The Caffeine Chronicles: Timberyard Review

UPDATE. Sadly, Timberyard is now permanently closed. 

I've walked past Timberyard's second branch in Seven Dials (the original is in Old Street) a few times over the past few weeks but haven't had time to sample the coffee shop's wares until this afternoon. Timberyard is surprisingly big inside and there is also a downstairs seating area and a few tables outside if, on a showery day like today, you're feeling lucky.

Before you even get to the coffee part, a whole host of delicious looking brownies and other cakes are there to distract you. I thought nothing could tempt me away from a peanut butter brownie, but in the end, the coconut, chocolate and walnut blondie won me over. I didn't even get as far as the salted caramel brownie until I spotted it in my photo afterwards!

I noticed the 'Chemex for two' on the menu, but was hopeful there would be other geeky coffees on the menu for those who only needed one serving. They don't serve Aeropress or pour-over brews but they did make me a Chemex for one, so I was happy.

I grabbed a seat in the window and started working on my blondie, which was nutty, chewy and generally amazing. The waiter also brought over a large bottle of tap water, unprompted, which is always nice. They also have a few iPads available on the tables. The one next to me wasn't working, but I assume they're connected up for a spot of light browsing — another nice touch.

It has been a while since I last had a Chemex coffee and this one was pretty damn fine: dark and slightly nutty, with enough fruity acidity to break through this hazy afternoon. It's a great spot for people-watching, as the Covent Garden punters go about their days, and Timberyard is a welcome addition to a part of the West End not exactly overrun with great coffee shops.

Timberyard. 7 Upper St Martin's Lane, London, WC2H 9DL (Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square). Website. Twitter.