Sunday, August 23, 2009

Ginger and White, Perrin's Court, Hamstead

Ginger-and-White

The lovely thing about Ginger and White is the sense that you've stumbled on to a hidden gem. Tucked away from the traffic on Hampstead High Street, Perrin's Court is a quiet pedestrianised parade of shops, galleries and cafes. Sitting at the top of the street are the chocolate brown awnings of G&W, self styled British Coffee Shop and brain child of Tonia George, food writer and stylist turned proprietor, and her Kiwi business partners, Emma and Nick Scott.

The label of British Coffee shop might remind older readers of Lyon's Tea rooms and coffee shops, however, whilst that might be in G&W's DNA, it's evolved the notion out of all recognition. The coffee is cutting edge, sourced from boutique roasters Square Mile and the food simple, showcasing great British ingredients with a home cooked, ever-so slightly-rough-edged feel. Weekends bring slow roasted pork sarnies and the salt beef is top notch. The cakes are some of the best I've had in a coffee shop.

You can tell I fell in love with the place, huh? Can't recommend it enough, just the sort of honest, considered and relaxed place I do love hanging out in and now that the weeks have ironed out the opening day kinks, this little oasis is destined to be a favourite.

4 comments:

Rachel said...

A gem indeed! The carrot cake is lovely and the best coffee in North London.

Monkey Gland said...

Rachel: In fact, I think that is carrot cake in the picture!

Anonymous said...

the carrot cake is amazing, but nothing compared to the flat whites and salf beef sarnies

theundergroundrestaurant said...

I've heard great things about this place.