THQ

This place is bohemian, organic and inexpensive.
I like all these things.
But let me bust out some synonyms.
Gypsy, basic and cheap.
I’m not a fan of these things.
Okay, so THQ is more Bohemian than it is gypsy, but the atmosphere fell a bit short of endearingly rough-​around-​the-​edges; it made it certifiably into the territory of a bit dirty and with poor service all around. Furthermore, of the things I ordered, I’d say ‘basic and cheap’ are fair estimations.
I asked the counter person what kind of coffee they served, and she pointed to the coffee menu: ‘latte, americano, cappucci…’ No, I meant what kind of coffee they brewed. It was some brand unknown. I should have known better than to have ordered an americano. It was drinkable but distinctly below average, so I didn’t bother finishing it.
I also got the soup of the day with buttered bread. Its description sounded delicious, and it was only £2.95! I sat down, waiting in stomach-​rumbling anticipation for what I’d envisioned would be a steaming hot bowl of savoury veggie soup deliciousness accompanied by a hearty chunk of wholemeal bread, perhaps torn off its loaf in a purposeful move to highlight its rustic-​ness. What I got was what amounted to little over a teacup saucer of average yet perfectly repectable soup and a slice of what looked and tasted like a slice of Tesco value range with some margarine slapped on. The little paper packets of salt and pepper that were chucked on the serving plate only accentuated the food’s pathetic appearance. And, it might just be me, but I feel my food should be served with me already appropriately seasoned, so salt and pepper packets were a double no-​no. Oh, and I waited for at least fifteen minutes to receive the food, for reasons completely unknown to me. The staff wasn’t particularly attentive, nor did they work with any sense of haste, despite the bustling weekday lunch hour.
You see, it was all a little bit of a let down. But, well, I can’t really complain since it was £2.95 and I got some free fast wifi thrown in to the mix. Plus, the place had ample seating in the front and at the back. So, yeah, I guess it’s alright.

I’ve been here for both lunch and dinner now, and I can safely say that it has excellent food at reasonable prices and wonderful service at all times of day. Not good if you want a «proper» dinner out, but my two friends and I had a great early meal with a bottle of wine in a relaxed atmosphere before heading down to the Monto Water Rats for a gig last night. For lunch they’re perhaps a bit pricey, although their fresh sandwiches and tea range is very tempting if things are relaxed at work that day. We were a bit too early for them to have put up the dinner menu (they’re open till 8.30PM) but the manager gave us her rough draft written on a napkin and translated it for us… and because we had to wait a while brought us some olives with our wine. Absolutely lovely, chatty staff — and the food… I had a beefburger, which is not normally an attractive option for me on a menu, but it was cooked perfectly, and it’s been a long time since I ate such wonderful fries. My only criticism is that (along with it being a semi-​expensive lunch option) there could have been more vegetarian choice on the evening menu. But only a small point :)

The most amazing breakfasts, all organic, with a great range of teas and coffees.
At lunchtime, home made main courses are offered with a good glass of wine for around 8 pounds.
They’ve also just started doing suppers, which are excellent value, and served with a really nice selection of wines, that are miles cheaper than neighbouring pubs.
Really friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere, make it well worth a try

Food, especially breakfast, is amazing, especially when you compare rival breakfast venues. Organic and ethically sourced. This venue now opens til 9, and serves the most amazing suppers, with an interesting wine list. Currently quiet in the evenings, it will soon become Grays Inn Road’s best kept supper secret, as it is miles cheaper, and much better quality than neighbouring pubs. A must try! Menu changes pretty much every day, food all home made, including the chips. Home baking, especially the cup cakes, and the muffins, amazing. Staff very friendly, and nothing appears too much hassle.