Monmouth Coffee Co.

Being an italian myself i am quite picky when it comes to espresso or cappuccino. I found Monmouth Coffee quite ok, still not comparable to any average italian coffee shop, but I kept drinking their coffees for quite a longtime.
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Alex
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 4
Monday, June 02, 2008

I’ve been looking for a decent coffee (cappuccino to be precise) in Soho/Covent Garden. Surprisingly enough, there’s a half decent one just off Leicester Square on the way to CG (I think it says Italian Pizzeria on the outside, not very appealing to be fair). But with a decent, if dated, Gaggia machine and Lavazza coffee, not bad. Whilst I am all in favour of fair-traded coffee in principal, the rubbish they use in Starbucks, among others, is a pathetic excuse for a coffee; burnt, overpriced, bitter, you name it. It’s no coincidence that they’ve struggled to do anything worthwhile in the real coffee countries of Italy, France and Spain. There are practically demonstrations every time a Starbucks is opened here, and they are their most unprofitable branches, surprise surprise.

But following recommendations here, I went to Monmouth. Looks great, original set up with the various beans on show and a raised area, friendly enough staff. The cups are small, which bodes well (too many weak, oversized coffees usually). But I’m sorry to say that’s it for the positives. £2 is extortionate (as is £1.40 for a distinctly average pain au chocolat). The coffee was bitter and burnt tasting. Perhaps I was “unlucky”, but I doubt it. Very disappointing. I don’t know what coffee they use (there are various blends) but it’s not decent. A nice shop, staff and a decent machine don’t make a decent coffee I’m afraid, so I’m sorry to have to disagree with the rest of the reviews here.

I did find a gem about 50 metres away, on the same side just further up. “Rosso di Sera”, with a tiny but tasty 16 cover restaurant downstairs, does an excellent cappuccino. £1.40 and as smooth as silk, it’s everything Monmouth isn’t: much cheaper, simpler, even uninspiring looking, but does the only important thing – excellent coffee.
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M
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The best coffee in London by miles. Nothing can compare and it's worth going out of your way to avoid the chains and spend the money on something worth spending a little time over.

The only problem is that there aren't more of them across London! I would gladly exchange the weak, bitter, overpriced rubbish from my local high street.
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Carrie
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

I completely agree with what everyone has already said. If you are a real coffee geek this is the place for you!! The staff can even tell you who roasted the beans and what farm they came from, Brilliant. And I agree with Vin (above) The raised seating area is a great vantage point to sit and people watch........ But don't take our word for it try it yourself. You'll know what we mean and be hooked.
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Peter Tindall
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, May 07, 2007

This is a fabulous alternative to the homogenised coffee shops. Really fresh coffee; great snacks and cakes; a highly intimate and air-conditioned cafe area at the back. The best decaffeinated coffee in London.
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Simon
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, July 29, 2006