Fleet River BakeryThe Fleet River is one of London’s lost rivers. Running underground from Hampstead via Kentish Town, Kings Cross and Clekenwell into the Thames at Blackfriars; it was once a major waterway with healing wells along it’s course.
With the industrial revolution, the once clear waters became polluted and the Fleet was gradually bricked over. There are some extraordinary photos and a brief history of the river here.
The Fleet River Bakery is in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, behind Holborn Station. A welcome independent cafe in this area of chains, they bake everything on site from scratch. Emphasis is on the freshness of the food; they even tweet the daily menu and what is coming out of the oven.
The primrose-yellow exterior has large, arched windows and there are tables outside if the London weather is being kind. Inside is a warm, friendly atmosphere; the decor a mix of reclaimed wood, old school-room chairs and vintage ephemera. Seating is in a room to the back and there is space downstairs, which I haven’t tried yet, but looks very cosy.
The range of teas includes organic Assam, Eight Butterflies green tea, Leaping Tiger white and rooibos. I enjoyed a pot of Karma Lotus; a soothing blend of chamomile and lavender.
I visited near closing time, and, as they bake daily, the food had sold out – so if you fancy a cake with your cuppa, you better not leave it too late.
Address: 71 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3JF
Website: Fleet River Bakery
Lincoln’s Inn Fields Museums
Lincoln’s Inn Fields is also part of the Museum Mile, and home to two of London’s most fascinating small museums.
At number 13 the architect John Soanes created an amazing, and somewhat bonkers interior (how on earth did he tell Mrs Soane that he wanted to put an Egyptian Sarcophgus in the basement?). His home is preserved as he left it and this magical place is well worth a visit. You can also buy Mogg’s Strangers Guide to London that I saw at Tom’s Somerset House.
Number 35-43 houses the Huntarian Museum holds the collection of John Hunter; exhibits include the skeleton of Charles Byrne, the ‘Irish Giant’ and the Evelyn Tables. A video introduction to the museum by London schoolboy Joshua McGovern can be seen here.
If it’s all a bit much you can always reclaim your equilibrium with a pot of Karma Lotus at the lovely Fleet River.