Benugo Café at John Lewis

Charming Spot with Perfect Coffee Vibes

Stepping into the restaurant on the sixth floor of John Lewis for a midday sojourn is akin to diving into eclectic contrasts. Amidst wafting aromas of freshly brewed coffee, there resides an ambiance teetering deftly between a bustling urban pit stop and a serene pedestrian sanctuary. On a particularly sun-dappled afternoon, the friendly echo of conversation brewed as vibrantly as the espresso pumping from their polished machines. The sprawling windows allow natural light to cascade warmly over an inviting array of breads and pastries, making for an indulgent if rather pricey interlude. Observing the conscientious stream of staff was akin to watching a spirited ballet, delivering plates of beetroot salad and temptingly air-light flatbreads smoothly despite the ebb and flow of patrons.

The café’s service knows its moments—one where unimpressionable queues remain alongside slight peculiarities in serving dynamics. While some offerings present themselves in a less than convincingly fresh guise, this shortfall is compensated by staunchly hospitable figures like Tina, whose attentiveness transforms simple coffee time into a warmly memorable chapter. With every cup presenting a quaint ceremony-like persistence often steam veiled in casual grace, it speaks refreshingly beyond its material imperfections. Given this balance of virtues and vulnerabilities, my advice remains; come with the midas touch of patience coupled with curiosity, and you're bound to carve out your fortunate nook here, despite any grey linings in the operational storm. — Audrey Al Dente