our choice of the seating on offer.

We had a cappuccino, latte and pain au chocolat as (regrettably) it was too early for lunch. They use their own house blend of coffee, and I must admit I found it rather too bitter and had to add some sugar to enjoy my latte. However, I know that many like their coffee tongue-tingling so cannot really mark them down on this front.

Window-side stools with easy access to plugs for your laptop straddle the floor to ceiling windows, allowing you to catch up on some work/socialising whilst quenching your thirst and appetite. The two magazines left strewn on the tables (MensHealth and The Economist) hinted at the usual weekday clientele, but at the weekend we felt at home next to firemen, tourists, and local scenesters.

The unparalleled fishbowl view of Old Street round-a-bout becomes unexpectedly picturesque when framed by their windows, and I would easily dally for a while people watching over lunch on a future visit.

Check out their website, or follow them on Twitter.

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