Wild & Wood Coffee

Coffee – 7.5/10

Atmosphere – 8/10

Wild and Wood wasn’t on the list of coffee shops I made to visit while I’m in London. I needed a place to study and wanted to do it somewhere that was cozy and that I could still get good coffee. I decided to give it a shot…and I’m really glad I did.

The coffee is good. Not the best that I’ve had in London, but it’s good. My cappuccino was well made, smooth and creamy. They use two shots in every drink, a good decision in my opinion because there was the prefect balance of milk and espresso. My black Americano was also good, maybe a bit bitter, but no horrible aftertaste. Their food looks pretty scrumptious, and judging from the number of people that ordered some I’d say it tastes delicious as well.

But what really won my heart is the atmosphere. Wild and Wood is a world away from the industrial, minimalist trend of its fellow London coffee shops. Terracotta floors are offset by wood paneled benches and stools, and an open kitchen space where the coffee is made. It feels like you’re stepping in to someone well-worn home, as opposed to a coffee shop. Best of all is the ‘nook’, just to the left of the entrance. It’s a tiny wood-panelled room (seriously it’s about the size of a walk-in closet). There are two small booths and a slightly larger one. It’s the quintessential ‘cozy corner’ I was looking for.

The staff could’ve been a little more amiable, but they weren’t unkind by any means. The customers Wild and Wood seem to draw in are friendly and conversational. It seems like the perfect place to bring a friend and maybe meet a new one along the way. So if you’re looking for somewhere to read or write, or perhaps somewhere to meet with a friend, this is a great place to do it. 

Me in the Nook!

Monmouth Coffee

Machine: La Spaziale, 2 groups

Grinder: Mazzer Luigi

wildandwoodcoffee.co.uk

St Ali's, London

Coffee – 8.5/10

Atmosphere – 8.5/10

I found St Ali’s while searching for somewhere to grab coffee on my way to work (London Coffee Guide pulled through again). I consider myself lucky that I get to stop in every morning for a cup before heading for the Museum of the Order of St John (another place you should visit).

I always think 'organic' when I walk in. The abundance of wood and light coupled with a surprisingly open floor plan make it seem as if the shop has always been there. You can watch them roast their own coffee in the back of the shop at the same time you’re watching them make your latte or cappuccino at the coffee bar. Chalkboards tell you where their filter coffees originate. The staff is friendly and full of personality. As you sit you get the feeling that this is a shop unto itself; they may be aware of what’s going on outside, but its irrelevant for what they’re trying to accomplish inside their walls.

While the coffee is a bit acidic for my taste, that hasn’t stopped me from dropping by almost every morning. Whether its filter coffee or an espresso drink, you can have confidence in the fact that these guys know what they’re doing. The atmosphere is great for talking or reading the paper; the openness and light of the space will allow you a few minutes to really breathe. As if that weren’t enough, they serve food in both the café and a restaurant upstairs.

Here’s the verdict: St Ali’s is worth a visit, both for the coffee and the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to become a regular, definitely give it a try or eight. It’s the kind of place that grows on you a little more each time you walk in.

ST. ALi coffee

Machine: Slayer, 3 groups

Grinder: Mazzer Robur E x 2

stali.co.uk