The decision was made this morning. I wanted to try a place in Soho (the London one) I’ve heard about through the grapevine. It is on 3 Berwick Street, called Foxcroft & Ginger. And guess what? They use Monmouth beans. Who could have guessed. It looks like a fairly small place and it’s easy to just walk past it if you don’t know what to look for. Unfortunately it is the dodgy end of Berwick Street, the one closest to the famous Soho alleys. But to be honest, that’s what I like about Soho. The seedy atmosphere wedding the posh and arty. To some the location might be unfortunate while to me, it’s a plus.

To get to Foxcroft & Ginger, the easiest way would be to take a buss or the Tube to Oxford Circus, then follow Oxford Street in the direction of Tottenham Court Road. After three-four minutes or so on foot you turn right (or left if you come from Charing Cross Road/Tottenham Court Road) and have another three minutes or so to walk before you find it on the left hand side. You will recognize it on the bright orange and white logo on the massive window facing Berwick Street. Inside you will be met by lovely, highly skilled staff from all over the world. When I was there I was served by a smiling French girl and a very helpful Commonwealth barista who wizzed up my cappuccino. As a contrast to yesterdays coffee house visit by Borough Market, this place has a more contemporary interior. White, almost sterile looking tiles behind the till nicely contrasted by a bare brick wall and dark slate gray walls opposite. Homely looking cushions and raw wood tables in the sitting area make it welcoming. It’s not big, but that doesn’t matter because the place vibrates of a warm feeling of goodiness. And the cups, I just have to mention the cups. Vintage and quirky, not a normal restaurant cup or one of those high, mainstream coffee glasses (!) in sight. Brilliant! There are loads of French inspired cakes, croissants and sarnies available to decent prices and high quality. And what’s really a big plus: since it’s a little bit off the beaten track you won’t find too many tourists there. You need a locals’ recommendation to find it. So here you have it. Check it out, it’s a must for any serious coffee connaisseur. (28/8-10)

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