London is well known for being an expensive city, I don't think many will disagree with that. If you want to grab a coffee in a nice independent cafe, it won't cost you an arm and leg, but it's easy to make a little dent in your wallet. Most Londoners are used to the high cost of living, and just get on with it. Tolerate or acceptance?
The other week I was passing by Mayfair behind Oxford Street in London. I was looking for a nice cafe to sit down for a break, but knowing that not much comes cheap around this area, I wasn't holding my hopes high (do I sound like a cheapskate _ ) Suddenly I passed by a church-like building and a couple of guys were sat outside drinking coffee. The entrance looked really grand that it could easily be a 5 star hotel. Interesting I thought, had to explore.
Talk of a gem, this was top notch and I was gobsmacked with what I found! The inside was absolutely stunning, black and white tiled floors by the entrance, and there was a set of beauitful double wooden doors leading further in. It really was a church, but it had been converted to a canteen style cafe. The ambience was very casual and very community like, not rowdy at all and for animal lovers, furrry friends are very welcome. I couldn't believe a place like this existed just behind Oxford Street in London. And the best thing? A cup of coffee didn't make a dent in my wallet. Given the beautiful surroundings, the price wasn't too different from a normal high street cafe. Perfect for cheapskates like me!!!
It turns out this place is called Mercato Metropolitano and is part of a sustainable community project that started in a disused railway station at the Milan World Expo in 2015. The organisaiton has 3 locations in London, with 3 more to come including one in Berlin. Living in London isn't always bad, at least we get the advantage of these awesome places. According to their website, their manifesto promotes shared values and collective action towards a more sustainable future for all. To be honest, that sound a little fluffy to me, but you get the idea on what they're trying to achieve.
I think I found the perfect place for the next Hive meet up in London..... whenever.