Smurf-blue paint job, tatty interior, malodorous toilets: Als Cafe Bar is not exactly the definition of chic. The drinks are OK, though.

The Venue
Als Cafe Bar is perched somewhat precariously on the Farringdon Road end of the increasingly fashionable area that styles itself, not unreasonably, as Exmouth Market. It’s a great part of town for a night out, with a host of decent restaurants and pubs to choose from, plus Saddler’s Wells is nearby if you like ballet. Als Cafe Bar is probably on the tattier side of the Exmouth Market, what with its tired sofas and weather-worn outdoor furniture.

The Atmosphere
It can get pretty hectic in Als Cafe Bar, by anyone’s standards. In the summertime, the outdoor tables are a great spot to while away an evening, afternoon or, for alcoholics or coffee-lovers, a morning. Inside, things aren’t quite so peachy as you get the feeling that this place could do with more money being spent on it. That said, people seem to enjoy themselves: it’s open until 2am most evenings, which is a big plus.

The Food
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at Als Cafe Bar, all at decent prices. Dishes range from full English breakfasts to fancier efforts involving halloumi and plantain. There’s plenty of grub to soak up the previous night’s booze.

The Drink
The coffee has a good reputation and there’s a decent, if small, selection of continental beers – Pilsner Urquell, Paulaner, that sort of thing. No ale unfortunately, which probably accounts for the sad lack of bulging beer festival T-shirts on show. In ale’s stead, there is a varied and intriguing cocktail menu. Be warned, however, standards of service can sometimes be rather quixotic; that is to say, slow.

The Last Word
Als Cafe Bar isn’t a bad place by any means - you could even have a great night here - but there are much better places in the vicinity.

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