Wildflower Cafe, Notting Hill

Lively, plant-filled (not all of them wild ;o), recommended by a friend. 

Flat white spillage, too full? And the saucer rim was too high to comfortably get hold of the cup handle. Who'd have thought that might be a problem? 

Still serving brunch at 1.40pm on a Saturday. Mostly egg options; needs more than that. The Shakshuka was nice, up to the point that tomatoes, onions, eggs and feta start to be a bit much. 

I'd thought mirrors on the wall might be the way forward but here they look a bit too awkwardly placed. 

In theory, and in some bits of execution, a great concept, but because they're trying to be both florist and cafe, the plants and pots have labels on them - so it's a bit like being in a garden centre. With cool tables and chairs and good coffee. Glad I went. 

Detour, Askew Rd, Shepherd's Bush

Excellent coffee, incredibly friendly owner

Flat white: £2.40, good

Florentine: £1.50, excellent - but how can they make any money?! She said her prices were too low. 

Really lovely owner, Kelly - I popped in because the friendly accountant down the road suggested it, got chatting, and ahe then sat down with me for about 40 mins talking through what she'd done, costs, suppliers... She took it over about a year ago, the refurbished three months ago - adding the big wall photo, the dark grey and the orange to the existing light grey. She said it made a massive difference - it feels like a new place, she's getting four times the custom on a Sunday that she got a year ago. 

Inspiring, and very generous with her time and advice. 

Scootercaffe, Lower Marsh, Waterloo

Great coffee, great atmosphere... 

Flat white: £2.60, and good. 

I got the seat by the cat, I suspect as no one else wanted to push it off. 

I went back here largely as I thought it was the model for what I want to create. In a business sense, maybe - it sells little food, but great coffee, beers, wine, cocktails - and by 5.30pm on a Sunday there was more alcohol in evidence than coffee. 

And the decor is quirky. There's a scooter by the bar, old ads on the walls... I had thought I loved it, but. The scooter is kind of in the way. The walls look kind of dirty. And it's dark - which works at 10pm but I'm not sure about 5.30pm. 

The other thing about vintage furniture is that it's not always comfortable - I thought that in Pattern, Kings Cross. Might look good but can you relax into it, and still hear your friend speak? 

Still. Good atmosphere, very busy and food for thought. 

drinks menu

coffee
espresso
latte - one part espresso to three parts steamed milk, a little foam
cappucino - expresso, steamed milk, foam (what proportions?)
long black - hot water with espresso added (Americano is espresso with hot water added)
flat white - ristretto (restricted espresso) with equal parts (?) steamed milk
cortado - one to one (?) espresso to steamed milk
filter coffee

black tie - double espresso, black tea, orange blossom water, star anise, crushed tamarind, sugar, condensed milk (traditional Thai iced tea)
cafe miel - espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, honey

tea
builders'
early grey
lapsang souchong
fresh mint

hot chocolate

cool
fresh lime soda
fresh orange soda
watermelon juice
lassi

scrubs

Toilets

The Fire Station, Waterloo

Laveli Bakery, Acton Central

Home of Acton sourdough

Again, not tried the coffee, though the back of this bakery looks like a nice place to linger over one. It's in part my inspiration - I occasionally walk the 25 mins here just to buy a loaf of bread. Because it's the only place I know in the area that sells fresh, handmade, artisan bread - and it's delicious. Then a wander up the street, past two decent pubs, a butcher, a wineseller, antiques shop, charity shop. It's the Acton I'd like to live in - but has no tube, just Overground. 

Anyway - the space by the door is too small so it's always squashed even if there's only two customers. Lots of good looking cakes. Bottles of water on the tables. Decor greys and purples, and red seats outside. Looks good. 

I'll go back for coffee.