Did you really think that I, Coffee and a Camera, would go on an entire week-long trip to London—my first trip to London—and NOT try all the coffee there was to taste all while documenting it? If you thought this, how foolish of you. Of course, I did! Though, I will note early on that I was upstaged and respectfully dethroned as caffeine connoisseur while abroad. There are no hard feelings though, I admire my friends’ taste for the bean whether it be latte, americano, cappuccino, flat white, espresso, or any other coffee concoction you can think of.
My first cup across the pond was naturally, a cappuccino from the hotel dining area because by the time we got to our hotel after getting off the plane, the caffeine withdrawal headache was in full affect. A nice hot mug full was just the welcome I had been hoping for when I touched down in England.
The next morning, with the most incredible view of the city from 35 stories in the air, I slowly sipped on my second cappuccino of the day. Only this time, I didn’t have to stare at the interior wall of a hotel lobby or a bedroom while I did so. I was able to order my coffee as I looked on for miles and miles up and down the Thames River. “Happiness is a hot drink and this view.” That’s what my cup said. How cute is that?!
Later in the week, and in the midst of our day in Kensington, the caffeine withdrawal headache began to rear its ugly head. Some of us were on the search for something to satisfy our rumbling bellies while others were on the lookout for the bean (me). We ended up strolling into a quaint Parisian cafe with pastel blue window trim and fancy gold lettering with fresh bread and pastries displayed in the grand window to the right of the door. Here at Oree, I ordered a chicken salad toastie on a fresh baguette and an espresso to sip on. And boy when I tell you the English don't play around with their espresso, you'd think you were in Italy. The cool cream on top a perfect contrast to the piping hot shot that filled my tiny cup and left my taste buds a little burnt but wholly satisfied.
The next stop on our coffee tour is Elan Cafe. This cafe is located right outside of the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington and the first thing you'll notice is the color: pink everything. The walls are pink. The flowers are pink. The dishware is pink. the chairs are pink. The counters are pink. The menus are pink. It seems as though the only that wasn't pink was my Americano! Its strength combined with its bitterness made for a satisfying and effective boost for the rest of the day in Kensington and Chelsea.
Our final stop on this tour de la bean is at the infamous tourist destination, Peggy Porschen Cakes. Located at the conjunction of Elizabeth and Ebury streets in Victoria, you'll know you're in the right place simply by the line that wraps around the corner of the shop. Tourists are there with cameras and phones out, posing in front of the Pinterest-famous flower-framed front door. Similarly to Elan, the theme is: PINK. From the pink flowers outside to the pink tables inside, you can't help but feel like you're in a magical pink fairyland. Their cappuccinos and hot chocolates come decorated with foam art including bunnies and flowers. So if you're looking to be tickled pink in the middle of London, be sure to add a stop at Peggy Porschen Cakes on your own coffee tour!
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