One of the best stands by far! Every Saturday, London Fields end of Broadway Market

www.broadwaymarket.co.uk

Another little gem I stumbled across whilst in Edinburgh sits on a high street on the newmarket side of town. Inside an unexpecting doorway, you’ll find an inspiring coffee shop known as Artisan Roast. When you first enter it may take you a while to get used to the setup here ; with no counter and no ‘formal’ way of ordering, paying or drinking your coffee it is a little unusual. But it’s things like the unusual layout and decoration that makes this place so special with the barista made to feel like one of the customers hanging out in the shop.

The first room allows a quick stop, people watch and caffeine dose, whilst the backroom (or ‘the mooch’ as they refer to it) provides a space for a longer more indulgent stay. Of everywhere I’ve visited in Scotland I can confidently say that Artisan Roast is the one place worth getting of bed and facing the cold, chilled day for.

57 Broughton St, Edinburgh, Scotland. U.K.

www.artisanroast.co.uk

In a laneway off Columbia Rd, down a courtyard and through a door you’ll find a little place within which dreams are made of. Lily Vanilli is open once a week, for 7.5 hours only, making it all the more desirable. Each time you visit this small and unique bakery the selection of cakes and slices will be a little different from the last, but be sure there will be more than one thing to tempt you. The shop and staff are unpretentious and instantly fill you with a  child like euphoria. From red velvet cupcakes to zucchini and carrot cake, Lily Vanilli has something to offer any sweet cravings. The coffee is up to scratch too, and with so much to do around the area on Sunday Lily Vanilli is the perfect place to stop off and rest those weary feet for as long as time allows.

6 The Courtyard, Ezra St, London, UK.

www.lilyvanilli.com

The crystal mojito – Bacardi Mint Distillate. Bacardi Lime Distillate. Sour Acids. Sugar and Soda Water

For those of you who look down on the popular, and slightly overdone mojito, Bramble will change your mind. Below a small alterations shop, on the new town side of Edinburgh you’ll be lucky to find a barely identifiable cocktail bar known as Bramble. Inside the small bar you’ll find quite a number of small nooks, perfect for a late night drink or private conversation. From about 8.30pm onwards a DJ mixes in with the crowd playing old school ‘soul’ music making you feel as though your at an intimate gig. Given the size of the wee bar it fills up fast, so I’d get in relatively early to secure one of the few seats available.

The cocktail list is small, with some unusual and well crafted drinks showcasing their creativity and skill. And as I found out they even manage to impress with their mojito, changing any perceptions you may have about the drink. Served tall in a lavish crystal tumbler, these guys build the cocktail using distillate spirits, resulting in a clean, sophisticated version of the ice crushed, mint muddled mojito.

www.bramblebar.co.uk

16A Queen st, Edinburgh, Scotland. U.K

For me, Barrafina could possibly offer the most perfect dining experience imaginable. No fuss, limited bar stool seating, a buzzing atmosphere, and ridiculously tasty food, those spaniards definitely know how to dine. It’s a little confusing at first but when you walk in, just join the back of the queue (and there will always be a queue) and it won’t be long before there’s a drink in your hand, and a pang in your stomach. The line moves relatively fast, and the staff are extremely helpful and professional, getting people seated, fed and watered as quick as humanly possible. Once you do get a seat up at the bar you’ll have a hard decision deciding on what to eat as every dish you see looks just as good as the last. Food here is simple, and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients and knowledge of how to prepare/pair them, I’m still trying to figure out how they made tomato juice and bread taste like so incredible. The wine list is appropriately all Spanish with a selection of sherry’s, albarino’s, malbecs and more which will again have you struggling to decide on just what you want to consume. Decor is minimal here, with the food and the ‘action’ being the focus, but with a beautiful marble bar and floor, stainless steel, mirror and lots of glass, Barrafina is a modern restaurant with just the right amount of warmth and detail.

54 Frith St, Soho, London. U.K

www.barrafina.co.uk

Sitting at one end of Broadway Market you’ll find the small and endearing Climpson and Sons. There isn’t too much to say about this place except that the coffee is good and you’ll wish it was your local spot for a morning coffee. As with most of my favourite coffee haunts, Climpson and Sons is pretty noncholant in it’s offerings, with a small amount of seating and an adequate offering of breakfast and lunch options to accompany your coffee. On saturdays these guys have their own stand at the weekly food market right on their doorstep, selling both coffee on the spot and roasted beans to take-home and enjoy. If you visit mid week my recommendation would be a window stool – to watch all the activity on the always busy street in front – and a bircher museli, served cold or warm – creamy, fruit and nut filled bircher with a layer of thick yoghurt and topped with crushed pistachio’s and honey – to make a perfect morning visit.

67 Broadway Market, London. U.K

www.webcoffeeshop.co.uk

With a mainly Spanish and Moorish inspired menu, Moro will have you eating dishes and flavours that you’d be lucky to experience in any good restaurant in  Spain. Located on a quiet street in Exmouth Market, I have no doubt Moro will impress you with every dish you sample. The flavours are fresh, well put together and ridiculously tasty with a bit of a Moroccan feel to the mainly Spanish dishes, each of which change fortnightly. Expect lots of spices, nuts and grains mixed with fresh and unusual produce and meats. The décor is simple with a lot of warm colours including greens, deep red and blue’s in bold colours and patterned tiles.  The tables are a beautiful walnut wood, with a slightly mid-century feel to their shapes and table decorations have a very authentic, hand-made feel with clay bowls for the salt and pepper. Moro really is a beautifully executed, modern interpretation, of some amazing traditional flavours and dishes.

34 – 36 Exmouth Market, London. UK

www.moro.co.uk

When in London, you’ll soon learn that ‘The Borough” is known for it’s market. And quite a market you’ll soon find it is. From French cheese, to local bread, Spanish olives to emu burgers this market really has most things you desire. . . and many things you won’t know you did. My advice would be to do a few, good laps before you settle on what you want to eat at the market with choices such as seasonal soups, beef burgers, felafels, pork pies, jacket potatos and much more. And when you can’t handle any more food or samples be ready to start stocking up for your week ahead. Set under London Brisge and crammed full of fresh produce on market stalls, these markets are a London must. The crowds pack in, so visit like a local and get here early to trawl the markets in as much peace as possible at borough.

Under London Bridge, Borough High St, London. U.K.

www.boroughmarket.org.uk

Down under London Bridge, on the outskirts of the Borough Markets you’ll find a little coffee haven known as Monmouth Coffee. The second site from the now reputable Coffee establishment, the Borough store is always bustling, especially on market days. Expect to wait in a rather long line, but also expect it to be worth the wait. If ‘drinking in’ you can take a seat a the long communal table, where fresh baguettes, jams and real butter are laid out for all to share. Coffee is the focus here, and these guys don’t mess around. They do single filter coffee or espresso based varieties, in one size, with one type of milk. No options, no fuss, just good honest coffee.

The decor is beautiful, warm and inviting. If you can see a free seat, I encourage you to take it and sit back amongst the timber and green to watch all the going’s on off the small coffee house. Low lights make focal points of the coffee equipment and sweat treats, such as almond croissants or hand rolled truffles. Monmouth, Borough, is well worth the visit wether going to the markets or not. . . my only advice is get in early so you can get a few in!

2 Park Street, The Borough, London. U.K.

www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk

Consuming design has moved city. . . only temporarily. So please enjoy posts on all that is memorable in the U.K and Europe, just to help lure you over!