As soon as I stepped into this wonderland, I didn’t feel like I was in London anymore. It is glorious. I had so much fun with my camera in here. The treats and cupcakes are spectacular and the display at the front of the store is a visual delight. Every kind of cup cake, mini meringues, home made marshmallows and even a magical cake decorated with the tea party from Alice in Wonderland. It’s all very impressive. As Valentines day creeps closer, Bea’s has made sure to remind you of all things love, that come covered in sugar and chocolate. The presentation of this place sells it all to me and I really appreciate the effort that has been put in. The menu is written on the wall on huge mirrors that open the room up even more.

The genuine cafe buzz in here excites me and after asking the barista if I may take some photos, I take as many as I can without seeming weird and then proceed to order myself a flat white. I can’t ignore the savoury cupcakes either. Red pepper, feta and mushroom with a herb cream cheese. Soooo Yum!! I take a seat and watch the serious chefs in the back of the store busy with the anticipation of afternoon tea soon to commence. Again, Square Mile Roasters coffee is used here and even though the milk is not as smooth as it could be the espresso is strong and rich enough to pull right through it. The temperature is perfect and it is still a stride above a lot of the coffee I have avoided in London. If I had to choose between great espresso and average milk as apposed to the other option, I would take this anyday. Which does tell me that I miss Melbourne even more, I would never settle for that back home. I decide to stay at Bea’s of Bloomsbury for some time, and settle in on my comfy cushions and relax. A truly beautiful cafe and I will most definitely return.

This place is fantastic.
The whole concept is amazing. I can’t believe I found it without even looking for it. They are serious about their coffee and have been since 1882. Their espresso blend is comprised of seven different single origin beans from around the world including the highly sought after Nicaraguan Maragogype which is more expensive to cultivate than the famous Blue Mountain. It is a joy.
They have an extensive espresso menu alone which I have to include here because it is truly impressive.

Espresso 1882
Espresso 1882 Macchiato
Espresso 1882 Con panne – whipped cream
Espresso 1882 Corretto – amaretto
Espresso 1882 Gianduja – chocolate and whipped cream
Espresso 1882 Gia Cometta – meringue, whipped cream and crushed hazelnut

Honestly!
They also offer a coffee guide on their website for the true coffee veterans such as myself to read and enjoy. You should check it out.
The presentation and perfection of every single shot extracted from the stunning Elektra Belle Époque is enough to make me weak at the knees. The taste! Oh the taste, truly perfect espresso is served here and I am in heaven to have it. It is short and strong and served with a small bitter chocolate and shot of water on the side to expand every mouthful of coffee. It is all about complimenting the coffee here. Caffe Vergnano has, for three generations, been working in London and are now winning awards for their signature 1882 blend. They grow, they roast, they brew, they serve and I’m sure they indulge also. They have 2 coffee bars in London. Southbank Centre and in Charring Cross road, which is where I have found them today. Ahh the Italians! Got to love their dedication and passion for the grand things in life.

So this place is another Australian owned dream. I don’t mean to find all these Australians but it seems we know our stuff. The quality that comes out of this place is really consistent too; I’ve been to Taylor St in Richmond several times. The staff are all very keen on coffee and genuinely nice people so I do like to go back often.
This time, I noticed that they have changed the blend that they are using which I was truly excited about. It’s called Bright Note espresso and it’s a combination of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans. Described to have a chocolate taste. And too right it did. My flat white was delicious as usual and I really truly tasted the chocolate notes on the espresso. It was a joy.
These guys pride themselves on their latte art which is just so pleasing in a beautiful coffee and I love coming time after time. They are located inside Source Food Store, which is interesting enough in itself, a great place to stop and grab some fresh delicious lunch, to go or to stay and have the treasure of Taylor St Baristas tucked in the back waiting for you. They always have a copy of Bean Scene lying around for you to read and their loyalty card…buy four get the fifth free! Such a treat. They source their fair trade, 100% Arabica beans from union coffee roasters and the care starts at the beginning all the way to this delicious flat white sitting in front of me.
Taylor St Baristas, finely crafted coffee for serious coffee drinkers.
Taylor St was founded by 3 Australians who couldn’t find a good coffee in London. There are 3 locations so far. This one in Richmond, another in New street purely for the foot locals and directly across from a massive Starbucks which I know for a fact they all find amusing. Also, in Brighton, where I am yet to venture too but will certainly visit soon.
The barista’s at Taylor St go through some serious work to be able to stand behind their machines, there is an exam that they work really hard to pass before they are even considered apprentice standard. It delves into the science and not just the art of coffee making and it is an important level they set for all the staff to be able to keep their quality across the board. It certainly pays off!