I love a place that serves me water when I order an espresso and in a cute tiny glass as well! #win Coffee is amazing (and not in a 'yea, starbucks' way) and I love the people watching potential here as well. I would give it 5 star but when I want it was so tourist is annoyed me. I know it's not the venue's fault (what with it's location and all) but I want it all to myself! read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - i HEART you - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

Not bad, but not nearly as brilliant as the classic chocolate-written "1882" text atop your latte would suggest. Still, it's a worth a stop if you're walking by. The vintage espresso machine inside is also pretty badass. read more

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This cafe was "voted best coffee shop in London 2005". They claim this on the board outside. So I went and I tried. I had a mocha which is the best I've tried. Although what I was comparing it to, was those hideous, chain store mochas made with powdered chocolate. They use real chocolate sauce and the coffee is rich but not dominating. The accompanying toasted Panini was very average, so I guess it's the coffee that's the winner. It's a small shop - not easy to procure a table but cosy if you do. The staff range from sometimes friendly, sometimes not. Artwork on the walls are clippings on why they make the best coffee and reviews. Never a lack of reading material. They have recently opened a shop with accompanying restaurant at the South Bank. It's a completely different experience. The mocha I ordered was lukewarm and they gave me some pretentiousness rubbish about "milk should only be 45 degrees". Think I'll stick to Charing Cross branch. read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

If you're looking for a decent independent coffee shop in the heart of central London then look no further. The Shop As a Whole: First things first is the location of the coffee shop. Situated on Charing Cross Road and only a moments walk away from Leicester Square tube station and slightly but still accessibly close to Tottenham Court Road tube station this coffee shop could not be located anywhere better. Ideal if you want to have a sit down and a coffee after wandering around town as well as ideal if coffee is your first thought before the real shopping begins. The shop in general is tiny. Has around about 3 to 4 small square tables that sit 2 people at a time and a tiny cushion area around the back where it can sit 4 to 5 people max, so, you're always taking a chance when visiting. Although the shop is tiny, the customer count is not the same which shows it's popularity, but like I mentioned, that all reduces your chances of a seat. In general there is a calm atmosphere, few photos or inscriptions dotted around but no real ooomph to the design and ambience, however, they do make it up with their coffee as well as customer service. Coffee and Customer service: I must say that I've been here only twice, but, when I was thinking about a coffee shop in town that was not a chain I thought of this one. Why? Because of the customer service as well as the coffee (more points to the coffee though) Customer service is a vital aspect in small niche venues as well as large scale ones due to the fact that it keeps visitors coming back and personally although this shop is not gleeming with it, it still has the friendly, smiley and engaging barista... What more could one ask for? The coffee on the other hand speaks quality. Best tip when trying a new coffee shop is to not add any sugar or sweetness to the coffee (unless included) as you'll get the full effect and I must say that this coffee shop has great quality coffee. Carefully made with their state of the art machines and well trained batistas you'll recieve your cappuccino with the signature love heart design, but, they don't just sprinkle the chocolate on top sporadically, their logo is embedded in your coffee, which I must say is a great idea as it leaves you remembering them after. **One of my favourite coffee shops due to the good quality coffee. I dare say not that their cakes disappoint as they do look scrumptious but I'm yet to try and review them. Lost a star based on basic design and also the lack of space, but overall, still worth a visit** read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Baristas at work whipping up delicious coffee... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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Hot ciaocolata is wonderful! It's too thick to drink, I need to sip at it or use a spoon to eat it. Ciaocolata with rum is also served and sounds good but I didn't try, maybe next time! read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Ciaocolata and coffe latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

This place retains a lot of character, and the coffee is certainly amazing. If you get a hot chocolate make sure you ask for just milk, because then it becomes the special thick delicious sort which is more like a pudding than a drink. Yum! And not for the weight watchers or faint hearted. The coffee is certainly delicious, I would reccomend a strong espresso for a wake up, or a capuccino for flavour. The paninis here are good, go for good old mozzarella and tomato. And if you really want to splash out, then have a bombe or cake too- pure indulgence. read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

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Absolutely amazing coffee! I don't exactly remember what the barista told me to order, but she recommended I get a certain coffee drink. I finished that cup so fast! It was so good; the baristas are sweet; ambiance is lovely and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans lingers around the whole shop. read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

An absolute must visit for anyone who either works in, lives in or is just passing through the Leicester Square area of town. 1882 is when this place started and I doubt the attention to detail or care given to the preperation of their stunning coffee has ever been as precise. They even sprinkle their 1882 logo on your drink! If there were 25 stars available, I'd give this place 24 of them! read more

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2nd time here. Excellent coffee, good service. Italian barista and customers are always a good sign :-). It's just before 10 am and they are making up delicious-looking fresh sandwiches with prosciutto and nice crusty rolls during a lull. read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

After holidaying in Italy earlier this year, returning to London was tough, as I knew I was going to struggle to find cappuccinos as good as I'd had in Italy. You can all too easily miss this place as you scoot down Charing Cross Road, but take a moment to look and you will see it's beautiful espresso machine towering over the staff and customers. So look no further than this delightful little cafe - and its fabulous cappuccinos. They are a perfect temperature and lovely and frothy. As others have said, their hot chocolate is also gorgeous. read more

Wow so this is the rudest coffee shop in London. Good to know, so I can avoid! Arrived early to meet Larissa D. here and stood at the counter behind some people to check out the menu. Ignored by staff. Went and grabbed a seat, came back to counter. Ignored. Sat down to wait. Got hungry and went back to counter. Ignored again. Stood there and the barrista stared at me. Finally she asked me what I wanted. It was like being at a busy bar where you have inexplicably pissed off the bartender to the point where he is just wholeheartedly blanking you. Asked for hot chocolate with cream, she made it and then sat it on the counter, instructing the other barrista to add the cream. WTF? You can't just add it yourself. So I waited another few minutes, while they got the whipped cream (from a can... hello bleagh). Yeah they do make a helluva good coffee and the hot chocolate was like molten goodness, very rich, if you like that kind of thing. But I was blown away by the rudeness. Never again. read more

Excellent coffee and service. Decent seating. The corner location allows for a well lit space. It's easily become my preferred spot in the area. The staff went over and beyond the expected. I'll definitely be back. The 1882 stencil on the cappuccino is a nice touch ... read more

1st star for the little chocolate they gave me with my coffee 2nd star for the selection and choice of coffee they have on the menu 3rd star is for the fact that I didn't pay for the coffee (thank you Nathan) - okay this shouldn't really be a star but it completely made me love this place more. 4th star is for the willy wonka style coffee machine that is so polished I can see the cellulite on my face that the caffeine in the coffee is giving me. buzzzz........ read more

Eh... The coffee was pretty good, I admit. But I didn't appreciate the fact that I stood at the counter and waited for nigh-on five minutes for a white americano because the barista worked with no sense of haste and stood there swishing the already-steamed milk around the jug absent-mindedly while chatting with her co-worker despite the queue of at least five people behind me. Two people left the queue in front of me, sick as they were with perhaps the wait but also perhaps with the disorganised and impossibly slow baristas. No joke. Also, this location has so few seats that they've placed one in front of the 'staff only' door, which, of course, the staff wanted to get through at least four times during my visit, requiring the hapless Linzi M to get up and move four times while we tried to enjoy our coffee. read more

It's been voted the best coffee in London I only went in here to meet a friend. She advised me to get a hot chocolate. Oh my days. One of them exquisite hot chocolates made with real chocolate or cocoa or something. Them ones where it's really thick and gloopy, and they pile cream on the top. Needless to say I was pretty full when I'd finished mine. And they provide tap water to take all the gloopiness out of your mouth. So I couldn't tell you about the coffee, maybe next time. The interior's not much to shout about. Minimal. Ikea. Newspaper cuttings shouting about how good it is. And it's quite small. But ok nonetheless, I can't recommend the hot chocolate highly enough read more

I have *opinions* about coffee. Strong enough opinions that I ought to shell out for a serious espresso machine and make my own. Instead, I often end up going to Nero or Starbucks, where what you'll get is far from transcendent but at least somewhat consistent, as long as the milk isn't scalded. I'd always prefer to support a smaller business or a local shop, but have been burned (literally and figuratively) more often than I've been rewarded for it. Enter: Cafe Vergnano 1882 I had my first sip of this perfect cappuccino, turned to my partner, and stuttered something incoherent, by which I meant "This is the best coffee I've had in London". Smooth in flavour and texture, beautifully finished with a rosetta and their signature 1882 stamp in cocoa powder, and steamed to a temperature that brings out the best in the milk. The only problem with the temperature was that the heat didn't prevent me from downing the whole thing pretty fast! read more

You know, what everyone says about the weird staff is totally true. There is no sense of rush or customer service. However, one could say this of most of the UK. The quality of the coffee more than makes up for any delays or confusion. My latte was fantastic! The chocolate powder was super cute, the little chocolate they gave me induced glee and the coffee tasted of maturity and refinement. I felt like a real adult drinking this stuff. That's right. This place is the coffee equivalent of the movie BIG. Excuse me, I have a keyboard to go jump on and I've had just enough coffee to do it right. read more

I went in because they said it was the best espresso in London. NOT A CHANCE. IN FACT, NOT EVEN CLOSE!! It was normal, to be generous. They pull it from a cool-looking old fashioned espresso machine, but in the end I get the impression that it's just a fake-copper cover on a rather crappy modern machine. Espresso tasted a bit burnt-bland, if that makes sense, and there's not much more to the place. Not worth a longer review. Go to a Cafe Nero instead and you'll be MUCH happier. read more

First time coming here, very nice and relaxing place. It's a small place but when it's not to busy, it's a wonderful place to sit and relax. They also do take away too. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the coffee is fantastic. read more

I feel naughty going against the trend with this review, but I've had better coffee experiences. The coffee machine is AMAZING, it was cute I guess. Feels strange to call a machine cute but it's true. The staff articulated a performance which indicated to me that they were going to balls my coffee up, they did not seem particularly motivated to give even the impression of good customer service. However, it all turned out ok and I handed over my £2 for a small cappuccino, complete with 1882 inscribed in chocolate! The coffee was strong and smooth, probably the best tasting I've had. However, it was luke warm which kind of ruined it, I wish I'd complained but I'm British and got scared. Would I return? Yes, but I wouldn't bust a gut to get here. read more

A little gem in central London, with great coffee and the best window for people watching, with no one hassling you to get out of the way. Like the Leaky Cauldron, it's easy for the muggle eye to glide past this little cafe just north of Leicester Sq tube, with its cakes, pastry and incredible espresso machine. The Cappuccinos are an art form, with perfect leaf-form foam, and stenciled (1882) top, accompanied by the square of really dark chocolate. The panini remind me of what I found in Padua and Verona. I've sat here for hours, watching the world go by, on a single cup of coffee, and never felt hassled to move. While the upfront cost isn't the cheapest on the Charing Cross Road, the ambiance, quality and location make it all worthwhile. read more

Popped in here for a quick coffee stop while waiting for my boyfriend in the bookstore next door. Seemed like a cool coffee place and their sign reads "best espresso in London" so I figured why not. I asked for a flat white and the barista replied they don't make that. She then told me I could get a macchiato or a latte instead as they are comparable to a flat white. I personally do not agree with that at all. She was also quite rude about it, like I had offended her by trying to order something they don't offer on the menu. I've been to plenty of coffee shops where they will make you a drink not listed all you need to do is ask. I also don't really understand why they wouldn't make a flat white...because it's not an italian style of coffee? I guess they are going for strictly italian cafe, no Aussie/UK style allowed. Since it wasnt crowded and I still wanted coffee I just ordered the latte. It was actually very good and enjoyable. But I won't be back because they don't offer my favourite drink. read more

Good for a coffee and nibble, every now and then, but to be honest, a little too dear for a frequent haunt. I adore the Willy Wonka style coffee machine and the coffee quality is indeed superb, but I find the cost and the lack of atmosphere (it feels a little like a waiting room), off-putting. I have to say I like the little chocolate they give you with your coffee, although my waist would disagree. There are some lovely little coffee shops not that far away, so the reason why I rate this so low is because I'd prefer to go to these, but it's worth a visit if your close by and need a good cup of coffee in a hurry and not a sit-down! read more

An Italian friend sent me here for espresso claiming that the coffee was very good. So a short review to say that she's right :-) excellent espresso, probably one of the nicest in town. As for the food, except a small delicious chocolate cake, no clue about the rest so i won't give any opinion on that :-) read more

Happiness is hot chocolate ..keep calm and drink hot chocolate , It's a nice place to have your coffee at , they also have cookies, cakes ,muffins ...i tried the hot chocolate it's comes with mini cover biscuit .. Staff are friendly .. Prices is good .. All in all , if your a chocolate love visit them read more

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The coffee here is very good, and I visit here a lot, however the atmosphere of the coffee shop seems quite commercial, so you don't feel inclined to sit there for longer than it takes to finish the coffee. I've been to other branches which are a little better, but still 4 stars overall. read more

They have definitely the most impressing and coolest coffee machine I've ever seen. Although I don't know how practical this silver rocket actually is, it looks interesting! The coffee was good and the food I had there was also okay. The staff was also friendly and nice. So basically everything is fine. Everything? Not quite ... as I can confirm what I read in a review here: the atmosphere feels quite commercial and for that it's not a place you really enjoy staying for too long. So, if you're just after a quick coffee, you can safely go there. If you're looking for a place to have a nice time, to read something, and also to drink a coffee, there are definitely better places around in London. read more

Another joint off my coffee bucket list crossed off! I had the cappuccino freddo, which is essentially an iced cappuccino with this lovely, mousse-y frothed milk topping that made everything brilliant. The coffee is balanced well and the baristas are quite capable -- and very efficient. Only problem is that, like every other coffee chain, they cut corners on iced drinks by giving you a TON of ice. With coffee/espresso drinks, I understand the need to cool the hot espresso shots immediately, but I don't particularly like paying for that much ice. That may be more of a corporate strategy thing or what have you, but I do love it when shops give me a proper amount of what I'm asking for, and not frozen water. read more

Might be small.... but perfectly formed! Look in the window of this small coffee shop on Charing Cross road and you will be greeted with a view of the Rolls Royce of coffee machines positioned on the counter in all its gleaming, silver beauty. Take a step through the door and the wonderful, strong aroma of fresh coffee gently hits your nostrils, and if the (limited) seats are full, you can order take-out. It's not the sort of place conducive to a long read of the papers or a lazy stay curled up with a coffee and a book, but for a quick warm-up or caffeine hit on your own or with a friend it's just perfect. Of course, they do all the coffees you'd expect and there's also a small selection of delicious pastries and nibbles to munch on too. Part of a small chain with another branch on the Southbank, think of it as the more stylish and chic little sister of Cafe Nero. read more

I love this place to go to for a quiet coffee on a weekday morning. Especially as that means that you are more likely to get a seat. The coffee here is splendid as is the hot chocolate. It is churned and is the proper thick stuff that feels like a dessert in a cup. I always have a bit of milk in mine to make it less like liquid ganache which can get a bit much, but for pure indulgence I love to order a large mocha. This marriage of latte and chocolate is splendid. I have visited the Southbank branch too many times and rate this place highly. If it is busy do get a takeaway drink from there as it leaves you floating in a bubble of luxury and some comfort that you haven't just paid for Starbucks because it was there and you still feel that you need a good coffee kick. read more

Lovely service here but the famous hot chocolate left a little to be desired. It's thick, yes, but in a gloopy way, like they've used something like corn flour rather than cream (or another quality ingredient with a smooth mouthfeel). The result is like you are drinking a diet choc custard, which isn't bad, but it's just not what you're after when they advertise an 'authentic' drinking chocolate sadly. I did really like their flapjack though, and it was a nice enough place to while away a couple of hours before hitting the (book)shops... read more

About once a week I treat myself to a takeaway cafe latte and a newly create almond croissant from here as I work just round the corner. The coffee is great (with free choc wafer / choc covered bean) but twinned with the warm crema in the croissant Mmmm. Just finished eating one and brushing crumbs off my shirt as I write. read more

Why have I not stopped in before? I've seen the best coffee in London accolades on the window, but have somehow not managed to get through their door before today. I've been missing out. I had the best double espresso macchiato of my life today, and I had it here. Creamy, fragrant, rich, and delicious. Perfectly made. It came with an amarettino sweet and a shotglass of water, all presented together on a little tray. There are about 7 tables in this crowded little shop. It's £1.70 for a single espresso, £1.90 for a latte. They have iced coffees, sandwiches, and pastries. There were two separate groups of Italians in here having coffee when I stopped in. That tells you something. read more

One always need a backup coffee place (serving a decent brew), particularly when Monmouth is shut on Sundays. Thankfully there's Caffe Vergnano located just a few blocks away on Charring Cross road. While it doesn't have the cosy, bohemian atmosphere that Monmouth has, its clean small tables still provide a cosy enough atmosphere. Most visually striking is their unusual espresso Elektra-branded espresso machine, with three small platforms constantly filled with that wonderful dark liquid with an impressive eagle figure mounted on top. Most importantly, the coffee is great - I've never had that burnt, bitter taste many other places create and it's one of those places where they serve espresso as they would in Italy, at the bar if you prefer complete with a small shot of water and a small amaretto biscuit to finish it all off. Unfortunately they don't know (yet) how to make a flat white coffee to go. read more

[This is part of a larger review of London coffee houses which can be found here: http://wp.me/pwXBH-or ] Set along the shop-fronts on an unlikely stretch of Charing Cross Road (unlikely in the sense that you don't expect a serious coffee house here amongst the touristy drek), it is none other than Caffè Vergnano 1882. I have been in a number of times now and haven't exactly gotten to the bottom of what the 1882 stands for (okay, I haven't really tried to find out), but that is beside the point. The small chain has been set up by Luciano Franchi, whose family has been working for three generations in the London food industry. They apparently supply coffee and related machinery to the Italian Embassy, for whatever that's worth. But the best thing about walking into Caffè Vergnano is seeing their gargantuan silver madame, the holy grail of espresso fabrication, the elegant and maniacal stainless steel workhorse that pumps dark brown blood through its veins, the aortic arch from which the pulse of Verganano's espresso emanates. Yeah, it's the big honkin' shiny espresso machine that you can't miss from window. It is the Elektra Belle Epoque, and on its crown is perched a peering eagle. To make a long story short, it makes a mean cup of espresso. Their own blend of espresso is composed of seven single-origin beans (including the elusive and expensive Nicaraguan Maragogype) and it is one of the nicer ones I've had, certainly one of the top in London. It has a full and broad flavor spectrum and, to me, has a tad more bitterness beneath it than Monmouth's, though without being cloying. My favorite incarnation of Vergnano's espresso is a double macchiato, with the little bit of foam providing a tiny cushion of creaminess to offset the fine espresso flavor. The other thing I like about Vergnano is that it is sort of like an Italian espresso bar. You can order your drink and have it standing up at the counter or if you want you can sit down or walk out with it. With each coffee they also give you a little Italian biscuit or chocolate (I have never figured out if it's the drink you order or the luck of the draw that determines which one you get), and I think it's a great little touch. I would probably describe the service at the Charing Cross Road branch as 'professional'. It's not warm, it's not touchy, it's not personal, but it's not rude or mean either. They are just there doing their job and trying to provide you with a good drink. The gist of it: I haven't been to their other branches, but I think that this one is great. No-nonsense accomplished espresso drinks and the holy grail of coffee machines staring you in the face. Plus you get a little treat with your coffee and can stand at the bar. read more

Beware the difference between the same product served in different branches. After being absolutely bowled over by just everything in the newly opened Chancery Lane/New Street Square branch (so good I went back twice) I ventured into this little coffee shop. Same incredible double espresso from the gleaming silver machine but without the friendly staff, the ambience, the warmth all round. They also did get our order wrong even after confirming that they could do a skinny number for the hubcap. Have to agree with the italian dude below that this world class product is being let down by the staff. Don't get me wrong, they weren't rude to anyone, just humourless and just forget about expecting a smile or a hello, goodbye. The staff access area's also alongside a table for two and I felt sorry for the couple that were seated there as they weren't able to relax with all the comings and goings. I'd ditch this table during staff change-over periods. Pity - still there's the branch nearer me to frequent (only open weekdays) and their other on the South Bank for my weekend coffee fix to try out. If the staff are grotty there I will be hunting down Mr Franchi to let him know about his problemo. read more

One of the best coffee I've ever had. If I say one of the best coffee I've had in London, It would be unfair if you consider I'm Italian, and I know how a proper espresso has to be made! Seriously speaking this small, perfectly tidy coffee shop makes amazing coffee. Caffe' Vergnano pretty famous in Italy, 1882 is the year they have been estabilished (in Italy of course) the coffee roasting activity, yes, because they make their oun blend, and they sell it as well if you want to have the same coffee flavour at home which you can't, I think, because you don't have the right machine! Anyway, the only spot, as it often happens, was the bar lady, who looked pissed off, wasn't smiling at all, didn't greet us nor when we went in, neither when we left (of couse saying "thank you bye bye"). This kind of habit is very disappointing, specially in a small place like this one (the entire bar can't be more than 30 mq, with 5 tables in total). What a shame! read more

Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

About me: Espresso is my life. About Cafe Vergnano 1882: Their espresso is my adolescent schoolgirl crush The stuff you get here is consistently solid, very very excellent. The damn espresso machine isn't as big as your fridge for nothing. DO try it. The exterior is most unimpressive and the pastries aren't much to write home about (though I must say the cannoli is looks at me flirtatiously) but the coffee, ah, the coffee. The actual object of my affections (person, not beverage) claims he has not had a better espresso shot - it was balanced, sublime, not too much of anything (not too mild, not too bitter, not too etc. etc.) but just as it should be in its lovely honey color and presented not merely in a tiny cup but a platter accompanied with water shot to get your excitement going. I am fond of the cappuccino, which has an excellent foam consistency, no bubbles at all. I have been to their branch at the Southwark center as well for dinner, and apart from the coffee the actual food and dessert menu makes "the stuff i have to do to get to the coffee" more a pleasure than a chore. Highly recommended. read more

Vergnano sits in tourist hell, right next to Leicester Square, but it's not the sort of place you'd see from a distance and pop into like you would a Starbucks or a Nero; I had to have it pointed out to me (by someone from out of town!) before I found out about it. Maybe this is why it usually (not always) has a space free for me and whoever I'm indoctrinating this time around. Everyone I have ever brought to this place - including super coffee nerds - has said the coffee is amazing. If you want a meal in a mug, have the hot chocolate; it's practically chewable. They no longer do the square of delicious chocolate, but nonetheless, it's a great place to have in your pocket when you're in the area. Dropping by like it's no biggie is a pro move. read more

In my twenties, when I stayed in London for a while, this was a favorite place of mine to get a treat that I could afford! More recently, I came here on my honeymoon, and it was as delicious as ever. I don't think this is the best place to get a regular cup of coffee. They specialize more in espresso and I recommend the drinks with the melted chocolate and/or whipped cream! read more