Workshop Coffee Fitzrovia was my first stop for a black Americano before heading towards Regent Street. In this short 2016 film, I step away from the familiar coffee chains around Oxford Circus, look inside the café and take my drink back out onto the street.
From the Roberts London archive: this film was published on 19 September 2016. The visit and opinions below reflect that recording, rather than current opening details.
A coffee stop north of Oxford Circus
First things first: a decent cup of coffee. That was the plan as I walked north of Oxford Circus towards Workshop. The film begins with central London streets before turning to the café itself, with its name above the entrance.
It was a short detour before the rest of the day. I wanted coffee to go, so this visit gives a quick look around the shop rather than a long sit-down breakfast. The wider outing continued towards Regent Street, which I mention again at the end.
Inside Workshop Coffee Fitzrovia
The coffee bar caught my eye immediately. It was a generous counter with a food display, while the room continued towards seating at the back. There were some delicious-looking snacks, although I kept my order to coffee.
I also noticed a small selection of beans and coffee-making equipment for anyone wanting to brew at home. That added another reason to stop and look around. However, on this occasion I was taking my cup straight back outside.
A black Americano and the verdict
With a black Americano in hand, I described Workshop as one of my favourite small independent coffee chains in London. Then I caught myself: I had offered that praise before tasting this particular cup. A sip confirmed it. The coffee was really good, and the service deserved praise too.
The rest of the walk prompted a thought about choice. From Oxford Circus, I had passed several familiar chains on the way. I did not want to dismiss them: they helped make coffee and coffee-based drinks accessible to a wide audience.
Once you know what you enjoy, though, a smaller specialist such as Workshop can offer another step into coffee flavour and curiosity. That was the point of this visit for me. It was not a formal comparison or a ranked test of every café in London, simply a very enjoyable cup before carrying on.
Watch the Workshop Coffee film
The original Workshop Coffee Fitzrovia film includes the approach, a look around the counter and my verdict outside. For another coffee stop from the same archive, see Pedlars in Notting Hill.
