These days, I mostly work from home, but once a week I head into the office in East Croydon. Until recently, there hasn't been much in the way of specialty coffee to discover on my lunch breaks, so I was excited when a new coffee shop opened earlier this month. After a couple of visits to TAO Cafe, I'm happy to report that it's a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood.
Founded by Valentina and Tommaso, TAO takes its name from the principles of Taoism: in particular, harmony with nature. This dichotomy, they explain, also perfectly reflects the tension between acidity and sweetness in coffee.
The cafe is located in Ruskin Square, a short walk from East Croydon station and Boxpark. Inside, it's bright and airy with soothing pastel hues and a gently curving concrete coffee bar at its heart. There is a variety of seating inside: small tables with bench seating running along one wall, a small sofa in one corner and some higher tables and stools to perch at in the window.
The coffee is from Plot, a southeast London roaster whose coffees I've enjoyed many times before. On my first visit, I ordered a cortado, which was brewed with Plot's IMPACT espresso from Fazenda Mió in Brazil. Brewed with a little milk, the coffee had a lovely milk chocolate sweetness, and the latte art was impressive too.
When I went back, I tried the batch-brew filter coffee of the day, a coffee from Colombian producer Alejandra Muñoz with experimental processing. This Pink Bourbon thermal shock coffee was right up my street, with tart rhubarb and candyfloss-like sweetness that came through very nicely in my brew.
TAO serves a selection of pastries, cakes and sandwiches: I can recommend the cinnamon buns and white chocolate and rose cookies. I'm also looking forward to trying the full brunch menu, which is coming soon.
Anyone who travels regularly between London and Brighton will probably be more familiar with East Croydon station than they may like. But if you do get the chance to leave the station before your train, head over to TAO where great coffee and an oasis of calm awaits.
TAO Cafe. 2A Ruskin Square, Croydon, CR0 2WF (East Croydon rail). Website. Instagram.
For 150+ more of my favourite coffee shops in London, check out my London specialty coffee guide.
No comments:
Post a Comment