Being vegan in London has just been blown sky high with amazingness. If you think that sounds like hyperbole on overdrive, check out the new vegan patisserie known as October Cafe and you’ll soon see the reason for my excitement.
Following a disappointing, half-uneaten breakfast at another vegan establishment, Josh and I were on the lookout for something to lift our spirits. We hopped a few buses, walked along Old Street in the City of London for a short while and arrived at one of the loveliest vegan experiences in existence.
On entering October Cafe, we were instantly struck by how dedicated the proprietor is to delivering a fully-realised and authentic patisserie. The decor is cute and quaint while cakes are showcased as delicate wonders to be admired for their beauty as much as their taste. The owner/server is dressed immaculately in a dapper suit and the whole event is a throwback to another time.
Tea is served in high style and I don’t mean simply a pretty cup and saucer. I’m talking afternoon tea consisting of a pot of tea, cucumber finger sandwiches, cream cheese finger sandwiches, scones with cream/jam and a further choice of a pastry or cake. For just £9 per person, these delicious and dainty treats are lovingly delivered to your table on picturesque tableware.
Being a FGV I wasn’t able to settle for the Victoria Sponge offered as part of the tea package, no matter how scrumptious it looked. Josh and I instead took the option of paying a further £1 each to upgrade to a slice of gourmet cake. I took aim at a serving of Black Forest Gateau while Josh went after the Baked Cheesecake. Both were stunning.
I rounded out my October Cafe experience with a cup of peppermint tea while Josh opted for a pot of English Breakfast. We both loved every aspect of the cafe and we can’t wait to get back there again to try some of the savouries emerging from their kitchen.
The October Cafe is situated at 38 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AE. The nearest Underground stations are Barbican, Old Street and Angel.
You can follow October Cafe on Twitter.