114

Occupying the former site of Travellers Knock-Off Luggage, a neat little place that sold off last year’s Samsonite and Delsey at discount rates, the modestly named 114 has swept the space off its polypropylene-clad feet to an almost unimaginable level of style and grace. Huge windows, simple wooden furniture, fresh food cooled on ice (fridges would, no doubt, spoil the look), and such little post-modern touches as treacle tins on every table and vintage spoons to serve the sugar within.

Coffee is good. No frills, no thrills – none of your hazelnut vanilla skinny chail latte (I don’t think I’d have the front to ask for one). Just 8oz of very good coffee, served in a Duralex glass as it was in the 50s (this little gem courtesy of my mother). In a word, Anti-Starbucks. Food looked pretty good, although sadly for me, no vegan dessert, cake or biscuit to satisfy my craving for one. (Is this really, really asking much, in 21st Century central London – a crumb of dairy-free deliciousness to accompany a cup of coffee? Maybe.) Otherwise, cakes sandwiches and salads (at a decent£4.50) looked very inviting. So that was the fifth star, gone. Otherwise, lovely. Go with a date, or hang out and flirt. It’s not in the classiest part of town, but maybe the neighbours will take note and raise their game accordingly.