TLO, St Albans

TLO, St Peter's Street,
St Albans AL1 3LF
https://www.tlocoffee.com/

​St Albans seems to be slowly building itself up as a premier coffee hub just outside of London, and as another café launches itself onto the scene, competition will soon be very fierce indeed. Opening around three weeks ago, TLO Coffee were originally based in Primrose Hill, London and seem to be creeping out into the suburbs with their St Peter’s Street shop. 

Opposite the Church of St Peter, you can sit at the window bar and watch the comings and goings of the church yard as you stir your coffee, making it a prime place to pick up and a pastry and while away a few moments, away from the hustle and bustle of the hight street. Gorgeous British Racing Green colouring entices you in with its sense of sophistication and elegance with a shiny new counter of goodies to peer at. My friend has found the new location via Instagram and directs me slightly up the hill to this quiet place of caffeination. 

Asking after vegan options for me (probably knowing all too well I’m unlikely to do so myself) there seems to be some confusion on whether the dairy-free items could also be classed as vegan, and since baked goods typically contain egg, I choose not to partake this time. They also lack any syrups at this time, which isn’t a deal breaker but does force me into a regular oat latte as opposed to the sweet, vanilla treat I’m craving right now. No matter as we take up corner space with the church view and sip gently at toffee-esque coffees that carry a striking sweetness through the milk alternative making the a bright drink for a drizzly afternoon. 

​Gently basking under the neon sign, it is a place of serenity to chat and so the time inside seems all too fleeting but with hope, there will be more opportunities to visit and see how its offering develops.