Restaurants

Multi-tiered special-occasional cakes make a spectacular window display at Bea Vo’s plush café. At the rear, three steps lead up to the open-plan sky-lit kitchen, adding a sense of theatre to the busy chefs’ activities. Roast vegetables were made the most of during our visit: as in a couscous and halloumi salad, and a ‘flatbread’ sandwich. Shredded duck salad with pomegranate and salty ‘kim chee’ cucumber was savourily satisfying, though the acidic dressing had begun to attack the leaves. All except the moroccan chicken soup was displayed on the counter – and the menu is posted on the website daily. A constant stream of cakes seemed to come from the kitchen: ‘killer’ brownies with peanut butter, coconut, praline and mixed nuts; blood-orange, chocolate or raspberry meringues; swirly-topped cupcakes. The rich gateaux are full of creamy, chocolatey and nutty flavours. Coffee is excellent, teas come from Jing, but best of all is Bea’s own recipe chai latte, surely London’s best. Service is friendly, though it’s confusing to work out whether to order at table or counter.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009