Caffe Vergnano 1882

Hot ciaocolata is wonderful!
It's too thick to drink, I need to sip at it or use a spoon to eat it.
Ciaocolata with rum is also served and sounds good but I didn't try, maybe next time!

2nd time here. Excellent coffee, good service. Italian barista and customers are always a good sign :-). It's just before 10 am and they are making up delicious-looking fresh sandwiches with prosciutto and nice crusty rolls during a lull.

If you're looking for a decent independent coffee shop in the heart of central London then look no further.

The Shop As a Whole:
First things first is the location of the coffee shop. Situated on Charing Cross Road and only a moments walk away from Leicester Square tube station and slightly but still accessibly close to Tottenham Court Road tube station this coffee shop could not be located anywhere better. Ideal if you want to have a sit down and a coffee after wandering around town as well as ideal if coffee is your first thought before the real shopping begins.

The shop in general is tiny. Has around about 3 to 4 small square tables that sit 2 people at a time and a tiny cushion area around the back where it can sit 4 to 5 people max, so, you're always taking a chance when visiting. Although the shop is tiny, the customer count is not the same which shows it's popularity, but like I mentioned, that all reduces your chances of a seat.

In general there is a calm atmosphere, few photos or inscriptions dotted around but no real ooomph to the design and ambience, however, they do make it up with their coffee as well as customer service.

Coffee and Customer service:
I must say that I've been here only twice, but, when I was thinking about a coffee shop in town that was not a chain I thought of this one. Why? Because of the customer service as well as the coffee (more points to the coffee though)

Customer service is a vital aspect in small niche venues as well as large scale ones due to the fact that it keeps visitors coming back and personally although this shop is not gleeming with it, it still has the friendly, smiley and engaging barista... What more could one ask for?

The coffee on the other hand speaks quality. Best tip when trying a new coffee shop is to not add any sugar or sweetness to the coffee (unless included) as you'll get the full effect and I must say that this coffee shop has great quality coffee. Carefully made with their state of the art machines and well trained batistas you'll recieve your cappuccino with the signature love heart design, but, they don't just sprinkle the chocolate on top sporadically, their logo is embedded in your coffee, which I must say is a great idea as it leaves you remembering them after.

**One of my favourite coffee shops due to the good quality coffee. I dare say not that their cakes disappoint as they do look scrumptious but I'm yet to try and review them. Lost a star based on basic design and also the lack of space, but overall, still worth a visit**

Excellent coffee and service.
Decent seating. The corner location allows for a well lit space. It's easily become my preferred spot in the area. The staff went over and beyond the expected. I'll definitely be back. The 1882 stencil on the cappuccino is a nice touch ...

I love a place that serves me water when I order an espresso and in a cute tiny glass as well! #win

Coffee is amazing (and not in a 'yea, starbucks' way) and I love the people watching potential here as well.

I would give it 5 star but when I want it was so tourist is annoyed me. I know it's not the venue's fault (what with it's location and all) but I want it all to myself!

First time coming here, very nice and relaxing place. It's a small place but when it's not to busy, it's a wonderful place to sit and relax. They also do take away too. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the coffee is fantastic.

Not bad, but not nearly as brilliant as the classic chocolate-written "1882" text atop your latte would suggest. Still, it's a worth a stop if you're walking by.

The vintage espresso machine inside is also pretty badass.

This cafe was "voted best coffee shop in London 2005". They claim this on the board outside. So I went and I tried. I had a mocha which is the best I've tried. Although what I was comparing it to, was those hideous, chain store mochas made with powdered chocolate. They use real chocolate sauce and the coffee is rich but not dominating.

The accompanying toasted Panini was very average, so I guess it's the coffee that's the winner. It's a small shop - not easy to procure a table but cosy if you do. The staff range from sometimes friendly, sometimes not. Artwork on the walls are clippings on why they make the best coffee and reviews. Never a lack of reading material.

They have recently opened a shop with accompanying restaurant at the South Bank. It's a completely different experience. The mocha I ordered was lukewarm and they gave me some pretentiousness rubbish about "milk should only be 45 degrees".

Think I'll stick to Charing Cross branch.

This place retains a lot of character, and the coffee is certainly amazing.

If you get a hot chocolate make sure you ask for just milk, because then it becomes the special thick delicious sort which is more like a pudding than a drink. Yum! And not for the weight watchers or faint hearted. The coffee is certainly delicious, I would reccomend a strong espresso for a wake up, or a capuccino for flavour. The paninis here are good, go for good old mozzarella and tomato. And if you really want to splash out, then have a bombe or cake too- pure indulgence.

Absolutely amazing coffee!

I don't exactly remember what the barista told me to order, but she recommended I get a certain coffee drink. I finished that cup so fast! It was so good; the baristas are sweet; ambiance is lovely and the smell of freshly ground coffee beans lingers around the whole shop.