Fernandez & Wells is a benedictine monastary of a coffee shop. Feel your troubles float away….
We popped in on a snowy April morning. Inside was warmer than out, but no less white, and I was struck by the lack of background music and nattering customers. I half expected Randle Patrick McMurphy to walk in and liven things up.
We felt like a crossword and my companion asked the barista if there was a newsagents nearby. The customers overheard and offered suggestions, and one gave us his copy of the Observer… turns out they were a right old friendly bunch! Suddenly I was much happier.
I waited patiently for my flat white as the barista applied her skills, and I felt a little sorry for a takeaway customer (who seemed to be in a bit of a rush) as the minutes ticked by. But when my coffee came it turned out it was well worth the wait. In fact it was perfect; perhaps even the nicest mug of coffee I’ve ever had.
The beans are provided by the Monmouth Coffee Company as such are ethically sourced and top quality (click here to read about a nearby branch of Monmouth).
Seating is by way of long wooden bars facing the walls and window. This is a spot for quiet contemplation, not a group chin-wag.
There is fine-looking food on offer, which doubtless draws on the expertise of the owners and their renowned food and wine bar of the same name on Lexington Street. I noticed the barista carefully arrange the display when she had a spare moment.
It may not be the cosiest place in the world, but everything is done to perfection.
Beak Street
Soho
London
W1F 9SR
Amended 26 August 2008
I’ve recently heard that Fernandez and Wells have stopped buying from Monmouth Coffee! I hope their new beans can match up…