Coffee Shop: Neal Street Espresso
Vibe: Clean & clinical hole in the wall coffee shop, in the heart of Covent Garden
Cost: £3-4 coffees / £4-8 pastries & sandwiches
Location: 34 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS
Closest Tube: Covent Garden (3 mins walk) / Tottenham Court Road (5 mins walk)
Website: https://nealstreetespresso.com/
Also Nearby & Worth a Visit: Redemption Roasters (review here)
Keep your eyes peeled - it's easy to miss this one!
A quick check of the Neal Street Espresso website tells you that they are "so much more than great coffee" and on closer inspection, you are instantly (forgive the pun..) learning about their barista reintegration programme. This is not too dissimilar from the story at Redemption Roasters (see "Also Nearby" above for a link), and highlights the efforts of a small set of coffee shops pouring efforts into giving those falling through society's gaps, a second chance at earning a steady wage and living life.
The coffee shop itself is somewhat hidden away in a - blink and you'll miss it - corner of Neal Street, a bustling neighbourhood minutes away from Covent Garden station, populated with restaurants, pubs and boutique shops. Space is sought after in this part of town meaning that the owners have had to make the most of the hallway-esque interior setting. However, as most of their footfall is simply stopping by for a quick caffeine hit, the seating arrangement allows for a choice of comfort for that slightly longer stay / chat with friends on the comfy chairs and stools set around tables, or for a pitstop and email check on one of the high stool and raised shelf.
"Each of our highly skilled baristas has a story to tell. Having fallen on tough times, they have each found themselves caught up in lives of crime or addiction, and in need of a second chance. And they’ve found this at Neal Street Espresso. With every cup you’re helping us provide jobs, training and support to our team who are determined to leave their old lives behind." Neal Street Espresso – a speciality coffee shop with a difference
Outside seating is limited but available.
There's a nice plant arrangement at the main counter, positioned at the far end of the walkway through the shop, which compliments the white walls and inoffensively designed interior vibe. Some may feel that it's a little on the clinical side, with a side note of waiting room thrown into the mix. I wasn't too put off mind.
There were plenty of staff on hand, all of whom were friendly and patient (as we pondered over what to order). A couple of minutes' deliberation later, and an iced latte and black americano incoming, we made our way back outside to sit on the small bench lining the front wall. This is a great spot to people watch and have a quick catch-up with friends.
Waiting Room meets Coffee Shop at Neal Street Espresso.
I really loved the overall design and use of lighting, particularly the way it guides you to the service counter (see image to catch my drift).
If you're in the area, in need of a break, or looking for somewhere to rest your legs, and don't fancy the melee that is Seven Dials Market, I'd strongly recommend making a pit stop at Neal Street Espresso. I need to go back there to make headway into their pastry selection, as an absolute minimum. As it is located in a street in the opposite direction to Covent Garden Market, you are likely to find a free seat available to perch in, and quick service. We were here on a Saturday afternoon and walked straight up to the counter, with coffees delivered to us out front a few minutes later. The experience is unlikely to be the same anywhere in Covent Garden Market.
I hope you have enjoyed this relatively succinct review - what can I say? It's a nice coffee shop in Covent Garden - job done. Enjoy your caffeine hunting!
Who doesn't love a bit of greenery in alongside their coffee?
Comments