The Camden Coffee Shop is the kind of shop that makes me feel guilty for never having visited before. Driven past - yes. Told others to visit - yes. Walked past when drunk and thought about popping in but halfway through a cigarette so didn't - yes. Known that this is exactly the sort of business specialist that will one day disappear from our high street and we will regret - yes. Visited - Sorry No.
Today was the day and it was worth the wait. On the left of the shop is a 75 year old roasting wheel, on the right worldwide bags of green coffee beans. In the heart of this tiny wonder is George. George offers words of comic wisdom, great proprietorial service and a wealth of knowledge. Camden Coffee may not have the panache of Monmouth or the swagger of Square Mile but I'd doubt any of the upstarts know as much as George, or are quit as hospitable to stupid questions.
My tote now smells of freshly ground Santos Light and my heart is a little purer for this real store experience.
The Camden Coffee Shop, 11 Delancey Street, NW1. Call 020 7387 4080. (not to be confused with 'The Camden Coffee House' only yards away; which looks very nice and should appeal to Phoebe, Joey, Chandler et al)
