I recently wrote about my hunt for a new ride. In my hunt I have taken the search back to my roots. When I say "roots" I use that lightly in that I went to college in Clerkenwell Road which is a just around the corner from the bike hunting ground. I heard about a bike shop that does beautiful bespoke bikes, imported from none other than where the dutchies come from. I have put my name down for a red 3-5 speed bike. Another plus side to this place, The Bicycle Man to be exact, is that it does the Cycle to Work Scheme. So providing the bike comes under £1000 total including accessories then its all mine! My search of course was sweetened by one of my favourite cafes. Look Mum No Hands sits in the heart of Clerkenwell area in one of London's fashionable postcodes. I could hang out here for hours. I normally bring my laptop with me and either catch up on some work, blog or just enjoy the relaxed and hip atmosphere with one of their cappuccinos.
Credit: RichMitch |
Look Mum No Hands is not just any cafe, it has a bicycle repair shop attached to it. You can tell where the name comes from by just looking at the theme of the decor. Which is perfectly fitting with my search for a new bike. This places just goes to prove at how explosively creative our coffee culture has become in London. We are slowly moving away from the usual popular cafes chains and rekindling our love for more independent with an authentic feel. It doesn't come any better than Look Mum No Hands cafe. The cafe is a popular hangout spot for "two-wheels-good folk". They have an outdoor courtyard which is beautiful on sunny days.
When I took the boyfriend on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch, we combined food with a little bit of work as we brought laptops for a bit of programming session. Not unsual, as you will find many of London's creative folk all typing away on their laptops or chilling with a book or buntering with friends. So whether you are into bikes or just love good food with a bit of a fun atmosphere then this place is for you. You can also bring your kids too as it a place for young and old. Their food changes all the time and is absolutely delicious. You have to try their chicken and mushroom pie, or their salads, which by the way are filling on their own. I have also stopped by for their fruit smoothies. Natural goodness without any additional crap in the ingredients. There is plenty to choose from too. I love the chatter of the place and I return here when I can for a people-watching session and sink away in the background while sipping away on my coffee.
When I took the boyfriend on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch, we combined food with a little bit of work as we brought laptops for a bit of programming session. Not unsual, as you will find many of London's creative folk all typing away on their laptops or chilling with a book or buntering with friends. So whether you are into bikes or just love good food with a bit of a fun atmosphere then this place is for you. You can also bring your kids too as it a place for young and old. Their food changes all the time and is absolutely delicious. You have to try their chicken and mushroom pie, or their salads, which by the way are filling on their own. I have also stopped by for their fruit smoothies. Natural goodness without any additional crap in the ingredients. There is plenty to choose from too. I love the chatter of the place and I return here when I can for a people-watching session and sink away in the background while sipping away on my coffee.
So what are your favourite coffee shops and what make them special?
Also taking part in the #SundayTraveler blog hop hosted by Chasing The Donkey
This shop literally looks amazing and is now on my must visit places when I am back in London - thanks so much for sharing
ReplyDeleteLaura x
You definitely have to visit when you are down in London :D
Deletepictures are fab! Great post thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat coffee ... mmm!!
Thank you. Glad you like them.
DeleteThat's such a cool place! Near where I take classes there's a bar/guitar building workshop, which I always thought was pretty awesome, but a cafe is even better for hanging out in.
ReplyDeleteIt really easy a cool place. Guitar classes? I have 3 guitars at home and cant play either one :( Hopefully your comment will inspire me to pick one up and get a tune going.
DeleteWaht a great looking café, it's so good to see independent places like this thriving.
ReplyDeleteI know! I love the character and atmosphere the independent cafes have. You just dont get that with the chains.
DeleteThat's the kind of place I would love to hang out in, love the huge graphics to! Hope you can join us and also link up for Travel Photo Mondays, the link is open for the whole week.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a lovely spot. Will check out the Travel Photo Mondays too.
DeleteHooray for a cool coffee shop - and no Starbucks in sight. I love the decor of this place. Thanks loads for linking up with us to #SundayTraveler again ;)
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to join and share what I come across with you all. :D
DeleteI love the name of that bar! Looks like a fun place to hang out. I'll make sure to check it out next time I am in London Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a spot. And not too far from other cooler spots like Shoreditch so definitely check it out when you are in London.
DeleteThis looks brilliant! Would really fit in here in Holland :)
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely keeping this one in London! :P But you are more than welcome to bring Holland folk to visit the cafe :D
DeleteAmazing! Looks like a great cafe. Will definitely pay a visit next time I go to London!
ReplyDeleteYes, please do. I am sure you will like it.
DeleteInteresting place and concept ... love the pictures too.
ReplyDeleterachel@safari254
Thank you Rachel. Glad you like the pictures.
DeleteI love the decor of this place. So quirky and fun. I would definitely bring my laptop and hang out here for an hour or two. Thanks for linking up to #SundayTraveler.
ReplyDeleteYep, there is free wifi so you can play around on the blog while sipping good coffee.
DeleteGreat photos...so fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Corinne.
DeleteThanks Tamika. That was a chicken and mushroom pie with a salad on the side. Tasty!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and photos! It's great when you find a comfortable and cozy coffee shop - we always found these types of places made us feel like we were a bit more "settled" while traveling! Thanks for sharing...I will keep an eye out for this one when we are in London next!
ReplyDelete