Rows of books and then the surprise - a passage to a lively café where you can rest your tired mind from all that reading. Welcome to the London Review Cake Shop, via the London Review Bookshop.

The Venue
The London Review Cake Shop would look like any other contemporary cafe, were it not for the fact that you have to pass through the bookshelves of the London Review Bookshop to get in. This factor adds to its charm and although the cake shop is hardly a sophisticated, intellectual place of erudition, the atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive anyway. The pastel colour décor is simple and functional, benches line one wall, and diminutive tables are obstacle enough to keep the staff dancing their way around the place. Away from the large windows there's a little more room, so sit here if you want to read.

The Atmosphere
There are fewer bookworms, spectacles, professors and student types than you might imagine. Most customers are either luckily unsuspecting tourists just out of the British Museum, small group of friends or aficionados appreciative of the lively atmosphere. It's reminiscent of the bustling coffee shops in Moscow, where there's a strong tradition of literary cafes.

The Food
If you are stopping for lunch, don't dive straight in for the very appetising cakes. Try instead perhaps, the soups served with buttered toast - they're fresh and more innovative than most places offer, although quite steep at £6.50. Order a side salad (£3.50 for small or £5.40 for large) which change daily - the quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, rocket, sunflower seeds and tahini is intense in flavour but still a thoroughly healthy choice. Sandwiches are also available, but make sure to leave plenty of space for the decadent cakes (£3). The lemon, rosemary and olive oil cake is a little bit small for the price but it's a sticky, not-too-sweet square with a subtle flavour making your investment worth every penny. To make sure you get full satisfaction though, you may want to opt for the divine chocolate mascarpone, which is smooth, compact and has a nice chocolate taste without being too rich. Powdery cookies ideal with tea and other smaller treats are also available.

The Drink
The Monmouth coffee is a popular option, but the teas (from £2) are possibly the best choice given the great selection of loose leaf choices on offer, including black, green, oolong, herbal and flower teas that open up their buds when in contact with hot water. If you are keen to stick to tradition, try the intense, aromatic darjeeling - ideal with cakes. Quality brands like Luscombe and Fentmans provide the chilled options.

The Last Word
The London Review Cake Shop is full of the best brands in business, supplying bread, coffee, cakes, teas and more. But it's their own unique environment that makes this place such a nice spot in which to stop for a very pleasant afternoon tea.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2)