Cafesa

I didn’t stumble across Cafe Sa, a trendy looking coffee shop in Hanwell, Ealing. I’d seen it being prepared over a series of weeks, standing out from its Polish supermarket and taxi office neighbours like a sore thumb.

I’d searched for their website and facebook presences, with zero success. But, not that easily deterred, I looked forward to my visit, planning to set up camp and work from my laptop over a series of flat whites. 

Outside, brightly coloured designer chairs sat against the confusing choice of fir green plastic tables, the likes of which I haven’t seen since early noughties BBQs in my parents garden. Inside, however, they’d got it right. Pale lilac contrasted against exposed brick, and beams, from which miniature industrial brass lampshades hung, affording the space a soft glow. Deep green sofas lined with soft, bright cushions finished the place off perfectly.

At the  geometric wooden counter, I asked the young server what non-dairy milk was available. Reacting as though I had spoken in martian, he avoided eye contact and glanced desperately to a college out of my eyeshot before scuttling off. Fortunately, this colleague was to be the saviour of my Cafe Sa experience. 

Confidently taking control, she talked me through the options; almond milk, soya and oat milk. No coconut milk. That’s a -1 for Cafe Sa. Under sufferance I opted for oat milk and began browsing the food options, hoping for a gluten free cake or sandwich. Sadly there was not a single gluten free cake or savoury option so I decided just to take a seat and wait for my coffee to be brought to me. I asked if there was a power point for my laptop, and was pleased to learn there were approximately 10 sockets, for sharing between six tables. Win.

Sitting down and opening my laptop I searched for the wifi network to no avail before asking for the details. There was some discussion between staff that seemed to be them deciding whether or not there was any wifi, and the sad conclusion was that no, there wasn’t. Forgivable when so new, I suppose, but disappointing nonetheless. It hadn’t occurred to me that a new, trendy, London coffee shop wouldn’t have wifi. Especially one with plentiful charging points. 

Oh well, time to test how serious Giffgaff are about their no-tethering rule…

The music was loud, and strangely ill-matched to the decor, featuring mainly jarring middle eastern rhythms rather than the soft, fun and calming motown, pop or soul town vibes of similar venues in Ealing. The waitress asked my opinion and eventually changed it to some more modern music.

While I supped my coffee, which was perfectly acceptable and served with a Lotus biscuit, the staff moved in and out of the shop, sometimes for cigarette breaks, propping the door open and letting a whip of cool air send a shiver down my spine. I pondered how nice a royal blue velvet curtain would look, suspended from a brass pole beside the door to guard customers from such icy blasts.

Obligatory toilet visit revealed a surprisingly nice design. White and clean, but for a bit of dust on the sink.

Back at my seat and with another coffee in hand, I asked if they had anything at all to eat that was gluten free and was delighted to hear that they had Kind bars out the back. Caramel Almond Sea Salt, it turns out, is a revelation in snacking, and went perfectly with my coffee.

Unfortunately, it was at this point that the music was changed to something closely resembling a Polish Eurovision Song Contest entry.

And so, I knew it was time to leave. I wouldn’t recommend Cafe Sa but I wouldn’t advise against it either.