A pretty facade is Fig and Olive’s only worthy fruition.

The Venue
Several bus routes regularly pass Fig and Olive by, stopping at bus routes at least a minute's walk away. But the lack of an immediate drop-off does not deter customers - they would gladly walk along this street of shops to get to the cafe/bistro.

Fig and Olive's olive-coloured frame leads into a bright and sophisticated-looking establishment. Proudly displayed behind the glass front is a variety of baked goods that slowly but surely diminish over the course of the day. Opposite the dessert display are some lush armchairs and low tables for the tea-going crowd. The middle of Fig and Olive's long rectangular area are groups of two and four-seater dining tables. At the back, past the small cluttered bar, sits a long, sturdy wooden table for groups of ten and above. The flood of natural light renders the illusion of a larger back area, but mid-section is not to be outdone; the ceilings are high and mirrors add depth to the width. The little details - chandeliers, chalkboard menus, polished wood and brick walls - pull together the mod look.

The Atmosphere
The casual area in the front gives the impression of more similar seating inside. Unfortunately, the armchairs end there. But even though the rest are made to sit on hard-backed chairs, the casual atmosphere is still upheld by the friendly, unobtrusive staff. Mums in the area think it a perfect place to kill two birds - meet up with friends without time away from their tots. Friends gather to gossip while dates get to know each other over meals.

The Food
Fig and Olive's Modern European food can be had all day. If ever there during tea, you'll be given three different menus (lunch, dinner, wine), plus the selection of whatever is available in the dessert display. Grilled crab cake (£4.50) is swiftly served on a bed of creamed spinach. The dish is pungent, the aroma being a mix of both stale seafood and char. The crab cake is soft despite how hard it looks, and possesses a mild herb note - a flavour overshadowed by its smell. Dessert is a dense pistachio tart served with sweet raspberry sauce. The sweet tart tastes more like a dry version of a torte, and is even sweeter with the sauce pairing.

The Drink
The scattered two-page wine list covers almost every type of wine but does not focus on any region. There is also little guidance to which ones to pick. Unless you have a wine in mind, best stick with the teas, coffees and juices.

The Last Word
The decor is enticing but the food needs work. Until then, you're paying for the atmosphere.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (11) image gallery (3)