Prior to my short London trip last week, my daughter mentioned that she wanted to take me to a new coffee shop she thought I’d like. So, after peeling myself off my bed on a Sunday morning, the last day of our 4 days trip and after a hectic few days, I went to meet her at Waterloo at Calico Coffee, 101 Lower Marsh Street, about 5 minutes’ walk from Waterloo Railway Station.
Upon entering, you are greeted with a fairly open space, giving you room to look at their coffee menu and their pastry offerings in a glass counter (very Nordic). Their brew bar in front of you is decked with a La Marzocco Strada and to the right-hand side, they offer coffee beans to take home or you can have them ground by them too.
As you walk along the left-hand side, you notice wooden shelves with magazines.
The feel for me, was very Japanese with its minimalist feel and décor that reminded me of modern Japanese restaurants, decked with high stool seating at the back next to the counter, where they brew filter coffees. At the back there was a nice looking one group espresso machine with Maxim label on it and when I enquired, they said it was a Chinese made espresso machine (with a French name).
Walking back, I noticed that one of the baristi must have won this…
Yes, third place in the UK Brewers championship in 2023.
After reviewing the coffee menu and quizzing the barista about their blends for milk-based coffee and the cup size for their flat white (a typical trait of mine, sorry), I opted for their house blend when I heard “Kenya”. My daughter went for the americano.
A nice cup with hints of berries (typical Kenyan profile) around the edge of the tongue.
So, who or what is Calico?
In short, it’s the first outfit owned by two Chinese entrepreneurs and from what I noticed, they seem committed to showing London that Chinese inspired (or was it Japanese) décor, decked with an extensive brew bar, lots of staff, pastries and a chill out vibe is a space they are willing to fill in the London specialty coffee scene.
Will I go again ❓
Sure, because I also need to try their filter brewing skills.
We met a pleasant barista, Maria, of Portuguese origin, who told us about the shop, which only opened about 3 months ago.
Before I left, I went over to their coffee retail shelf and after reading many labels and being encouraged by Maria, opted for an Ecuadorian Anaerobic coffee from a Parisian based coffee roaster, Tanat, with its bright orange packaging. Looking forward to brewing this at home soon. ☺️
If in London and near Waterloo, please check them out and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed but rather… you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Visit them at Unit C, 101 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB.
