Nagare Coffee Roasters - Spitalfields

Ground Floor
40 Brushfield Street
London
E1 6AG
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https://nagare.co.uk

I wanted to check out a Japanese-inspired coffee shop opposite the main market hall of Spitalfields that, lacking clear signage, appears to be a vintage importer of fruit and veg but hides a cosy cubby hole of caffeinated delight. Far more popular than its size allows for, all of the limited seating is occupied when I arrive but, no matter, as I opt for a takeaway and breathe in the rustic wood panelling and elegant earthenware mugs of cheering concoctions.

 Red flyers with golden and black Asian calligraphy are scattered across the walls as people mumble to one another or read literature at tiny mismatched tables. There is a touch of idyllic elegance about it, like the food from a Ghibli film or a scene from a Beatrix Potter book. A small glass display case holds a smattering of cakes and cookies, so I snaffle up a slice of vegan chocolate banana bread that has a cathartic crunchy, toasted top. Here, I notice on the menu there is something of a speciality of the spot.

It is intriguing enough to tear me away from my usual oat latte as I instead go for the Pearl 40, which has jasmine pearl, vanilla, espresso and, in my case, oat milk all delicately mixed into one and topped off with crushed pistachio in a sweet, flowery drink of soul-warming pleasance. I am charmed by it all and resolve to return one time when I can maybe fight for a seat of my own. Alas, I fear its placing will always make it a busy spot but one can hope.