Serving London’s first carbon-negative coffee (courtesy of coffee afficionados Kiss the Hippo) and with a range of totally moreish and mostly vegan eats and treats, Islington’s Notea café is quite rightly proud of its food and drink offering. Recently, however, the venue has been attracting attention for another addition to its menu: the Croffle.
One of Asia’s most popular desserts, the pastry was almost unknown in the UK until Notea introduced the sweet treat to their menu in early 2020. The reaction has been impressive to say the least. Not only has the Croffle built up a dedicated following amongst Islington’s café going population but the introduction of the pastry has also led to several other cafes adopting the item.
View this post on Instagram
The Croffle is a clever combination of croissant and waffle. Soft and chewy on the inside, the pastry is irresistibly crunchy outside. Notea’s version of the sweet is then doused in maple syrup and dusted in icing sugar for a truly indulgent finish. And if that were not enough, diners can add a choice of strawberries, banana, cream, chocolate, and ice cream – making the dessert the perfectly light sweet treat.
I recently visited Notea to sample the Croffle for myself – and let me tell you – boy was it worth it. The pastry is so light and easy to eat that the whole thing is gone before you even know it! The flaky pastry and crispy exterior are just irresistible and the fresh fruit topping makes the perfect accompaniment to it.
View this post on Instagram
Notea’s coffee offering is just as impressive. The cafe source their beans from the award-winning Kiss The Hippo Coffee company, who are renowned both for the quality of their beans and for their ethical and environmentally friendly policies.
The company utilise a variety of international reforestation initiatives to offset the carbon they produce in their production processes, which means that every Kiss the Hippo coffee is 100% carbon negative. Meanwhile, partnerships with local and global level charities allow Kiss the Hippo to inspire clean water initiatives in Kenya, Nicaragua and beyond.
View this post on Instagram
Thankfully, the company are just as dedicated to getting the taste and fragrance of their beans absolutely right. Kiss the Hippo’s in-house roast is both smooth and well-rounded with a characteristic flavour which includes notes of lemon and strawberry.
Adding to Notea’s impressive coffee offering and its superstar pastry, the cafe also sell a range of baked goods. Brownies, doughnuts, cakes and biscuits include several vegan and gluten free options meaning that the cafe has something for just about everyone.
View this post on Instagram
Notea’s interiors are pretty impressive, too. The pinkish seating and warm neutral tones are cosy and inviting with the cafe creating just the right environment for those who want to while away a couple of hours or even indulge in a sweet treat while they browse on the complimentary high-speed internet.
And for those who do not live in the area, Notea is pretty handily situated for those coming by bus or train, with Highbury & Islington Station just a few minutes away and Angel Station a ten minute walk down Upper Street.
View this post on Instagram
So, if you’re looking for great environmentally friendly coffee, gorgeous pastries and a cosy yet stylish place to hang out alone or with friends – Notea is very definitely the place to be!
NOTEA FUN FACTS
London’s first carbon-negative coffee
Vegan eats & drinks
Committed to sustainability
The Notea Café is situated at 242 Upper Street. The venue is open seven days a week from 07:00 to 19:00 but check the website for exact opening hours. More information about the venue can be found here.
Information on other great places to eat and drink in London can be found here.
