It’s easy to find terrific coffee in London. For coffee shops, the challenge is to stand out. Does Store St. Espresso manage it?
For a start, the coffee comes courtesy of the hugely talented bods at Square Mile. That means top notch beans.
I’m beginning to wonder, however, if something in London has to give, considering that maybe 80% of the artisan coffee shops serve the same Square Mile offering at any particular moment. In great coffee, the bean is just one of many variables, but, if there is a lack of real spice in the London coffee scene, I wonder if newer roasteries (like Nude and Workshop) will provide it.
Digression over. I’ve visited Store St. a couple of times in recent months and my coffees – including a flat white and an Aeropress – were top notch.
The space, too, is great. Unlike the eponymous espresso, it’s long and white (haha). Plenty of tables and chairs for sitting in solitude with a laptop, plenty of others for nattering in good company.
What’s more, the talented baristas are friendly and helpful, and the brownies are to die for.
The first time I visited it was jam packed. The second time was during the Olympics and, as few predicted before the Games, London was deserted and most of Store St’s regulars were on holiday. As the staff explained, it was a quiet couple of weeks.
So, the question is, does Store St. stand out? I think the answer is, it doesn’t need to.
It just does everything very well and has the loyal following it fully deserves. Definitely one to add to your London coffee “to do” list.
Date of visit: 6 August 2012
