Found in the charming area of Latimer Road, close to the delights of Portobello Road and Notting Hill, the Armadillo Cafe is popular with locals, tourists and office workers alike. Serving a range of delicious fresh food and with an outside seating area, it’s a nice café to visit when heading out for a lunchtime bite – just be wary of the long queues!

The Venue
The Armadillo Cafe is your typical laid-back, quaint little cafe. As you walk in you’re faced with an array of sights to tempt you to reach deep into your pockets and treat yourself to some lunchtime extras – from a freezer filled with homemade ice-creams and sorbets to a fridgeful of pre-made sandwiches, yogurts and drinks. The venue isn’t large, so be prepared to get a bit squashed at the peak of lunchtime. However, there is seating downstairs so you’re not hassled by the ins and outs of all the lunchers if you wish to eat in. Alternatively there are several tables outside along the leafy, quiet road. Although not the most comfortable of seats, it’s nice to sit out on a summers day if you can’t face the busy parks.

The Atmosphere
There’s a laid-back, chilled out vibe at the Armadillo Cafe. This changes somewhat when the lunchtime rush kicks in, so expect a more hassled urgency in both the customers and staff. However, there is a lot of chatter in the queues and people aren’t angered at the wait. Once you get past the queue and get your food – if you’re lucky enough to get a seat, either inside or out – then things get calm and you can enjoy your food in relative tranquility.

The Food
Prices aren’t exceptional for the area, and considering the high prices of the average lunch out in London, they’re pretty reasonable. Sandwiches cost between £2.20 and £4.00 each, and you can choose to have them made while you wait for no extra charge with the fresh ingredients of the deli. In the summer there’s a great selection of homemade ice creams or sorbets to choose from that are delicious and different from the usual lollies you can buy from newsagents. Just be prepared for a high add-on price if you wish to eat in – paying up to £1 extra for the privilege!

The Drink
There’s a nice variety of drinks from the usual to unusual including water, fruit juices and even bottled green tea. Prices are an average £1.50 for a bottle and their range of coffees vary but are comparable to Pret or Starbucks, but with a personal touch.

The Last Word
If you don’t mind the long queues or wait time during peak hours the Armadillo Cafe is a nice place to go for a quick bite and gossip with friends. The outside area is good for smokers who want to escape the ban and is great for a hot summers day.

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