Zai Cafe

I love coming here. We moved in the area for about a year and the closest cafe is Zai's caffe. It's so nice to support local businesses like this! Before telling you about how the almond croissant here are the best, (seriously you have to try them to realise that and you won't regret it, same for the oat cookies) I'll tell you how I've been welcomed here. I had been there once to ask the owner (Simona)if she was looking for artwork from independent artists like me, we had a chat and she was telling me about her renovation of the coffee shop over summer (check the pictures) and among other things I saw a warm friendly woman, who didn't rush me out like others did when I talked about my artwork. To cut a long story short, I generally got the coffee there and one time, whiles waiting for my nails appointment (next door there's a very good nail's salon) I decided to sit at the caffé and indulged in an almond croissant. Since then, whenever I had a chance, I got there especially for the almond croissant and Simona even at time said "there's no more croissant" (in a friendly way). The times I went regularly I discovered a busy place where locals or people waiting for the train awaiting a busy day stopped by Zai's café for a sit down inside or outside where blankets are carefully left since the end of season (check pictures attached). People like me have dogs and they are welcomed (I generally leave my dogs outside and she kindly watches out for them at times-they are puppies) but most times I see lap-dogs inside. The menue is vast with great quality products. All crowd are welcome and really there's a cosy atmosphere. I'm sad to leave the area. I'll miss the place and the atmosphere. Thanks to you for reading, it's quite a long paragraph but hopefully you read it in the warmth of her caffé.

I do not start my morning now without a visit to Zai to get the best coffee in town. The sandwiches and savoury snacks are all home made. Every day there is a selection of homemade cakes using premium ingredients. The Pumpkin Cheesecake is simply divine, not too sweet and melts in your mouth. Now near Christmas Simona has started to make Stollen cake with marzipan. She gave us a taster this morning, and it is truly the best one I have ever tasted. This lady is a genius in the kitchen. Thank you Simona - I will see you tomorrow as usual for my morning treat! We love cafes like this.!

One of the best boutique cafe in Hampton Wick (South West London). The Barista is very attentive to detail.Superb desserts, delicious homemade savory food, sandwiches, including vegan options. The homemade soups are great especially in cold days and is a great alternative. Stylish interior. Nice staff. The lady "Simona" is very friendly and she makes everyone feel welcome. When shopping in nearby Kingston Upon Thames, we always go to this cafe.If you are tired of the big branded coffee shops and you want to have a really good coffee, this is the place for you!

This lovely little cafe has been our safe haven during Covid, even in lockdown when it was takeaway only. Now that it is ok to sit outside , the small patio area is a joy. Service, food and coffee all first class. Long may it last.

Small cafe shop, nice and warm.