Leaving Paris and 'crossing over' I felt a swarm of emotions. Farewell "un cafe au lait" and hello "one weak, hot, skim latte" almost seems representative of one of the many cultural differences between the French and British. The French enjoy, the guilt free pleasure and satisfaction of one small portion of full fat whilst the British seem to fumble around with 4 or 5 watery skims, never fully satisfied.My first cafe I was drawn to in London was coincidentally (or perhaps, subconsciously
not) L'eau a la Bouche (Direct Translation - The Water at the Mouth) in East London's Broadway. It seems fitting that a slow transition should take place and this Cafe is mouthwateringly good.
not) L'eau a la Bouche (Direct Translation - The Water at the Mouth) in East London's Broadway. It seems fitting that a slow transition should take place and this Cafe is mouthwateringly good.Located on the Broadway Market street which buzzes every Saturday with vendors offering fresh produce, deli goods and ready made, home cooked dishes (great for a picnic in nearby London Fields).
The Cafe gets busy at lunch time and hence why there is a sign notifying laptop wielding customers to back off between 12-2pm (the wi-fi is actually deactivated during these hours so dont try any sneaky sneak).The great selection of food is immaculately presented at the counter - an array of very healthy salads, a variety of sweet and savoury tarts and cakes to name a few. There is also a small deli section with giant wheels of cheese, antipasto and breads to select from, as well as a small aisle of premium (mostly organic) dry goods on offer.
The cafe is a decent size and there are a few seating options. I have been here 3 or 4 times and have tried them all. Inside, you may sit at the long timber share table or around the windows at the small bar-like snaking table. Outside, you will find rustic tables and chairs which are the cream of the crop on a sunny Spring day.
L'eau a la Bouche - mouthwatering.
It is not very typically French however, skim drinkers beware - semi skim is as far as they are willing to fold.
L'eau A La Bouche
35 Broadway Market
London, E8 4PH
Tube - Haggerston
