These days going to a cafe anywhere is not about food all alone as the service, ambiance and most importantly the experience counts the most. Food outlets in cities have come up with some innovative and quirky themes to ensure a high footfall.
With the cafe culture on the rise all over the UK, cafe owners are working overtime to make their establishments unique, not only to attract more people and serve good food, but also as a hub to create social awareness. Here are seven such idiosyncratic cafe joints of London that are sure to cater both to your tummy and soul.
Draughts, Waterloo & Hackney
Located beneath the Waterloo station and spread across two venues, this once old railway arch has been converted into one of the most popular board games spots in London. Providing healthy competition, Draughts believes in creating a perfect escape for people who wish to play any of the 1000 games available on the shelves in order to reconnect with friends and disconnect from technology. Apart from reasonable prices (£5 per person to play), there is a great selection of food and craft beer. Moreover, children are allowed in till 9pm, which allows for extra long board games sessions for novices and gamers alike.
Cereal Killer Cafe, Brick Lane & Camden
The UK’s first speciality cafe, the Cereal Killer Cafe in London, is the only outlet that sells breakfast all day but with a difference. In fact, its menu has nothing but 18 flavours of pop tarts, cereal cocktails and 120 different cereals from around the world on the list-but boy don’t the kids love it! The cereals are customised with 20 different toppings and 13 varieties of milk to create a bowl of your choice. The two floor cafe houses some exquisite cereal memorabilia and is open till 8pm. No wonder the twin brothers opened a second branch.
Biscuiteers, Nottinghill
This quirky cafe holds a range of icing events, seven days a week, to suit every budding biscuiteer. Whether you fancy learning something new in the School of Icing or just want to chill with an afternoon cup of tea, Biscuiteers is the place to be. Launched in 2007, Biscuiteers offer a stylish and unique way of sending personal gifts in the form of beautifully iced biscuits in aesthetically designed packs. Every single biscuit is handmade lovingly adopting old fashioned production techniques.
Fuckoffee, Bethnal Green
Fuckoffee is another quirky cafe with weird wall hangings, cute cheap vinyl flooring, and a wide menu featuring cake and organic coffee. Though insulting (in name only), Fuckoffee is decked out in a range of styles and colours from photos of Stalin on the walls to old dining chairs and a range of lovely mugs on sale. Apart from the excellent coffee the cafe has a large variety of cakes and sandwiches on the menu.
The Twisted Fork, Stoke Newington
The world’s first coffee bar with a magical theme, The Twisted Fork serves coffee, tea and cake in a unique manner through optical illusions and street magicians. The cafe also has an incredible magic shop with a magic school and provides services of top class magicians for parties and other private events. Founded by an expert magician, The Twisted Fork won the award of the best themed cafe within months of its operation in 2019. So if you happen to be visiting UK in winters, make sure to stop by for a magical cup of mocha.
Alpes, Pop Brixton
Alpes is a bijou alpine bistro located in the famous Pop Brixton which specialises in Savoyard dishes all through the year. Housed in a really funky shipping container, this unique cafe is the ideal meeting point for those wishing to fulfill their fondue and raclette dreams, supplemented by a high quality wine selection. Alpes also serves some small palates topped with wild mushrooms. Though mostly for non-vegans, the cheese lava at Alpes is difficult to beat.
Bunga Bunga, Covent Garden
Immersive live entertainment, an extensive drinks menu and famous meter long pizzas with a twist are the defining features of the Bunga Bunga cafe. Watch circus performances unfold right in front of your table as you feast on the celebrated five-course menu. Named after the wild parties held by Berlusconi, Bunga Bunga provides tongue in cheek entertainment from burlesque dancers to drag artists as you dine in this crazy restaurant.
Whats your favourite cafe in London?
