Holborn, Sandwiches, Cakes, Etc Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “Could this be the best coffee in London?” – this speciality chain has grown from this Leather Lane site to 15 around the capital in 10 years, and is, by all accounts, “exceptional” – “definitely worth going out of the way for a brew”. “Staff are friendly”, and sandwiches, salads and cakes are prepared fresh every day at a central in-house kitchen and bakery.

Caffeine aficionados beat a path to the Leather Lane premises of “one of the early champions of speciality coffee”, where they imbibe information from the “friendly and knowledgeable staff” along with their brews. It’s a “comfortable refurbished space”, and there are “great pastries” and breakfast/brunch options to munch on.

“Viennese in style” – this “elegantly understated” sibling to The Wolseley sits on the easterly fringe of the West End, and is “very much a power location”: “the ambience is perfect for business meals – bustling but not too noisy – with well-spaced tables and comfortable seating”; and “obliging” service that’s “efficient and warm”. Its “Mittel European brasserie menu with schnitzel/goulash/wurst etc” is “nothing special, but it is consistent and very acceptable” and “with something amongst the selection of dishes that anyone and everyone can eat”. “Despite the loss of founders Corbin and King, it is mercifully unaltered under its new ownership” with ratings practically identical to last year’s. Top Tip – “fabulous for breakfast”, whether you are dealmaking or not.

Cafe by day, wine bar by night, all "inspired by the cafés found along the winding streets of Puglia’s picturesque city, Lecce".