I’m always excited to find a new place that looks like it does decent coffee. I stumbled across this one when walking around Covent Garden, noting it down for a try next time I was in the area and looking for a coffee. From first appearances, it looks promising – great comfy couches, a warm cafe vibe and a name that declares it a home for the coffee aficionado.

I stood patiently in line behind a few other people, noting the prepacked sandwiches and ordinary looking cake and pastry selection. When my turn came, I ordered a small latte and it didn’t take long for the barista to prepare it. When I paid the average priced coffee (£2-ish from memory) he also handed me a loyalty card without any prompting. I thought this was a nice service-oriented touch. As I was walking outside, I noticed the cup becoming unbearably hot so I quickly slipped on my gloves before moving anywhere else. Cautioned, I took a small sip and found the latte excessively bitter and the milk far too hot to drink at all.

I really wanted to like this place. After all, London can always do without any of the chain coffee places and better boutique espresso-based cafes. Unfortunately I couldn’t even finish the coffee, ending up at Monmouth’s on the other side of Covent Garden.

Name: Double shot coffee
Found at: 38 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7PB