Santa Maria takes Chelsea

How do you solve a problem like Maria?

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Phone Message”)

If you like pizza you have to go to Santa Maria period. It’s by far the best pizzeria in London I have tried. Authentic Neapolitan pizza, ready within 10 minutes of ordering, and great service.

Pizza Time

I had the chance to visit their second place in Chelsea, and I was over the moon to corroborate they have not drop down the quality of their pizzas or the service.

I don’t need to say anything else, other that if you’re around go and try one of their delicious authentic pizzas.

Santa Maria

T: 020 7384 2844

Pizzeria

Approx Damage: £20pp

Area: Chelsea

Borough: Kensington & Chelsea

Twitter: SantaMariaPizza

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Coffee Enquiry XLIX: Tap Coffee

You know, you're going along, you think everything's all right and all of a sudden you get that tap

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Mango”)

The other day while doing some errands I stopped by Tap Coffee in Fitzrovia. Not sure why but their shops are quite appealing to me, all the time I pass by they are inviting me in to indulge with coffee, maybe is the black facade with the huge number (No 114) and no mention of the name.

Coffee Time

3 Locations around London with the same feel and offer, a relax place to share a coffee while catching up with friends.

I got a macchiato and my better half a Flat White. The coffee was a light body with mild bitterness. Modest citrus acidity, some chocolate and tobacco notes.

Abstract Latte Art

Beans: Tap Coffee

Espresso Machine: Nuova Simonelli

Score: 3/5

Decent cup of coffee, lovely cutlery, and inviting place

Tap Coffee

Coffee House

Approx Damage: £5

Area: Fitzrovia

Borough: Camden

Twitter: tapcoffee

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Coffee Enquiry XLVIII: Iris & June

The catering hall screwed up! The wedding is delayed until June. It's like a stay of execution

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Friars Club”)

Iris & June is an artisan coffee shop in the heart of Victoria. Their statement is to make and serve an awesome coffee cup. They serve also a bit more food than the regular coffee shop, with their menu changing frequently.

The Place

I was impressed by the amount of people having business meetings in the place, plenty of laptops, iPad presentations, and even some taking calls. There you have it cafes are becoming the new meeting rooms of millennials, bring me a flat white and keep it quiet as I have a call with a China supplier.

Macchiato Time

Beans: Ozone Coffee Roasters

Espresso Machine: La Marzocco

Score: 3/5

We got a macchiato and a decaf cappuccino, strong coffee, a bit too much on the bitterness, long aftertaste, some chocolate notes, and no latte art for the small cup. The decaf was a bit more balanced but similar tasting profile.

The scones are to die for!

Iris & June

Coffee Shop

Approx Damage: £15pp

Area: Victoria

Borough: City of Westminster

Twitter: IrisandJune1

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More Dim Sum in South Kensington

No, no, no, wait a minute, I always have tuna on toast. Nothing's ever worked out for me with tuna on toast. I want the complete opposite of on toast. Chicken salad, on rye, untoasted, and a cup of tea

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Opposite”)

A month ago we had a Dim Sum withdrawal and decided to try a new place here in West London. We ended in Bo Lang after reading excellent reviews of the place and also Chef Kai Wang.

Dim Sum time

The place is lovely and quite modern but still you will get that teahouse vibe. Service is superb, they did everything they could to help accommodate us as we were with our little 11 month old daughter. 

Keep them coming

Food is the star, the dim sum are superb, every one we tried are delicate master creations, respecting traditions but with some innovative twists. Five stars we can’t recommend it highly enough.

Bo Lang

T: 020 7823 7887

Chinese Cuisine

Approx Damage: 60pp

Area: South Kensington

Borough: Kensington & Chelsea

Twitter: BoLangChelsea

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