A review of Nude Espresso

Image from nudeespresso.com

6 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR
I popped into Nude Espresso on the way home yesterday evening as it seemed to be the only place still open around Spitalfields and Brick Lane to grab coffee and cake at 4.30pm. Although they close at 5 they were happy to serve drinks and cakes and for us to sit in to quickly warm up and refuel.

I had a hot chocolate which was rich without being sickly and they didn’t mess around with cream or marsh mellows, which I always turn down. My other half went for a flat white which was well poured, even though by a trainee. Their house blend seemed quite mellow with the warmed milk, although I did have an iced coffee from here back in the summer which packed a bit more of a punch.

They source, roast and blend their own coffee beans which you can buy for yourself and they also sell them wholesale to other businesses. With their roastery around the corner in the old cooperage yard of the Truman Brewery, the grind all goes on in the East End now, but the business has retained distinctive elements of its Kiwi heritage.

Image by @GarethReidPhoto

To accompany our drinks, we had a lamington, the presence of which pretty much made my day. A dream of vanilla sponge rolled in chocolate icing then desiccated coconut, I have never seen a lamington in the UK before, despite them being 10 a penny in Australia and New Zealand.

Their menu seems to revolve around cakes and breakfast which makes it pretty much perfect in my eyes. You can get some brunch from £2.50 for raisin toast, to £9.50 for a full on brekkie. The cakes are all around £2.50.

My only slight query about Nude Espresso is the rather utilitarian feel of the cafe seating. It’s not cosy, or somewhere I’d really want to while away an hour or so. This is probably its exact purpose - to deter lingerers who take up a seat for hours with only a latte and laptop to keep them company. But it does seem rather a shame for legitimate customers.

The staff were great though. And happily included me in their debate as to whether lamingtons are originally an Australian or New Zealand delicacy. I’ll leave you with that to ponder...

Nude Espresso website, Twitter, Facebook.

A review of The English Restaurant

50/52 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6AG.

I’ve been frequenting the English Restaurant (previously Market Coffee House) for a while now. Since before I moved to London in fact. Being so conveniently located near to Liverpool Street station and on the doorstep of Spitalfields and Brick Lane, it’s

one of those reliable places I just keep going back to. 

I was first drawn to its quintessentially British charms when showing my Dutch friend around the city. With so many chains and imports, it can be difficult to find somewhere so traditional yet down to earth. Yes, they do afternoon tea. But no, you don’t need to put your little finger up when drinking your tea. And they won’t mind if you just want to pop in for a coffee and a cookie either.

Serving breakfasts ranging from yogurts, cereals and compotes (my favourite!) to a full English there’s always something you fancy. And with prices ranging from £2 - £9 you can even afford to mix and match if you want to!

Lunch is a bit more of a formal affair (I’m sure I once had a cheese toastie but they must have gone upmarket of late) with a wide selection including soup, oysters and salt beef sarnies. Prices are still reasonable though (sea bass / steak comes in at £15.50). Afternoon tea is served from 3pm and includes finger sandwiches, scones, mini cakes and tea. At £11 per person it’s a good alternative to the much more pricey upmarket hotels.

I’ve never stayed for dinner and think that might be slightly out of the remit of this blog, however, I have met a friend here for an after work glass of vino once or twice and the evening atmosphere is just as convivial and the wine is yummy!

The English Restaurant has a website, and is on Facebook.