Caffeine Fix: Kitchen and Pantry/Barossa

"Caffeine Fix: 02/July/14

After failing to post during my busy weekend that, let's face it, I can't remember, I dedicated my day off to writing. I think it's safe to say that got as far as writing get messages. So here I am, on my lunch at work"


Nearly a month later, this is still in my drafts. What even is that? I'm glad that jumbled up nonsense has never saw the light of day. Due to my gross negligence of I Couldn't Even I'm going to give you quick run down of the 2 coffee shops I have saved in my phone with notes from when I visited - bare in mind that they were a while ago now.

23/June/14
Kitchen and Pantry
http://www.kitchenandpantry.co.uk/

Sun blazing down on our backs, Rachelle (my flatmate- you'll probably hear more about her) and I walked through Chiswick en route to a tattoo and piercing parlor. Passing many cafes, restaurants and bakeries we decided to stop at Kitchen and Pantry as it was relatively busy and nicely decorated, definitely should have reconsidered judging this book by it's cover. A sign informing us that they sold Cheshire ice-cream was the overall decision maker, Rachelle being a Dapper 'n all.

Upon our entrance, it was instantly clear that the cornflakes of the woman who served us, had definitely been pissed in that morning. By all means I do not expect the staff to be as rude as this woman was every day of the week, but it did seem to shatter the whole experience a little bit.

There was little on the menue, especially on a day as hot as it was, or felt, we certainly weren't stuck for choice. I went for a earl grey iced tea and a slice of berry tart. As Rachelle and I both got the berry tart, the lady cut two different sized slices, however both still on the large side. Although it wasn't a problem with us, it did strike me as odd - surely there should be some sort of consistency standards that need to be kept? The tart was nice, but tasted a little stale. It also seemed that Kitchen and Pantry LOVE mint! Mint seemed to be in everything! In my iced tea, it was not pleasant.

On a regular day the experience may be better; yet there was nothing irregular about this particular day. If this is all Kitchen and Pantry have to offer, I would skip it next time.


02/July/14
Barossa
http://www.barossafulham.com/

Again, Rachelle and I were on our travels and set out to find Barossa. We read it was one of the best cafes in west London, but of course, you cannot believe everything you read! It was the cutest, friendliest place. Believe that.

After getting lost, breaking a bag,  and relying on city mapper way too much, it was surprisingly still morning when we found Barossa, on the outskirts of Fulham. As it's known to be an Australian cafe, we were pleasantly surprised to find the staff were all Australian too - apart from one gentleman that explained he was the only one who was not. Although it would have made no real difference to our experience there, it simply added to the authenticity of the place.

After taking our orders, a bottle of chilled water was placed on our table with two glasses, as well as our drinks being brought over after almost no time at all. We both had mocha's and the breakfast, Rachelle choosing the vegetarian option. Although this may not be for everyone, I love bacon cooked so the fat is crispy, yet everywhere I get  bacon it's stringy. as. hell. Not here! It was perfectly cooked to a more than happy medium, in my opinion. I don't normally like mushrooms, Barossa's garlic field mushrooms impressed me enough to eat and I would definitely get them again, despite still claiming to not like mushrooms. Rachelle seemed pleased with her breakfast too, however agreed the corn was a bit weird.

The food here was clearly on par with what we had read, which I am now reinforcing. You may have noticed I believe that good decor and service is essential to get a positive experience somewhere, so just to add: Barossa has the nicest staff who were willing to go above and beyond, outside there were white princess-like table and chairs to chill with a coffee, as well as beautiful canvas' and quotes on the walls inside.

I want to take everyone I know there, so of course I would recommend that you go!