Piece by Kate Antoni, FG Central Correspondent
Is this real?
When Kiss the Hippo opened and started popping up all over social media, I was curious. Was this the answer to all of my cafe-based dreams? The brand started in Richmond, where they have a carbon neutral roastery and are certified organic by The Soil Association. It’s a big deal to have this level of attention to detail. This level of sustainability within your coffee production and bean choices. I was impressed by expertise and the accessibility. The staff know the tasting notes and acidity levels in each of the coffees. They are eager help you decide on a blend that is suited to your flavour preferences. Whether or not you like to add milk, non-dairy milk or sugar.
It’s truly fascinating and a fun experiment to see whether or not you can taste the coffee tasting notes. I really enjoyed playing the game with my mum, who accompanied me.
Perfect Location
Situated on Margaret Street in Fitzrovia, Kiss the Hippo is a centrally located Mecca of calm, an oasis of sympathetic lighting and thoughtfully laid out seating. The outside was decorated with autumnal leaves that contrasted beautifully against the white shop front. The inside had little pumpkins scattered around the shelves. On entering the space, I felt instantly at ease, it’s a gorgeous clean-cut design. Think Skandi influence with a New England nuance, there’s nothing stark about this minimalism. It just screams cosy, tidy and calm.
Dreamy brews
A wonderful place to grab breakfast or brunch with a friend. To sit with a long book and endless cups of coffee or to finish a few emails before setting off into the world (their internet was strong!). Think, lots of clean cut fitted cupboards, white walls and a stocked bookshelf. I enjoyed the attention to detail, the natural light that beamed throughout the two floors and the vast seating options – there are tables and booths downstairs, a breakfast bar with stools upstairs and tables scattered at the back, where people looked as though they were working.
Divine Brunch
We ordered at the bar and then sat downstairs. The staff was (and is!) so completely wonderful that I really must mention the warm and friendly service. Nothing robotic or stilted, just a helpful, kind and polite team. All working together to make your entire dining experience, a happy one. The menu looked fantastic and very appetizing. It was succinct with vegan, vegetarian and meat options. Mum had the mushroom toast which, comes served on sourdough bread atop olive tapenade and covered in grated Italian cheese.
I opted for the Eggs Benedict – a delightful spin on the classic. Served on a croissant bun, a novel idea that I first experienced at Plate restaurant in Old Street. There, Chef Mark Hill devised the “cro-bun” for afternoon tea. On this occasion my cro-bun was laden with fine quality smoked ham, warm hollandaise and a soft-boiled poached egg. The latter burst dramatically as I skewered it. These foody delights were accompanied with cups of the Panama blend coffee. The overarching notes of lemon blossom, jasmine and white peach shine through. I enjoyed the George Street blend, with tasting notes of blackberry caramel and chocolate. They really popped when drunk alongside the glazed cinnamon bun.
This café has got to be one of the best. It has something for everyone, welcomes all ages and is centrally located with delicious food. I was so impressed and can’t wait to return. In the meantime, I’m tempted to sign up to the coffee subscription. This excellent service, sends over letter box friendly coffee package, so I can enjoy all the coffee at home.
Kiss the Hippo: 51 Margaret St, Marylebone, London W1W 8SG https://kissthehippo.com
