Ginger & White is a small north London chain multiplying fast. It’s about to open in Soho, and the latest branch on England’s Lane, packed constantly, had one contributor instantly in quite a tizz. The original, in pretty pedestrianized Perrins Court, off Hampstead High Street, won rave reviews – and an army of buggies stationed indefinitely on its terrace.
G&W’s story is that mythical beast: three friends deciding to open what they didn’t have on their doorstep. But despite their foodie credentials (and emphasis on being an ‘artisan’ store) we have to admit we have never been bowled over by the coffee. It’s always decent, as Square Mile beans should be, but not on the same level as the best East London and Soho outlets (we still rate Kaffeine as one of the capital’s absolute gems).
So we swung by over the bank holiday to sit alfresco, shiver under the grey duvet of cloud, and roadtest the beans with a nibble of something sweet. They were using Square Mile Red Brick, an 80/20 blend of Finca Cacao and Santa Ines.
The macchiato (literally an expresso ‘stained’ with milk) is served in cute shot glasses: it’s intense, creamy and caramelly, with the right amount of foamed milk – and gives quite a kick. Relatively pricey (£2.70). We found more fault in the tiny cupcakes which, despite being £1.65 each, weren’t fresh. At the height of the Hummingbird boom, Mrs Kentishtowner became something of an expert, baking a tray with alarming regularity. Her pronouncement of our petite violet numbers? ‘Anything up to two days old.’
Still, we do like the place (want to like the place): the simple mismatched furniture, sharing tables, heaving counter of carbs. As on previous occasions, we’d just like to fall in love with it a bit more.
What do you think?
4 Perrins Court, NW3
4 thoughts on “Cheeky Coffee: Ginger & White, Hampstead”
Went in, asked for a flat white. Was asked to sit and it would come. Asked if I could get it at the counter, pay and sit. Was asked to sit and it would come. Did sit, it did come, 15 minutes later. I was asked if I needed anything during the wait. Drank coffee in a rush then had to leave. Haven’t been back. I go to Coffee Cup when I’m in Hampstead Village now.
We’ve always found the service OK if not exactly super-friendly but there are some vitriolic reader comments on Time Out about it. And the prices, which people argue are inflated, even for NW3.
Really? I didn’t know others had said similar. I wanted to love it. I fancy it’s a chain in the making. Each to their own.
I personally think Chamomile, on England’s lane, is much better – nice coffee, much more airy (!), great food, and reasonable prices. G&W in Hampstead has a nice vibe, but the one on England’s Lane just seems over-full and gloomy to me.