Blighty Coffee on Blackstock Road is an artisan coffeehouse that opened in 2013 and is seeking to establish itself as a community hub and event space in the style of early 20th century coffeehouses.
Punters as well as the creatives who rent hot desk space on the floor above are invited to make themselves at home in the large but cosy space, that spans two floors and a garden and has a piano and board games all are welcome to use.
The dominant theme in the décor is postwar England, with pictures of Winston Churchill on the walls and other paraphernalia – if a little at odds with the neighbouring Algerian cafés, it is nevertheless a welcome departure from the minimalist industrial décor that seems to be required of trendy new ventures.
The coffee was excellent: prepared in a third wave style with beans from the always excellent Monmouth roastery, although Blighty also roasts its own beans. Don’t miss the orange zest flavoured cappuccino that tastes like a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, or if that’s not to your taste, you can order another one laced with Baileys to sweeten up brunch.
The food menu also takes inspiration from the 1940s and serves up traditional English breakfast fare. We had the Winston (£9), a full English that came with unlimited toast, but was so amply sized that we couldn’t avail ourselves of this feature and preferred to focus on finishing the excellent quality meats.
The Eggs Scotland (£7.50) were essentially a very straightforward salmon benedict, and while decently prepared, the salmon was a little on the cold side and the dish could have used some garnish. On the whole we left full and pleased with our relaxing meal and will definitely stop there next time we’re in the area.
Blighty Coffee, 35-37 Blackstock Road, N4 2JF
www.blightycoffee.co.uk