The Association

Situated down a narrow side street in the shadow of the Gherkin, Association is the gem in the City’s caffeinated crown. Given the area, it’s surprisingly hip: stripped industrial interiors, patterned table-tops (weirdly reminiscent of the zigzag floor in the Black Lodge in ‘Twin Peaks’) and stylish, pin-legged furniture. Coffee comes from Square Mile (where else?), its Red Brick blend the standard espresso – though there was a guest from Birmingham’s Quarter Horse on our visit (plus filter courtesy of Workshop). The espresso itself is citrussy-sharp and rocket-fuel strong – perfect for knocking back after a pastry or Portuguese custard tart, of which there’s a great little selection.