QYPE*

UPDATE: I am very sad. Bean ‘n’ Cup has now closed its doors. I am very sad. It was there one minute and gone the next. This is rubbish. Starbucks and all the other chains have a lot to answer for.

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I can’t say this enough: They serve the best carrot cake in the world.

Carrot cake is at best, a bit rubbish. Usually dry and boring. I was a convert once I had the carrot cake here. I love it and even though I don’t work in the area anymore, it’s still worth the trip all the way up north just to have a piece.

The cafe is fab as well so don’t think I’m totally crazy. It looks like a little gift shop and not much more. In fairness, they actually do some great cards here so it’s worth popping in for a browse. but I’ll bet you get drawn in to the cafe by the smell of roasting coffee beans. Is there anything better?

Bean ‘n’ Cup does everything right. It’s cute little shop bit doens’t do justice to the rest of the seating area - a huge lounge at the back with sofas and bean bags. It’s lights and airy and I spent a lot of time getting told off by my boss when I was late for work after spending the afternoon in here. The sofas are too comfy and all the papers are free.

There’s a bit in the middle which is perfect for a quick caffiene fix while you’re catching up on some work too. The coffee is also pretty great. As are their smoothies. I lived on them through summer.

The guys who own this place are great fun and the remember how you like your coffee (black with hazelnut syrup please). Something about this makes me happy. They do have signs saying if it’s busy and you’ve been in there for half an hour they might ask you to move, but I’ve never seen this happen and they’re a friendly bunch. I imagine this stops huge groups of kids sharing a drink between them and taking up all the sofas.

But then, everything about this place makes me happy. It’s my Camden secret. Lucky for you it’s got enough seats for me to want to share.