Regardless of the implications of consuming coffee, I’m delighted at the influx of antipodean style cafes infiltrating London life. Beyond the quality of the coffee, which is streets ahead of what is served in regular coffee chains across the city, these cafes offer a place to simply ‘hang out,’ a space to meet friends, listen to music, and interact with people passing or sitting nearby. These days, also, a place to work. Invariably, they are defined by the personalities of the owners, and the idiosyncracies of the workers you get to know personally. In short, they offer a sense of community. One such discovery is ‘Ginger & White,’ tucked away on a side street in Hampstead. Featuring a kid friendly space, a communal table, great flat whites (prepared with heart) and a low-key menu including Boiled Eggs served with Soldiers. Well worth a visit. Pictured: the requisite ‘Flat White’ served with a delicious polenta cake.
