You’ll find this welcoming coffee house around the corner from Swiss Cottage train station.

The Venue
On Northways Parade on the Finchley Road is where you’ll find the Coffee Inn, a lovely little Italian cafe. With a few potted plants outside and peppers, fruits and salads in the window, the European flavours are evident before you even step through the front door. Once inside, you’ll notice the interesting choice of decor. One wall has several large mirrors imbedded in it to build up the illusion of space whilst an old bicycle hangings on the opposite wall, complete with baskets full of bread and spaghetti. Hanging over the front door is a cello and running high up along the wall with the mirrors is a single shelf holding an interesting assortment of old pots, ornaments and cooking utensils. The seating area forms an L-shape around the counter, and on top of this counter are a number of baskets filled with various foods like bread and tomatoes.

The Atmosphere
As soon as you’re through the front door you’re immediately seen to. You won’t be kept waiting and you won’t have to worry about flagging someone down to place your order, just look up and you’ll be seen to so your experience should be hassle-free. Low key music keeps everything mellow in the morning and the casual banter among the guests maintains a cheery atmosphere.

The Food
The Coffee Inn serves up a variety of fry-up breakfasts as well as jacket potatoes and salads. A fairly wide selection of pasta dishes are available for around £6. There are also a small selection of steaks to choose from including sirloin and tuna, which will set you back around £8. A range of sandwiches, home-made cakes and freshly made croissants are available as well.

The Drink
A small variety of milkshakes, bottled juice and Coca-Cola are available, as is a range of teas and coffees. If you opt for a hot chocolate it’ll come super hot in a glass mug with only a thin, even layer of froth on top. The glass mug sits on top of a folded kitchen towel which gently rests on a normal white saucer. To complete the look the saucer also has a long spoon and a sachet filled with sugar.

The Last Word
If you’re on the Finchley Road, up by Swiss Cottage and you’re feeling a bit peckish the Coffee Inn offers a very pleasant environment for an afternoon coffee or an Italian pasta dish.

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