Narrative, Walthastow

10 Forest Rd, London E17 6JJ
Next to Blackhorse Road tube station must be a prime spot to catch commuters in need of an early morning caffeine boost but it’s still a little weird that there are two coffee shops side by side jostling for custom.
However, there is a distinct difference between  with one defiantly and definitely speciality over the other’s more generalised tea and toast vibe but each has their place mopping up morning travellers passing through.
Housed in a sort of pre-fab shed that reminds me of some of the classrooms during my sixth form years, I’ve tried both at different times with the latter serving as a perfectly fine place to get a latte if all else is closed on a Sunday afternoon.
But it’s Narrative coffee bar that draws out the speciality snob in me, with bits and bobs, including beans, from local suppliers and artisans to try and elevate the community feel alongside providing a damn fine cup of coffee if you’re moving through the maze of the underground network. 
The undeniable creamy, chocolatey-ness of Red Brick coffee comes through the oat flat white I order, like a rich, dark chocolate bar filled with hazelnut. I go about my day sated and make a mental note of which side of the unit I should remember to head to when out and about on adventures.