Travel Tips - Cafes

For an authentic laid-back atmosphere with a real kick-start coffee aroma, there are few places like Ray’s Jazz Cafe in Foyle’s Bookshop. As much as the famous Charing Cross Road branch of Foyle’s has become a safe-haven for the literary minded, their recently rejuvenated first-floor lunchroom offers a relaxing mixture of cool music, great food and freshly-brewed blends – setting it in complete contrast to the sterile coffee-house chains that have taken over the city.

The wide range of organic freshly-made food – from out-of-the-oven quiches to scrumptious salmon bagels and pastries – is also what separates this cafe from its lowly generic counterparts. Another feather in their cap is the reliable free wi-fi service that they provide, although you will find most patrons prefer to sit back with a light refreshment and an engrossing novel. If you are on a whistle-stop tour of the London sights, this chilled-out refuge – halfway between the British Museum and Trafalgar Square – is an ideal place for a quick time out. Also, try to pay a visit on a mid-week evening, when they host performances with some of the most accomplished jazz musicians the city can offer.

After a few hectic hours of shopping in the West End of London, you could well be in need of a time out. If you find yourself stranded in the middle of the high street with nowhere to turn, take a little walk down the cobble stones of Covent Garden and you will come across the hidden sanctuary of Neal’s Yard – a true oasis in the retail insanity.

The range of charming coffee shops and restaurants here provide an array of choice for a perfect mid-afternoon snack and also serve up more substantial dishes if you have built up an appetite. A more ethical coffee break can be had at the World Food Cafe and definitely not to be missed for a quick treat is the delectable carrot muffin from the Neal’s Yard Salad Bar.

Although problems may arise from spending too much time relaxing in the colourful surroundings of this safe haven rather than facing another battle on the high street, the area surrounding the yard features a number of charming boutiques selling everything from antiques, handicrafts and homemade goods that will no doubt help ease you back into the action.

It’s hard not to be reminded of the trendy cafes and restaurants of London’s Soho when you see this place, but step inside and you’ll discover that Coffee @ 33 not only oozes style, but its also got substance with its superb coffee and mouth watering cakes.

A seemingly young and fashionable crowd can be caught lounging in the window, on seating made from recycled coffee sacks, or otherwise enjoying the tiny decked terrace at the back of the coffee shop.

I’ll definitely be adding this place to my list of favourite coffee shops in Brighton, and being so close to the railway station, it’s well worth a visit on your way to the North Laine.

Le Pain Quotidien will no doubt attract a mixed reception, as I am sure any chain of cafes or restaurants will, however having enjoyed breakfast in a number of their establishments (namely New York city and Paris) its definitely a café that will remain on my radar.

Here you’ll enjoy a range of wonderful breads, sandwiches, cookies, cakes and other artisan bakery items in a really inviting setting of wooden tables and shelves packed with freshly baked bread and jars of preserve.

Go for the breakfast basket of organic bread, croissants, jams and whole nut peanut butter... all washed down with an orange juice or a bowl of milky coffee (café au lait). This will certainly keep you going as you explore everything on offer in Paris, and if you don’t want to wait, they also offer take away.