Sungjae Lee learned to love good coffee in his native Seoul. Since moving to London in 1988 he'd thought about opening a coffee bar. Late in 2012, after a year of planning, building and training, he achieved his ambition. The tiny space (table seating for 10) used to be part of Mr Lee's estate agent office, which he still operates next door, just 30 seconds or so from the tube station.
There are a few pastries from Gail’s Bakery and a good set of teas and a few soft drinks. But mostly there is espresso and its derivatives, made with beans from Square Mile and Crankhouse. What we tasted when we were there in 2013 was exemplary: great beans perfectly brewed to give a beautiful crema with a rounded sweetness. Finchley Road is not exactly crowded with great places for coffee, and that makes this diminutive spot not just unusual but very welcome.