My London | Espresso Base

It’s funny how certain routines can keep us from actually interacting with the people and places that we pass everyday. I’ve been walking passed a particular church courtyard, St. Georges, for years on my way in to work. I’ve always noticed that there is a tiny cart selling coffee tucked in the back shaded by the grandeous columns of the church. But who has time to stop in when you’re that close to work? Never me.

The other day, my lecture finished a bit early and Tyler had Edie. I was truly alone and ahead of schedule for the first time in ever… I could do whatever I wanted to do and kill time before picking Viola up from school.

It was pretty awkward.

I piddled around doing mundane errands and peeking touristy shops that I had zero interest in actually buying anything from… then stumbled past that same church courtyard and decided to take a closer look.

I’m so glad that I did. As it became my turn to order, a friendly Italian man asked for my order and then, shortly after, where I was from. In a city like London, this is a question that many people stop asking after a year or two. You realise you’ve met so many people from most places… and you kinda stop caring. Being from a different place is the norm. It feels a bit ordinary.

But not to Gennaro. Even though he’s lived in London for a few decades, and has the gift of connecting with people in a way that a city like London often dulls. He’s interested and kind, even when you say something really ridiculous. (Example: “Oooh, what does that sign mean, "Monday- Friday?” Do you do something special on those days?” Him: “Umm… no, those are the days that I’m open.” Hahah!) We both laughed at that… and it felt like he was laughing with me and not at. Though, to be honest, he totally should have been.

The thing about Espresso Base is that you’re not just getting to drink coffee made by one of London’s most endearing people. You’re getting to drink really exceptional coffee made by one of London’s most endearing people. He’s strict about not adding sugar to the coffee, so much so that it costs £0.10 per sugar. He is unapologetic about the time it takes to make coffee, and he explains that his coffee is not served scalding because overheating the milk ruins the flavour. (In my opinion, this makes it perfect to drink upon receiving.)

When you go to Espresso Base, you’ll find that you’ve unlocked one of London’s treasures. These are the types of places and people that make living in a crazy city like London palatable. They make the constant flux of people feel steady, and make you feel rooted in an abyss of concrete and chain shops.

So go on, stop by Espresso Base and meet Gennaro. Drink his coffee, and know that, in the shadows of the British Museum, you’ve found something really noteworthy.