VIBE

This cheery artisan coffee shop in Soho claims inspiration from farmers markets and the Slow Food Movement for its uncluttered aesthetic and simple foodie menu. Hints of Portugal give the menu and style a unique twist. Their signature blend of coffee is melt-in-your-mouth good, and tasty cakes both win plaudits and draw lines of devotees. The space itself is bright but basic: white walls, blond wood, an espresso machine, and a handful of stools around a counter that runs the walls of the room. The slick seating is hard to come by and not super comfy–stop by for the lovely food and drink, but don’t linger.

CROWD

Coffee enthusiasts, tourists, and Soho locals.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Jeans and a funky t-shirt–it’s trendy coffee house casual. But anything goes.

GO HERE WITH

Yourself; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

Their food and drink are spot on: coffees are expertly crafted, and cakes are exquisitely light. Perfect spot to stock a picnic hamper or grab a quick, healthy bite while on the go. We could never come here without having at least one Portuguese custard tart.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Seating is really limited and not very comfortable. Would be nice if it were a better linger-over-your-drink kind of place.

GOOD TO KNOW

Bring cash if you’re only there for a coffee, because credit cards can only be used for purchases of GBP 5 or more. If you’re looking for something more substantial than their menu of light bites, try their food and wine bar on Lexington St. If you want to place a big order (like a picnic lunch for a crowd or a quick office meal), you can call ahead to order, but you need to do so 24 hours in advance. You are welcome to bring food from Lexington St. (where more substantial fare is served) to eat on Beak St., but really, what’s the point?

OTHER LOCATIONS

43 Lexington St. (Food and Wine Bar) (London); 16a St. Anne’s Court (Espresso Bar) (London)

CLOSEST COMPS

Zibetto Espresso Bar (New York)

Read more about Fernandez & Wells Café in The Diary

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