Notes Music & Coffee, St Martin’s Lane

Green Oolong, Notes Trafalgar Square Green Oolong
Notes Music & Coffee
St Martin’s LaneNotes Music & Coffee is one of those great places that you walk in and wonder why you have never been here before.

Except this case, I know why – I have tried to visit for tea a few times, but it’s always full.

This time I was with a friend, and even though it was busy, we managed to find seats at the back on long shared oak tables.

The space is pleasant with high ceilings and large arched mirrors, which make it feel larger than it is.

The tea is excellent. I had a green oolong, but was also impressed with my friends Assam – it was so good, I don’t think he got much of a look in!

Notes have a reputation for good coffee, but know their tea as well; the leaves are strained and kept, with hot water being provided as requested for further brews.

Tea is served in hand-made pots and small glasses, which I liked so much that I now drink out of these at home. To only down-side is the pots don’t hold very much, and it’s a bit disruptive to have to ask for water, especially when the staff are busy.

There is a small DVD/CD shop downstairs with some bargains, especially if you like world cinema and classical box sets.

The location couldn’t be more central. Notes Music & Coffee is handy for the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, St James’ Park and Covent Garden. It is steps away from Trafalgar Square, and next door to the English National Opera at the London Coliseum – they even sell programmes for the current performance.

Notes has a pleasant, buzzy atmosphere. There is a slightly distracting TV showing foreign films, so maybe not the place for a quiet cuppa; but if you are meeting friends – and okay with sharing a table – it is fantastic. Refreshing to find an independent cafe in an area being taken over by chains.

Notes also have a Covent Garden branch in Wellington Street, see website for details.