Soho Grind

The phrase ‘Soho grind’ might bring to mind more than just coffee, but there’s nothing unsavoury about this spot on Beak Street. Once you’re inside the second branch of popular coffee shop Shoreditch Grind, it’s all cheery smiles and Radio 2.

Their ‘long black’ (like an Americano, but stronger) was smooth and without any hint of bitterness. Armed with two La Marzocco espresso machines (to beat the lunchtime rush), they’re confidently muscling in on the Soho coffee scene, mostly thanks to a creamy, balanced house blend of beans from Chiapas, southern Mexico, and Sierra de las Minas in Guatemala’s Eastern Highlands.

The side of saucer-sized pastries is a welcome treat, but if you’re after something a little bigger go for their Portuguese custard tarts – these pastéis de nata even have an option with raspberries embedded in them.

There’s a small selection of other food: a salad of artichoke, chickpea, mozzarella, and red chard; decent, but small, chicken and avocado sandwiches. Soho Grind has a drinks licence in the basement bar too, giving this spot an extra shot of New York cool.

One staff member wasn’t too happy though: ‘This song… again!? I’m OVER IT’. After its second play, we agreed. Thankfully, the 12-option coffee menu and rustic grub beckoning from the dark wood countertop was pleasing enough to put up with the double dose of Coldplay.