Coffee

In the grittier (pleasanter) east end of Hamilton we found this unexpected place for good coffee and good waffles at exactly the time we needed both. You need to be patient for both, but it’s worth the wait, and the place has a “take your coat off and stay awhile” vibe. Waffles come in your standard with-fruit-and-syrup preparation, but also in savory combinations like “waffled bacon.” All were good in my group’s experience.

Here’s a bit of soundscape I grabbed while we were eating.

If you’re in the market for fabric and notions, or antiques, this is the neighbourhood to head out into afterwards.

Finally a good place for coffee near my parents’ house in Burlington. Small and simple.

There’s excellent Mexican food next door.

Exceptionally good espresso macchiato served by exceptionally friendly staff.

Decent food (a nice bowl of oatmeal with blueberries) and acceptable coffee, I chose this restaurant at Heathrow primarily because it has comfortable, well-lit tables with electric outlets for charging. When you enter the departures area from security, you’ll find the restaurant one floor down near the base of the escalator.

[[Oliver]] and I visited the Tokyo outpost so it seemed only right that I seek out the mother ship in London. It’s a tiny perfect space with, as you might expect from the obsessive Monocle aesthetic, all the nice things remembered (moist towel with sandwiches, mint water at the ready, daily newspapers for reading, etc.).

Coffee was good and the shrimp sandwich was excellent.

Note that there is some confusion about food as it’s listed both on the “drinks” menu near the front door but then, more completely and with pictures, near the cash where you order.

The Monocle Shop is nearby, although it’s worthy only a curious visit as it’s far too small to be pleasant to spend time in.

I tiny coffee shop with friendly staff. A much less frenetic alternative to the Starbucks and others in the neighbourhood, and very handy if you’re making a visit to St Bride Foundation.

Don’t miss the pre-made sandwiches in the cooler behind the queue; they’re tasty.

There’s additional seating downstairs.