London E5 0NP
Naming your cafe after your cafe's address is pure genius
and saves wasting money on signage. This is a bonus when you are on a tight
budget, which is the impression I got from the interior design of 119 Lower
Clapton.
But to be clear, I'm not criticising their fit out. Quite
the contrary in fact. I admired them for creating a light and airy space, with
a modern twist with such a simple premise.
The key I think is that there is no pretence here. Their
tables are raw and glorious chipboard, with simple white chairs. The floor
looks like it might be mdf, painted a matt grey. White walls are adorned with a
selection of colourful artwork that is for sale.
Clean white paper lampshades
hang from the ceilings, the electrical ducting on show. Large windows look out
onto the street, with no fancy embellishments or decoration on the exterior of
the shop front.
Even the crockery is light and airy - clear Perspex cups,
saucers and plates. Ben didn't like them, but I thought they complimented the
minimalist and unfussy style exceedingly well.
There was a broad range of cakes and slices on offer, and I
struggled to make my choice as it all looked so tempting. I selected a
courgette and lime slice, but truth be told I was a little disappointed. I
found it a tad bland, and not as good as that served at Franze & Evans. I regretted not
ordering the cardamom and raspberry chocolate cake... maybe next time.
Ben selected a simple slice of toasted banana loaf, which
was served with a hulking great slab of butter on the side. Knowing that the
butter would be re-refrigerated and re-served to the next customer, and knowing
that we were the next customer after the customer before us was not a pleasant
thought . It would have been better to be given a little dish with a smaller
serve of butter on the side, or even the option of individual single-serve
packets.
A communal butter dish is really off-putting unless you're at
someone's house, and that someone is a good friend or relative, and even then
it's not ideal.
Ever a man of few words, Ben declared the coffee
"Good", which is in actuality a glowing recommendation from him.
All in all, I would go back. 119 Lower Clapton is simple and
refreshing, like a glass of Pimms on a warm summer's day.
CakeMyDayLondon Rating
