Bea's of Bloomsbury

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.

The Espresso Room

Wow, take this literally. The Espresso Room, is just that, a little room devoted to coffee. A very little room. Impressively small actually. Now I know that's many ways to say The Espresso Room, was small but you get my point. I take a photo from the front as I approach, but I genuinely feel imposing with a camera inside. So I tuck it away quietly in my bag and take two steps towards the counter. I am also impressed as I enter, to hear an English guy (evidently the owner) reprimanding a barista in training for the sound of her milk. I already like this guy. He proceeds to tell me about the beans he has available to purchase and where they come from. I am impressed again to find such a selection of good coffee coming out of such a tiny room. I order myself a flat white to go, there is a guy reading and relaxing on one of the 3 benches provided and he looks like he has been there a while, another good sign.
I sit outside and begin to enjoy a delicious coffee and watch the human traffic pass from the hospital across the road.
The A frame black board outside informs me that “coffeeness + cakeyness = happiness” and by the looks of the perfectly placed treats inside, I tend to agree. I like this little room. I fear the location is lost on me, however, the hospital staff and visitors I believe would be grateful for The Espresso Room's very close proximity. The coffee is great I must say. Another cafe using square mile roasters coffee in London. The perfection of my milk is appreciated and I enjoy my first flat white for the day very much.