La Cafetiere is a magnet for snuggling student couples thanks to its sultry purple décor, fairy lights, waxy wine bottle candles and sexy-sounding Mediterranean food for cheaps.
By modern standards the food isn’t fancy, but it is sufficiently exotic sounding and smelling to make it a shrewd go-to date night option - and it's one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. The place isn’t built for big groups - it's two-seater bistro tables and squashy window front seats all the way - so it becomes crowded and humid on weekend nights, especially during term time. The walls are decked out with art, drinks arrive in colourfully mismatched glasses, and the atmosphere is light, welcoming and very bohemian.
Keenly priced starters include delicious kubah and dolmas, while most mains - ranging from pastas and pizza breads to falafel, kofta, salads and lamb meatballs with couscous - are priced between £5 and £9. Desserts include deliciously sticky and crisp baklava sweets, as well as a choice of cakes, fruit pies and ice cream for no more than £4. A hearty full English breakfast will set you back £4.
Though better suited to evening visits, La Cafetiere is a lovely lunch spot, with perfectly-cooked omelettes and various panini alongside a great selection of herbal teas, fresh fruit smoothies and huge mugs of cappuccinos or hot chocolate.