Tuesday 9 June 2009

Coffee Republic, Exchange Square, Broadgate, central London

Mostly housed in a greenhouse-style building in a futuristic pedestrianised square, this branch of Coffee Republic has outside tables overlooking a big voluptuous black statue, the steel and glass architecture of the surrounding banks and part of Liverpool Street station. In the distance, you can hear the sound of the station tannoy and trains pulling in and out. The Americanos (about £1.50 for a large beaker) are strong and full of flavour. When you buy a coffee, you can pick up a tasty cheese and tomato twist or chocolate twist for an additional pound. Also on offer is the usual selection of cakes, sandwiches, muffins, smoothies etc. You can get online via the pair of (paid-for) terminals or use your own laptop to connect to the free Wi-Fi, sponsored by Lufthansa, by getting a username and password valid for 20 minutes from the counter staff. 6/10