It dawned on me the other day, somewhere between my third latte and the barista knowing my order a little too well, that I might just be in a long-term relationship… with coffee shops. Meetings, collaborations, dates (some good, some regrettable), random encounters, writing; these places have seen it all.
At this point, I may as well start reviewing them. Or, at the very least, ranking them on
Wi-Fi strength, coffee quality, and how long I can loiter before I get 'the look.'
So here we are. It's 10 AM on a Sunday. I didn't think I'd need to, but I'm in a queue—waiting for my morning coffee like it's a coveted Michelin-starred brunch. London, you never fail to surprise me.
Now, I've either got (A) social media to thank, (B) my love of finding the next best coffee, or (C) Forbes for noting this place as one of the nine best spots in London for artisanal coffee. Not only did Qima Cafe make the list, but it ranked Number One.
Fittingly, it was a coffee date suggestion that led me to this Forbes' endorsement.
Apart from the little gathering outside Qima Cafe, Warren Street is quiet. As I wait for a table, I do a very British thing. Comment on the weather. (Which, in fairness, isn't overly miserable today.) It's enough to spark a conversation.
Later we were both laughing at the absurdity of queueing for a coffee table at 10 AM on a Sunday. Unlike me, who was influenced here, she's been coming long before Forbes and before social media got a hold of it. Back then, she'd follow up yoga with a coffee and could easily find a seat. Today, she joins me in the shared bemusement of queueing to enter
Qima Café for a table, coffee and pastry.
And so, time passes.
Now, I have a table.
I sit just as the coffee lovers at the table next to me receive their orders. Unlike me, their phone cameras don't eat first. As a matter of fact, their phones were nowhere to be seen. Now, there's something to be said about that but shortly, Mr exclaims, 'Oh! This is beautiful.'
He turns to his companion, 'Yes,' he reiterates, 'this is coffee I could drink all week.'
I stop minding my business because I'm more than intrigued and enquire as to what they'd ordered. He tells me. Though with a chuckle, that his pocket may need some adjusting if he's to make it a habit. He laughs amorously on the latter, and I laugh with him.
A little later, I'm handed a menu and spot the very coffee that was just applauded, sitting comfortably in the double digits. I smile, but now, it feels more meaningful.
I go for the Saint Ali Mocha (hot). A stunning beauty on the menu card: rich, velvety. Full of promise. The kind that catches your eye across the room, makes your heart race a little.
But alas, it was not to be.
Instead, I settle on the recommendation...
Qima Cafe's Qishr Latte
First sip? A warm embrace of cinnamon and vanilla. Made with oat milk, it's smooth and inviting. Tracing its origins back to Yemen, the Qishr Latte is brewed from the husk of the coffee bean, a tradition rooted in history.
It is less caffeinated and therefore less intense and bold than I'd usually go for. But for the chai latte lovers? A pleasant encounter.
At Qima Cafe, matchmaking is their specialty. Not of the romantic kind (dare I say), but in the art of pairing coffee and pastry. Guiding their discerning clientele in pairing perfectly baked pastry with the coffee they've chosen.
I, was all eyes and ears for a Pain au Za'atar. Literally 'Pain au' meaning 'bread with' in French while 'za'atar' refers to an 'earthy, herby spice blend' in Arabic.
This independent café on Warren Street is punching above its weight with its pastries. It was top notched golden-baked goodness. The centre soft and pillowy while, its crust, a caramelised, crispy shell, is brushed with the aromatic flavours of za'atar. Truly a taste of the Middle East.
For the second time in recent months, I've been served coffee in a handleless cup. Is this a trend? I'm unsure but is befitting of the experience. The interior walls, painted to resemble the red mud bricks of a traditional Middle Eastern village, complete the illusion, if only you never looked outside.
As for me?
I can see a second date in the summer with the iced Qishr Latte. But before that, I'll return for another of their freshly baked pain au za'atar. Or to try their pistachio croissant with more Yemen coffee.
Wi-Fi strength: No complaints; I didn't use it.
Coffee quality: The Qishr method is perfectly suited for those days when you want coffee without the caffeine hit.
Loitering time: A comfortable hour.
Qima Cafe also offers takeaway coffee.
📍 21 Warren St, London W1T 5LT
Will you be giving Qima Cafe a date?
