By Ευτυχία Φράγκου

The Elgin Bar: Maida Vale/ London

I was a newcomer in London and I was walking to Maida Vale from Notting Hill for the very first time. I was walking, completely lost in the cloud of my own thoughts when just like that I saw it.

Imposing and cozy at the same time, opposite the tube station it has a vintage air that lured me in.

That was my first coffee in Maida Vale. After that, dozens followed.

Wonderful “Elgin coffee”.

Elgin’s bar.

I smiled unconsciously as soon as I saw the school chairs and tables.

From that moment on, I visited it numerous times. It’s always busy but never unbearable.
This is the place to take your friends for brunch but it’s also ideal if you want to come solo with your laptop if you prefer to work outdoors like me. (And yes you will see many professionals coming here to work with their laptops!).

This is where the phase of preparation of We Are What We Do happened for the most part. That was my inspiration; the hospitable incubator of my ideas. This place hosted me for hours on end up to the moment that my friends were showing up for a proper break.

Here with “Macaroni” laptop while working.

+ They have the best lemonade ever!

+ Try the soup with cauliflower if you are a vegetable lover and their award winning avocado on toast.

The award winning avocado on toast, served daily from 8 until 4.

You are at home. You will feel it from the moment you step in. If it’s a full house, go upstairs to the 2nd floor (there will always be a free table!).