Attendant, Fitzrovia

 

Forget Soho, Great Titchfield Street has less people and better coffee. This underestimated road is fuelling the London coffee craze with cafes popping up regularly offering deliciously brewed blends and awesome snacks.

Attendant is the most recent addition and quirkiest hang out of the lot: a brand new underground coffee and sandwich house located in a converted subterranean Victorian gentleman’s toilet in the heart of Fitzrovia (on the corner of Great Titchfield and Foley Street). They are not the first to transform a toilet, but it is perhaps the most stylish conversion, skillfully using the original features to create a fashionable and attractive venue. The little kitchen is in the old attendant’s office, hence the name.

The exterior is gothic and intriguing, an intricate black metal cage leading down to a coffee cave. Once you have daringly taken a peek inside, you will discover a bright and cheery retro interior. The cafe offers ten covers downstairs, and kerbside service up on the street. The Attendant crew use Caravan beans and the best equipment to make their coffees. Tempting snacks sit stacked on the counter: epic NYC inspired sandwiches (think sliced smoked turkey, pastrami on rye, cuban, sloppy joes, cheese melts, lobster rolls, dill pickles, pulled pork etc), salads and incredible cakes.

I sat at one of the remaining ‘urinals’, which still stand with the original bathroom tiles and an additional inserted wooden table. It took me a while to adjust to my surroundings but I have to admit the old loo serves a purpose, perfect for solo visitors or private laptop browsing as you feel contained in your little cubicle.

I enjoyed an immaculately made flat white, creamy and smooth and just the right strength for me. The ideal afternoon pick me up. Had I not just eaten a burger for lunch, I would have tried a foodie treat as well – all the choices looked divine.

The coolest coffee club in town and my favourite new haunt – great brew even greater venue.

WARNING: Not open on weekends, only 7.30-17.30 Monday-Friday.

More information here: http://www.the-attendant.com/