Milk Beach. The name conjures up all kinds of antipodean thoughts, from the secluded beaches of Sydney to (as a Melbournian) Milk Bars in the neighbourhoods of Melbourne.
But this beachy café, turned upside down in the evenings to a restaurant serving natural wines and cool food is positioned in a mews in North London, Queen’s Park. From the onset of Milk Beach’s opening, I was intrigued to find Aussies passionate about coffee and equally passionate about food in an unlikely area just out of central London. Are there even Aussies out here I first thought? Hehe! When I arrived almost 13 years ago it was Earl’s court, Clapham, Shepherd’s Bush (She-bu) and Putney where ex-pats ventured for…clearly we don’t all go there…
I’m forever seeking out good coffee in London and this place provides this and then a lot more!
Milk Beach has clearly become a ‘local’ for the locals and the ‘not-so locals’. Aussies are spreading the word about this place and with its funky mews position, warehouse exterior, extra large bohemian shades with the right amount of plants, it’s fast became a place to have been too.
The Australian-inspired menu for all day brunch has of course vegemite on toast as an option, smashed avo on toast and Granny Elly’s banana bread with espresso cream cheese on the side. Yeap, espresso cream cheese, seriously! This is one super cool Granny!
Coffee. Yeap do not panic…Milk Beach carefully roast their coffee and source coffee from all around the world that are traceable to a farm. They like a good story and chose foods, wines that have a good story.
Sharing plates in the evenings are ideal, especially if you book an event where you can taste their selection of natural wines chosen based on a theme. Perfect for friends and sharing stories!
As I’m writing this Milk Beach is still in lockdown and I’m hoping that post covid everything will start returning to some kind of normal, where we can sit closer to others at tables and hear other Aussies discussing life in London and how good is this place and the coffee?!
When Milk Beach does reopen fully, I recommend the Green bowl – charred seasonal greens, avocado, quinoa and roasted cashews with miso verde dressing, pickled shallots and a poached egg. Or the coddled eggs in a jar with cream and sweet potato purée, sea salt and chives, served with sourdough soldiers. Mmm delicious!
I prefer two coffees, perhaps a latte first and then a flat white (trust me one won’t be enough!) and it would be rude not to try Granny’s banana bread!
Milk Beach may be a secluded stretch of coastline along Sydney’s Hermit Bay , but in London this Milk Beach is my preferred option. Try Milk Beach for a quiet lazy afternoon in the sun.
The one in Oz is pretty good too, but no café there!
Insta: @milkbeachlondon
Address: 19 Lonsdale Road
Queen’s Park, London
NW6 6RA
