Idler Academy

The Idler is the ideal place if your idea of being lazy is to sit back and listen to a philosophical debate on mathematics, meet the anarchist mayor of Iceland, learn to make Christmas treats from foraged berries or attend a childrens book launch with children doing the reading.
It’s the most charming little place with its mismatched pews and chairs, gin served in vintage cups and secret walled garden out the back. I wish I could be idle more often and take more coffee breaks!
Shame though that the owners’ desire to make money has started to overshadow the initially great concept. Twenty quid for a book launch is a bit steep at the best of times, telling your audience you can only chat to the author afterwards if you buy a copy is just rude. At full price mind, no idle discounts here — what if you already own one which is why you were interested in the talk … most books introduced at the Idler have been around for a while before they get around to launching them here. To finish off my gripe, the G&T was flat (no vintage cups this time, but the smallest IKEA glasses …), not that this was my main reason for signing up, but you have to try much harder if you want me to come back!

Great independent modern coffeehouse with an interesting flux of intellectual types passing regularly through. Nice selection of quality coffee and tea, some tasty cakes as well. They have events ranging from latin to ukelele-​playing, through philosophy and what is edible in the streets of London! Went to a class on rhetoric there one evening and really enjoyed it, very practical even though only so much can be learnt in a couple of hours. Recommended for the lonely brainy types! (did I just give myself away?)