Brooks & Gao

London’s Best Cinnamon Buns Await You!

Discovering this charming corner café was a delightful surprise amid a high street typically dominated by chains. The outdoor seating, though slightly lacking in privacy due to its proximity to the road, provides a quaint, Parisian-like ambiance. While it may seem that you’d have to bundle up to enjoy your meal here in colder weather, the experience of sharing a cinnamon bun or sipping on their renowned yet ephemeral blood orange juice feels like participating in a hidden gem known only to locals. The on-site deli occupies a curious space between a cozy coffee shop and a boutique gourmet marketplace, an alluring combination of irresistible pastries, fresh sandwiches, and a divine selection of cheeses and wines.

The focus here is undeniably on quality and flavor, shining through creations such as the focaccia with burrata, fennel, radicchio, and chili, reminiscent of something you'd expect from a bustling trattoria. While the double shot at my perfectly lightweight oat matcha latte might have infuriated some purists—an additional 50p charged for opting for plant-based milk seemed excessive considering today’s trends—the layers of velvety texture spoke for themselves. Even minor grievances over an eagerly attentive staff didn't diminish the culinary prowess unfolding within those deceptively simple pastry walls. As a welcome reprieve from ubiquitous café monotony, I left plotting reasons to linger longer next time, perhaps indulging more deeply in the carrot cake, reputedly an unsung hero amongst their decadent array. Despite any discrepancies, this café asserts itself confidently as a trusty haven, worthy of traversing past myriad options for a daily indulgence of exceptional food and drink. — Jasper Griddle