Contributed by Anna Scott:
Coffee Shops in London: Artisan Coffee, Stamford Brook
Do the Hammersmith/Chiswick borders really need another place to go for a hot cup of java? On the face of it, probably not. But there were a few things about Artisan Coffee that caught my eye, the main one being that it wouldn’t necessarily be considered eye catching in the slightest. Situated in the long-empty site of a former off-licence on the corner of King Street and Goldhawk Road, Artisan Coffee is not about gimmicks or fancy interiors, with its exposed brick wall and stripped back floorboards and wooden benches. This made me think that what they are about might just be the coffee (and it’s surprising how many cafés seem to put this pretty low on their list of priorities)…
We visited on a Friday morning without children in tow and with the sparse décor, this also meant there was ample room for a few pushchairs between the tables, so visit with or without children and you’re ensured a warm welcome. The staff were friendly and helpful, with our order brought to our table and the free wifi working like a dream.
But back to the coffee. Well, my husband, who drinks a fair amount of the stuff, declared it was the best he’d had since moving back from Australia over a year ago. High praise indeed, as he is extremely fussy when it comes to his latte. And it seems that word has gotten around pretty quickly in Stamford Brook, with nearly every table full by the time we left, but because of the aforementioned interior, it never felt cramped. I usually find fiddly designs and furniture not in the least bit inviting, so, for me, this is the perfect environment to enjoy a hot drink on a cold day.
And that’s not to mention the food menu, at present, limited to toasted sandwiches and granola, but there is a mouth-watering display of cakes and pastries on the counter, for those who demand indulgence with their caffeine.
Yes, I think I may have found a new favourite coffee place in Hammersmith. Oh, and their music selection was great too. Which is nearly as important as the coffee…
For more information, please visit: www.artisancoffee.co.uk
