Kaffeine, Fitzrovia

So when I moved to London, there were two suggestions given I think to every coffee loving, brunch loving Melbournian- go to Lantana and go to Kaffeine. A place to remind you of home they said. I didn’t really get why I should visit at the beginning, as surely I left Melbourne to explore and experience the world, try new exotic foods and experience new cultures! Surely?! I lasted about a month…maybe less! Haha!

But initially it wasn’t the coffee I was going to Kaffeine for, after all I didn’t start drinking the good stuff until 2013! I went for the atmosphere and the familiarity of the food at Kaffeine and the fact that you could almost guarantee sitting next to a fellow Aussie and exchange a recommendation or two! Now of course I go to Kaffeine for the coffee!

When I go to Melbourne and meet fellow Aussies who use to live in London, they ask enthusiastically, “Do you go to Kaffeine?” Now I reply with as much enthusiasm, “Of course!”

The old school noticeboard outside Kaffeine greets you with the wisdom almost every single time at the Great Titchfield Street café. On the few benches outside you’ll find the sun worshippers catching the rays and discussing summer plans. Inside Kaffeine you’ll be greeted by lamingtons, Anzac biscuits and other delicious treats, not to mention a healthy selection of salads and foods to crave for. The chicken parma burger is my all-time favourite-if only I could work out what day it is on the menu?! Their other Kaffeine café (yes there are 2!!) is in Eastcastle Street and is worth the visit too.

I recently experienced Kaffeine’s latte art course– which was fabulous and ensured that I kept my day job! But nevertheless I learnt heaps and confirmed my appreciation for a barista. A Queenslander once said to me ‘A good barista in Melbourne is more prestigious than the PM!’ I’ll let you decide what to make of that!

Melbourne is all about the ‘magic’ coffee. In layman’s terms it’s basically a double shot with ¾ of the milk. Apparently a ‘magic’ is steamed milk poured over a double ristretto and served in a smaller 160ml cup giving it the optimum coffee milk ratio. A ristretto is a ‘restricted espresso’ meaning that it’s the first of a shot of coffee only and supposedly purer. Magic. Kaffeine is the only place I would dare ask for a ‘magic’ in London.

I love Kaffeine as the people in the queue know what they want: “A flat white thanks! To have here! Can I pay for 2 and get the other one later?” Kaffeine is the kinda place where you will want another one! Kaffeine is a place worth revisiting.

You won’t feel lost here.

Insta: @kaffeinelondon

Kaffeine is an established, independent Australian owned café with 2 locations in Fitzrovia

Address: 66 Great Titchfield St & 15 Eastcastle Street