Restaurants

Sacred, indeed: the espresso machine stands on a 19th-century Welsh wooden pulpit. And thats just one of the religious motifs in this friendly place. But then, coffee does seem to be something of a religion in New Zealand, where the owners hail from. Sacred occupies two levels, a small ground-floor room and a dark, attractive basement with plenty of seating and artworks for sale. If the espresso is anything to judge by (and it usually is), this is a place for coffee worship. The beans are Fairtrade, and our espresso was perfect: lovely crema (foam), beautifully balanced; it needed no sugar. Tea-drinkers are well catered for too, with green, fruit and ayurvedic offerings as well as classic black teas. Food was good, but not exceptional. A smoked salmon sandwich with mascarpone was excellent, but tasty lemon tart and cheesecake were ill-served by soggy bases. There are also generously portioned salads, and some hot dishes. A good choice for lunch or a snack in a crowded part of Soho; the main room is light and airy in warm weather and the basement a cosy snug in winter.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008