England’s Lane is the nearest village to Kentish Town. Isn’t it? Maybe I would say that, as a Yank in NW3, but whether I’m right or not, it’s the perfect candidate for a weekend mooch; a haven of independent cafes, shops and even a butchers (and, for the less imaginative, a Tesco and Starbucks). But for our purposes today it’s about two things: books and coffee.
First stop? Why, coffee, of course. So head to long-running insitution Chamomile, which reopened its doors in 2012 with a sunny interior and sparkling display cases for their homemade pastries and cakes.
Chamomile’s menu ranges from the traditional Full English to an American expat’s dream: Yank-style, fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit. For a real weekend treat, try the Eggs Florentine featuring spinach instead of the traditional ham or bacon.
And if summer ever returns, I heart their iced coffee: espresso and milk cooled down with a generous scoop of ice – velvety, refreshing and with a serious caffeine hit for your £2.50. The cafe’s baristas undergo routine and regular training and it shows: all of their coffees go down a buzz-filled treat.
Once your blood sugar is back to working levels, pop next door to England’s Lane Books for a browse. Find special editions alongside best-sellers, elegantly handpicked and displayed on ceiling-high wooden shelves.
Books are presented as single copies rather than stacked in the hundreds a la Waterstones – each volume begs for a new home. Keep an eye out for special events and author appearances – you might even spot locals like Helena Bonham Carter or Matt Lucas.
And what do you need after all that rummaging? Why, more coffee, of course (forgive me, I’m a native of Seattle.) Whilst London in 2012 heaves with great independent artisan cafes, I’ll admit that NW3 seemed to be a bit slow on the uptake – so Ginger & White’s new store, which opened this week on the site of the much-missed Lantern, is most welcome.
As with the original Hampstead branch, it really is all about the cwaffee: small cups of smooth espresso with an adequate splash of milk – G&W uses rotating blends of London-roasted Square Mile.
Both flatwhites we ordered were artfully adorned with a thin layer of luxuriant foam which faded from brilliantly white to deliciously auburn; just the right amount of acidity and sweetness to make a lovely, balanced cup.
A small, upstairs loft hides a aptly-coloured ginger couch and several individual nooks if the communal tables below are too bustling. Even on the dimmest of early spring days you can catch the sun from this hideaway.
So, my Kentish Town chums, whilst Belsize Park may not boast as many independents as your glorious, grubby manor, there is affordable individuality to be had here. So come pay us a visit. You’ll find me with a fistful of weekend papers tucking into sourdough toast with G&W’s renowned peanut butter: creamy with a delightful amount of grit and just a hint of honey, it’s well worth swapping postcodes for.
2 thoughts on “Free Weekend? Explore England’s Lane”
Great article. I didn’t know G&W had a new branch, excellent info (and nice shots, too)