Nika Jazaee enjoys a little china down the Lane.
Pretty Cuppa definitely lives up to its name. In the heart of Brick Lane you will find this little family business, run by a married couple, serving tea and espresso in flowery china cups.
Big square windows make the inside of the café feel much bigger than it really is. If you’re lucky with the weather, the big windows will invite in all the daylight and you can almost believe you’re having your coffee al fresco in Southern Italy.
Coming in at lunchtime, the aroma of pink cupcakes and strawberry tart is too sweet – it fills up my tummy even though I haven’t eaten anything. I need real food and the lady of the houses recommends the panini. ‘Yours will be made with ham and different cheeses – mozzarella and cheddar,’ her husband proudly declares.
I also order a small white Americano. I’m waived away from the counter – the welcoming hosts will bring everything to my table.
Roy Orbison’s ‘You got it,’ is playing softly in the background and I’m pleased to feel cozy and calm in this charming space so close to the bustle of Brick Lane.
It is modern and elegant and domesticated – like a corner of someone’s home, all at the same time. The combination of off-white walls with light grey, forms a perfect background to colourful china cups and dayglow cakes.
My coffee and panini cost £8.30. The Americano was among the better ones I have had in London, smelling of fresh ground coffee beans with a creamy aroma. But the panini could have been made with more flair, and for its price it should have been bigger.
No wi-fi was another small minus (maybe I was better off without it for a few minutes). But high quality interior and friendly service translate into a high rating overall.
I’ll give Pretty Cuppa 3 out of 5 tomatoes.