A new café brings some indie-style love to Old Street roundabout

As much as we love local gems – small, chain-free start-ups, with a vision and an insider’s appreciation of the needs of their natives – why do they so often need to be out in those further corners of London? We’re proud of our urban micro-villages. But if only we could have some of their independent treasures, I don’t know, somewhere easier to get to.

Enter Shoreditch Grind, which opens this week…

With its focus on ‘third-wave’ coffee – think pro baristas serving perfect flat whites from their own house-blend of beans – and you’d be forgiven for assuming it was on Broadway Market. Throw in the Italo-Australian nibbles, all organic and fresh from the morning pastries to chunky lunchtime sandwiches at it must surely be Columbia Road.

Highlight the music that’s in its blood, with singer/DJ Kaz James as one of the partners and the recording studio going in upstairs, and Hackney Wick would be a safe bet. Then there’s the Grind’s 400-capacity outdoor courtyard that’s in the pipeline (if they can muster an alcohol license, the potential for summer fun is off the chart) and it’s gotta be out in Dalston at the least.

Except that the Grind is nowhere so far away. In fact, it’s bang on the otherwise bleak Old Street roundabout. Plus, partner the new coffee shop with The Nightjar, and we’re wondering if this isn’t a new easy-to-reach pocket of indie drinking havens emerging before our very eyes.

INFO

Shoreditch Grind
213 Old Street, EC1V 9NR

HEAR – The first new material from electro-icons Ladytron in three years at The Forum, 9-17 Highgate Road, NW5 1JY. Wed: 7pm-11.30pm.

DANCE – Your way around the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall with the Michael Clarke Company, SE1 9TG. Wed-Thur & Sun: 9.30pm. Fri-Sat:10.30pm.

DIVE – Into Dynamic Pilates for the summer at the new Ten Pilates studio in Mayfair which launches on Tuesday. 25 Hanover Square, W1S 1J.10am-7pm.

SEE – Work from emerging and established contemporary artists at the annual RA Summer Exhibition. Burlington House, W1J 0BD. From Tues, 10am-6pm.