Aiming to bring a slice of the Los Angeles craft coffee culture to an upmarket hotel in London’s West End could seem like a bit of a gimmicky concept, but EllaMia at the St Martin’s Lane Hotel is actually a lot of fun and a refreshingly affordable food and drink option when compared to most central London hotels.
Covered from floor to ceiling in light pink tones, with plush pink chairs to match, the intimate space manages to avoid feeling naff, instead giving the impression of being a very classy café. A classic-looking coffee menu hangs above the golden counter at the far end of the room while the tables are unadornred save for the menus standing in the middle.
EllaMia’s food offering evolves as the day progresses. The breakfast menu ranges from a protein smoothie bowl to a daily selection of pastries, sometimes including some impressively colourful croissants. A daytime menu takes over from 11.30am onwards with lunch-style dishes such as a pepper and goats’ cheese quiche and a chicken and avocado wrap – and with all of them under £10, it’s impressive value for money.
Naturally in such style-conscious surroundings, the drinks offering is just as important as the food. As well as the expected selection of high-quality coffees and hot drinks, the menu also features a range of smoothies, juices and protein shakes, as well as kombucha. These can be enjoyed alongside an ever-changing selection of cakes and sweet pastries, all of which look so beautifully crafted that you’ll be sad to eat them.
EllaMia’s variety of different eating and drinling options combined with its low prices makes it the ideal spot to escape to in central London if you want a touch of class on the cheap, though note that it closes at 7.30pm every day except Sunday, when it’s 6.30pm.