Flat White is run by a bunch of Kiwis in the heart of Soho. I made my third visit today for a take-away flat white and have to say I’ve been impressed every time.
They use the Monmouth Coffee espresso blend (see previous post of the Monmouth Coffee store in Covent Garden), though the taste is remarkably different to that produced in the flagship Monmouth Coffee store. The difference, I learned today, is due to the use of a triple basket instead of a double basket – the water is filtered through a greater volume of ground coffee, producing a lovely acidic, lemony taste.
The barista also gently tipped the heated milk back and forth between two small jugs, presumably to thicken the foam and remove any unwanted bubbles. I’ve not seen this technique (nor care) before to get the milk so creamy. The latte art was equally impressive.
What I really love about this place is that it reminds me of my coffee runs on the way to work in Melbourne. They take your name, scrawl it onto the cup, and as someone with an Australian name I appreciate I don’t have to respond to “Carly” when it’s ready – these people know how to spell my name!
I digress. Flat White has that casual cafe feel about it that we love. There are all day breakfast items which don’t involve sausages, black pudding and beans (we had the waffles with honeycomb butter – delish – and the bagels with ricotta sounded yummy), and good, wholesome meals that don’t come pre-packed alongside the promotional Christmas CDs. And the service is friendly.
Ah, if only there was a Flat White on every corner. “Respect” to the owners and staff – thanks for a perfect coffee every time. I’ll be coming back.
Loading ...
Think Flate whites good. You should check out Climpson and sons – Broadway Market E8.
Not only superb coffee but great food to along side. Worth a trip.
all you aussies reading this wont understand the importance of such a place like this in london. They say it is a huge worldly city but they have nothing on aus when it comes to coffee
nice review kylie
Other flat whites suppliers in London: The Pavillion in Victoria Park E9 and Monmouth Coffee staff at Colombia Road E2. Closest you’ll get at a chain are the thick foamy cappuccinos at Apostrophe and smaller chain 1882 on Charing Cross Rd. Choyce!
Amanda
Hi coffee lovers, thought I would let you know about two other great antipodean places in London which, like Flat White on Berwick St., serve the beloved Bonsoy:
Taylor St. Barista – Richmond (Source Food Stores, right next to the Richmond station – 27d The Quadrant). Also in Brighton, on Fleet Street (mornings only) and opening one at Liverpool St. I believe.
Providores – my favourite restaurant/tapas bar in London (Peter Gordon) which does great coffee and awesome muffins (as well as everything else!)
Monmouth coffee does not serve soy milk, but I believe they are excellent for coffee too.
This is a shameless plug for my sister’s cafe which opened last Friday in Fitzrovia. She hails from Melbourne and was determined to create a cafe experience in London that could rival the best Melbourne has to offer. I think she has succeeded – but see what you think. It is called Lantana, and is on 13 Charlotte Place (pedestrian walkway that connects Rathbone Street and Goodge St). Monmouth coffee, served buy Australian baristas, and to die for banana bread, baked eggs, corn fritters…
I’ve been going to Flat White for a while and hail from Melbourne. Lantana is doing a great job of spreading the decent coffee word in Fitzrovia. There’s nothing as good in the vicinity. I work up the street and have been making the hike to Flat White everyday much to the disdain of my boss. Rock on Lantana!
[...] from its retail stores in Borough Market or Covent Garden, from its wholesale market cafés such as Flat White and Fernandez & Wells, or making a cup at home from their beans. Monmouth has not always been [...]