Holborn Grind

Meticulously staged, no-fuss minimal interior serves a respectable coffee. Also cocktails, beers, bruschetta and cheese/cured meat boards - all keenly priced + cheerfully efficient service. Animated here but not overly comfortable. A distorting sound system smudges the aesthetic, an irritating background intrusion.

This could be the branch among Grind family that I visit the most due to its location, very well connected to the areas I hang out which don't necessarily have cafes in this standard. No doubt they offer good coffee with their own beans and friendliness from staff. But there's usually a wait as it's a pretty popular place, getting a table might not be easy. The music is louder than the kind of calm-and-quiet-corner cafes I usually prefer. But it is still nice to come here to get some trendy touches, especially when they introduce new seasonal products.

Was in a slightly grumpy mood until I walked in here his morning (I get the hunger grumps) - these guys made it all better. The banana bread is super tasty - and they were kind enough to give me some extra butter. The poached eggs on sourdough bread were also really good... AND they serve loose leaf tea. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff (who are kind enough to provide extra butter), efficient service and all reasonably priced.