Great British coffee bar

Oliver Peyton, restaurateur and judge on the BBC’s Great British Menu, is raising the bar for the UK’s coffee scene, opening a stylish espresso and churros bar at the British Library in London.

The Espresso Bar has eight single estate coffees, five rotating espresso blends, an on-site roaster and expert baristas. Just as you might expect from a sommelier, the roasters here are trained to offer guidance on the difference between exotic offers such as the Ethiopian Harrar or Guatemala Antigua.

All coffees are priced under £2 and are available to drink in or take away. In addition, customers can take away coffee beans, or have them ground freshly on-site in 250g bags.

Added temptation for a winter treat comes from the bar’s selection of churros, the hot doughnuts enjoyed across Spain and Latin America.

The Espresso Bar churros are served with a sugar and cinnamon spice dusting and can be accompanied by hot chocolate or praline dips.

Peyton already operates a number of bakeries across London under the Peyton & Byrne name. Not surprisingly, these pastries, cakes, sandwiches and savoury snacks are also available at this latest venture. All in all, the perfect way to reward yourself after a cultural binge at the British Library.

Gabriel Savage, 27.10.09