Notes

A handy daytime pit stop & a refreshing antidote to the ever-increasing number of chain coffee bars in Covent Garden, Notes is run with genuine warmth & offers top-notch cups of Joe from Square Mile Coffee Roasters, plus generous pastries, cakes & sandwiches. Queue at the long wooden counter, or linger in comfortably pared-back surrounds over a platter of charcuterie & a bottle of interesting vino. In the evening, a more extensive ‘small plates’ menu might feature the likes of Scrimshaw pork pie with cornichons, duck confit, smoked trout pâté or tender lomo en orza (marinated pork loin). Culture vultures will love the laid-back jazz & classical music soundtrack, not to mention regular wine & music evenings featuring tastings & expert talks on composers such as Verdi & Strauss. There’s an offshoot at 31 St Martin’s Lane (020 7240 7899).