Small shops - Quiet London: Food and Drink - page 103

Algerian Coffee Stores

Algerian Coffee Stores
52 Old Compton Street, W1D 4PB

020 7437 2480

www.algcoffee.co.uk
Open Monday-Wednesday 9am-7pm, Thursday and Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday
9am-8pm, closed Bank Holidays except for Good Friday
Tube Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus Bus 6, 7, 14, 24, 29, 38, 73, 159, 390
There is a small step at the entrance but help is available to get into the shop

The Algerian Coffee Stores have been here since 1887 when Mr Hassan, the first
owner, came from Algiers to set up business as a coffee trader. The company has
remained in the family for decades, and with over 120 different coffees and 120
kinds of teas, it would be hard to leave without finding something to please your
palate. As well as Argentinan Maté, pink Earl Grey and smoked Assam, the shop
has one of the largest selections of flowering tea balls in London. Opening up like
mini gardens in a teapot filled with hot water, these unusual leaf concoctions make
discerning presents for tea lovers. If you prefer to wake up to a morning cup of cof-
fee, you can ask for Ethiopian longberry or South American Honduras beans to be
freshly ground and wrapped up in a brown paper bag.