Sometimes you want a cafe that isn’t about being super cool or at the cutting edge of coffee technology. Sometimes you want somewhere that is comfy and friendly and somewhere you can relax in. Normally, these types of cafes are found in London’s little suburbs or commuter towns. However, slap bang in the middle of Warren Street and Great Portland Street, an area full of big offices and casually smart workers, there is such a place. The Old Diary Cafe is a small, friendly, cafe that has decided not to go with the fashion flow. Whether this is a good thing or not depends on the person.
The Old Dairy definitely feels like its from a different era
Coffee – 3/5
The Old Dairy serves Illy coffee, which I often feel is underrated. While it’s not one of the trendy artisan roast from London, for a mainstream coffee, it’s pretty good. The cappuccino was strong and short, fitting in with the continental feel of the cafe’s interior. However, the milk was slightly too hot. At £2.20 it’s a good price and would definitely give the local workers a boost.
Take a trip around the world at the Old Dairy
Atmosphere – 4/5
Like stepping back in time or into an old cafe in Europe somewhere. Old, off-white tiles, world maps for table clothes and original features throughout make this stand out from most modern cafes. The decor, you feel, reflects the owners, who look like they’ve just stepped off a Mediterranean beach.
A world away from the glass and steel of the local offices
Food – 2/4
The food selection was pretty basic with a choice of sandwiches and salads to eat in or takeaway. I tried one of the muffins, which was very tasty. However, I would have liked to have seen a few more traditional European dishes available to reflect its interior.
Service – 3/3
Friendly service from what I assumed to be the owner. I returned later in the day for a second go and they remembered me, which was nice.
Extras – 1/3
Apart from selling some bits and bobs, there’s not much else on offer here I’m afraid.
Summary – 14/20
A cute and friendly place that, while not serving the best food or coffee in town, benefits from having its own personality.
Details
35 Conway Street,
Fitzrovia
W1T 6BW
London Cafe Review 