Coffee Snob Blog

In a nutshell:

-Chiswick’s neighbourhood coffee shop

-Offering pinball, a Japanese arcade, fresh pastries…and coffee

-An effortless welcome served with meticulous care

If you find yourself walking along Chiswick High Street, you might just think you have stumbled upon the perfect antidote to city life. I raise you – take a left (or right – not sure of your coordinates) into an unassuming mews just off Turnham Green Terrace, and you’ll find yourself in a tranquil spot with the destination of the day facing you: Chief Coffee.

Set up by Sam 9 years ago, Chief Coffee has rather refreshingly kept true to its original mission: to provide a coffee spot for the community in a relaxed, rustic setting with…pinball.

You heard me.

“It’s rather normal for coffee shops to have another string to their bow these days – a bookshop, board games, a bike shop to name a few – but go back 9 years. It seems refreshingly original”

It’s rather normal for coffee shops to have another string to their bow these days – a bookshop, board games, a bike shop to name a few – but go back 9 years. It seems refreshingly original. It’s when the third wave coffee movement had largely taken hold in the UK, when flat whites were becoming a staple on menus. But these guys were already thinking ahead, doing the flat whites – with pinball. There’s something about this which feels important. As if this integrity is responsible for the easy-going atmosphere inside. There’s authenticity, there’s honesty. There’s kindness and joy. And ff-ing good playlists.

Inside, it feels like an extension of the neighbourhood – locals, students, families come and go – the door always open. Tables large, small, stools chairs, exposed brick walls; its past life as an iconic furniture showroom seems to breathe in every corner of the place.

“Set up by Sam 9 years ago, Chief Coffee has rather refreshingly kept true to its original mission: to provide a coffee spot for the community in a relaxed, rustic setting with…pinball”

The Coffee

So let’s talk about the coffee. They use Workshop Coffee and All Press – both staples of the London roastery scene. Teas are all loose leaf, served in some of my favourite teapots; alternative milks available. Bags of coffee beans are available to buy.

I was visiting rather a lot over the few weeks I was there, and the two baristas who served always made the coffee with care. This is not a place where standards drop, or details are over-looked. You don’t know it, though – it feels so easy. But under the surface, meticulous care is being taken for your perfect cup of coffee. And arguably, even more meticulous is the care taken towards the playlist.

“meticulous care is being taken for your perfect cup of coffee. And arguably, even more meticulous is the care taken towards the playlist”

The Food

They have everything you want if your coffee date merges into brunch or lunch. No working kitchen, but they serve substantial bites including ham and cheese croissants, vegan sausage rolls, mushroom and spinach rolls. I need to say that these are no afterthoughts – the ham and cheese croissant was one of the nicest lunches I’d had in a long while. They source their pastries from Rinkoff Bakery in East London – arriving fresh each day. Delectable bakes are served alongside the pastries: think freshly baked brownies, cookies… And if you’re a confectionary addict like me, you’ll find a Lindor bar grasping for your attention.

All in All

This is the kind of place worth travelling from the other side of London for. There’s ambience, there’s great coffee, and there’s two different gaming floors if you need a break in between coffees/if you run out of conversation. If it’s a nice day, the seating outside feels a bit like sitting in the Mediterranean – it always seems to get the sun. And when all is said and done, you can walk out and find yourself in Chiswick. One of the loveliest places in London. The common is just a stone’s throw away across the road, and may I also suggest a leaf through the books at the Oxfam bookshop just a few doors down.

I’m going to end by quoting part of a conversation I was eavesdropping in on one time I was there: “Even though I have best friends I’ve known for longer than you, I think you’re my favourite person in the world.” Thank you Chief Coffee. You’ve cultivated a place where people feel at home, where the spirit of community and connection shine through beyond all else.

“The common is just a stone’s throw away across the road, and may I also suggest a leaf through the books at the Oxfam bookshop just a few doors down”

Things to know:

-food/snacks available

-toilet (note it’s very small for baby changing, but they were very hospitable to my friend)

-accessibility: there are steps into the cafe, but outdoor seating is accessible (see picture above)

-indoor and outdoor seating

-pinball is £1 to play

–Opening hours: 8-5:30pm (Mon-Fri); 9-6pm (Sat); 10-5:30pm (Sun)

–Website: www.chief-coffee.com

–Instagram: chief_coffee

–Address: Turnham Green Terrace Mews, Chiswick, London W4 1QU

–Nearest tube: Turnham Green (Piccadilly and District Lines)

Things to do nearby:

-take a stroll with no definitive plan. There’s Chiswick Common just across the road, and plenty of shops to stimulate the mind/wallet

–Chiswick House and Gardens – explore this old Manor House and superbly kept gardens. Just a 15 minute walk from Chief Coffee.

-The best of London’s museums are just a few stops on the tube to South Kensington. Visit the V & A Museum, the Natural History Museum, or the Science Museum.