Kobo is a tiny two-storey café in the heart of Islington. With a prime spot on Upper Street, it’s the perfect place to grab a morning coffee or a quick afternoon treat. There’s a glass cabinet stacked high with cakes, cookies, muffins and a few savoury numbers: sourdough toasties and pastries packed with spinach and cheese.
We tried a few cakes, and surprisingly, the best was a spicy vegan pistachio number with chunks of dried apricots and hits of nutmeg. The banana bread and chocolate custard muffins were okay, though slightly dry. It’s clear that the focus is on the hot drinks, because the chai lattes and flat whites were flawless.
Downstairs the vibe is very much grab-and-go, but upstairs there’s a larger, quieter room where you can sit. Take the table by the window and look out onto the hustle and bustle, enjoying the serenity of this space.