Coffee Snob Blog

In a nutshell:

-a coffee shop that’s bucking the trend

-instagrammable interiors with a traditional coffee house feel. Come here for coffee catch ups, brunch and afternoon treats

-a favourite amongst business workers and locals in a saturated area

-situated on the original premises of Costa (1971) a stone’s throw away from Victoria Station

When it’s that time of day and you need a coffee, it’s unusual to stumble upon a beautiful coffee shop by chance – but it can happen. What’s less likely is this beautiful coffee shop makes great coffee.

I’m not one to judge a book by its cover, but I have time and again been lured in by a beautiful exterior, only to be disappointed by what should be the main event inside.

Coffee Addict proves an exception to the rules. Not only is it situated right next to Victoria station but it is incredibly good, inside and out. Bathed in a rainbow of flowers, Coffee Addict pops out in an otherwise grey industrial area, and its message to the world is one of intent: everything we do here goes above and beyond the norm.

“It reminds me of an old Italian coffee house dressed up in a bright floral outfit”

Nina and her husband Marco opened the store last May, having come from the restaurant world and their quick-fire success is pretty extraordinary. She says one blogger recommended it early on, and suddenly business went mad.

“They’ve built a community of coffee lovers in what is primarily a business-oriented area – which is no mean feat”

Being from Sicily, Nina and Marco herald the importance of knowing who their customers are, and this easy-going approach is evident in everything they do. It reminds me of an old Italian coffee house – an old Italian coffee house dressed up in a bright floral outfit. People come and go, most knowing the name of Nina, Marco or Emma (one of their brilliant baristas), and they’ve built a community of coffee lovers in what is primarily a business-oriented area – which is no mean feat. Interestingly, it sits on the site of the original Costa when it opened in 1971.

The Coffee:

They use beans from The Roasting Party in Hampshire and I had The Party blend – to my taste it is exceptional (I like a smooth, mellow taste). Go for Drake is you’re after something a little more acidic. They sell beans in store. All baristas are trained diligently by Nina herself and this is testament to her impeccably high standards. They also do ‘super lattes’, including spicy chai latte, matcha, ruby rose latte and detox black latte.

The Food:

The range of food is impressive, taking into account it is all made just behind the counter. Their specialty is breakfast/brunch – choose from granola to avocado on sourdough (vegan option available), filled croissants, all sorts of pancake styles and a range of bagels. If you’re feeling decadent, try their affogato. Their bread is from artisan bakery, Seven Seeded. Click here for the food menu.

All in All:

“Coffee Addict isn’t just bucking the trend, it is setting a new standard of what a coffee shop can be in London”

This place is a little like an Italian coffee house. It is small; there are no toilets, but this simplicity exposes why people keep coming back: the coffee. Business workers, locals, even regulars from outside the area all make a deliberate pit stop here because they know it is the best. It’s bit like a tonic against the minimalist Scandi design we’ve come to expect nowadays. The fact that this is different (and when I say different, this place doesn’t do things by half) speaks volumes about their product. Coffee Addict isn’t just bucking the trend, it is setting a new standard of what a coffee shop can be in London – without having to hide behind the safety net of a familiar trend to attract customers.

So next time you’re in Victoria let yourself be lured down Vauxhall Bridge Road, and there’s a high chance you will happen to come across this bejewelled gem. Gawp at its exteriors but make sure you get inside, for though the colours, the flowers, and the charm are enough to bedazzle and entrance, it is in their coffee where the magic truly lies.

Things to know:

-WiFi

-no toilet

-wheelchair accessible

–Music: very relaxed, chilled, think The River by Neal Gourdin

–Opening hours: 7:30-7pm (Mon-Fri); 8:30-6:30pm (Sat); 8:30-6pm (Sun)

–Website: www.coffeeaddictofficial.com

–Address: 324 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1AA, London

Recommended things to do near by:

–Victoria Palace Theatre – see the multi-award global phenomenon Hamilton

–Buckingham Palace – if you’re visiting, make sure you check out the incredible state rooms at the palace. Open on specific dates throughout the year, see website for details

-Catch Off West End shows at The Other Palace. With a great bar and restaurant, and featuring scratch nights and one off concerts. Visit the website for details

–St James’ Park. One of my favourite parks in London, get lost in the greenery here right in the heart of the city. Perfect for picnics, lounging on deckchairs by the lake, and even catch the pelicans at feeding time

–Flight Club. One of the best nights out in London – get a group together and go head to head at darts. A real glitzy place that’s bursting with fun

–Vagabond Wines. The best wine tasting around. Buy your coupons and taste your way around the world. A truly fantastic experience. Booking recommended