It's less euphoria, more nostalgia at this cheery cafe best known for its leavened goods.

The Venue
The rustic, bread-littered front of Euphorium Bakery can be intimidating, especially for supermarket shoppers used to breads that come in sterile packages of plastic whose lifespans are determined by specific expiry dates. Just take a deep breath and step into the establishment - it really isn't that unfamiliar; this bakery premise (on which almost all its products are made) also operates as a cafe, and a bright and cosy one at that. The front (display and cashier) area is enclosed but lit up by artificial lights, white walls and pictures of the dessert-making process. As you venture deeper, the lighting gets more natural: a glass roof is the only shelter above the narrow walkway that holds plush red and gold sofas on one side. This glass roof soon ends to give way to an area for al fresco tea-sipping. If it gets too hot or cold outside, there is a room further back with big sofas and a fireplace to retreat into.

The Atmosphere
Wood panelling, wood-top tables, wooden chairs and the occasional rattan chair that looks more like plastic create an organic yet generic vibe that fills most cafes these days. But at Euphorium, the background music is the constant flow and murmurings of customers. These mums who do tea, students in search of that satisfying sweet treat, and the rest of the non-nine-to-five crowd are the ones who keep the young, trendy service staff smiling and busy.

The Food
There is no doubt that Euphorium's bestsellers are the spectrum of breads sitting in the front display window. For those who would rather not battle the polluted London air with their stick of bread (and those who have a sweeter or saltier tooth), the bakery offers other baked goods like quiches, cakes and tarts. The pear cheesecake (£2.90 in, £2.70 out) is rich and sweet with a thin layer of gooey pear at the bottom of the batter, cradled by the thick crust. Served on a warm plate, this mini-sized treat is surprisingly cold - probably the reason for the chewy and loose crust. Unfortunately, as you work through the treat, its cold and dense texture becomes increasingly stale.

The Drink
Standard cafe drinks can be had here. Best invest in a warm cup of tea.

The Last Word
Best stick with the breads here, although a relaxing cup of afternoon tea in the sun can do no harm.

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