I like to forget that I lived in London once; that a long time ago, my respite from the drudgery of my life was a tiny flat in Clerkenwell. Over the last few years, I rediscovered London as a visitor and created happier memories.
The thing with reconnecting with your past is that you find yourself in places that feel strangely familiar yet different.

I heard Clerkenwell had changed, but so had I, I liked coffee and photography now, so I went back for those two things and to make old friends new.

Workshop Coffee in Clerkenwell was the first stop on our annual day trip to London last fall.
It was the ideal spot for light breakfasting, catching up and relaxing after a long cross-country train ride.

Workshop is part of a trend of Melbourne (and Australian) originating cafés popping up in cities around the world, these cafes are the probable reason flat whites are so popular now.
It’s also on that Buzzfeed list of 25 Coffee Shops Around The World You Have To See Before You Die – I think I’m halfway through that list now.

There are three other Workshop outlets in London, and they roast their own beans.
I loved the atmosphere here, or maybe it was the tinge of nostalgia but it felt like I was back home at one of my favourite coffee shops.
The coffee was excellent, I ordered an almond milk latte with the perfect balance of smooth rich coffee and creaminess, and our breakfast sandwiches and pastries were tasty.

The space is bright, open and clean; two levels with plenty seating, exposed brick walls, wooden floors and fixtures and a thriving living wall.
There’s a roastery on site, which is always fascinating to watch – I love coffee shops that incorporate roasting machines into their décor.

The place was already bustling for an early morning, so I imagine it gets very busy, service was laid-back and quaint. I find it interesting how coffee etiquettes differ slightly by region; we ordered after we were seated, which felt quite civilized for a quick breakfast jaunt.

We lingered for a bit after our bellies were full and hearts warmed, and then went off to explore nearby Shoreditch; we hopped on another train and kept on making new memories.

Workshop Coffee – Clerkenwell Cafe
27 Clerkenwell Road
London EC1M 5RN
http://www.workshopcoffee.com/