Green Owl Cafe

Charming Café: Decadent Breakfast & Warm Service

Last Thursday morning, I found myself drawn through the doors of a petite, cheerful café tucked along a busy street, where the din of London fades into something cozier. This charming little enclave is as inviting as an oversized armchair, welcoming everyone with the resonance of old friends and casual smiles that make even solo diners feel like regulars. The menu is surprisingly robust for its size, seeking to satisfy early risers, with options ranging from delightfully golden rosti-laden eggs royal to an aromatic, soothing lavender and honey latte. Amidst the gentle clatter of plates and friendly banter, I settled on the 3-egg omelette, generously filled with savory ham and tomatoes. It arrived alongside a tropical smoothie just ten minutes after ordering, each bite and sip working its magic to ease the hectic pace of the morning.

Intriguingly multicultural in its breakfast offerings, the café's appeal goes beyond gastronomy into an experience defined by an unpretentious eagerness to please. Staff members, particularly the vivacious Lucie, float from table to table, as much a part of the warmth as the sun streaming through the windows. Brekkies are beautifully plated yet far from lingering pretensions; the price tags may summon a grimace for newcomers expecting provincial thrift, but truly reflect the fair exchange for this urban oasis’s attentive hospitality and quality, mostly organic ingredients. Be warned: dairy-free devotees may baulk at the surcharge on milk alternatives, but don't let it cloud the otherwise crisp moments shared under this cozy café’s roof. With its lighthearted air, finely tuned coffee variations, and yields of scrumptious fare, it’s little surprise locals join each weekend or that departing patrons feel the tug of returning soon. — Clarissa Cuisinier