Cafe Brera Riverside

It’s not hard to imagine Brera as the coolest caffè in a provincial Italian city. This sleek mini-chain has got that vibe spot-on at its Dockland sites; all that’s missing are the dashing men in Bruno Magli loafers knocking back espressos. Perhaps they’re staying away because the ‘birra’ on draught is Stella Artois (Moretti & Peroni are by the bottle only). Clean lines & marble counters set the scene for a superior all-day offering of coffee (‘the best cappuccino in London’, according to one supporter), paninis (speck, Taleggio & radicchio on sourdough, say) & plates of pasta or gnocchi. Come ‘aperitivo’ hour, it’s a fine (if noisy) spot for a glass of Prosecco or an Aperol spritzer. Gelati & riverside seating are the draws on sunny days. Further outlets are at Cabot Square (020 7512 9191) & Jubilee Place (020 7516 9090).