Apple Butter Cafe

"This little Monmouth Street cafe has a special place in our hearts. Not because the food is going to blow you away, but because it’s so reliable. Need a lunch spot you don’t have to book in advance? Sorted. Need somewhere quiet for an intimate catch-up in Covent Garden? This is the place. And that also counts when you add a mini human to the equation. It’s a spacious spot which means you won’t feel awkward about rocking up with a pushchair, and it’s always relatively quiet on weekdays which makes it a useful place to have in your back pocket. You’ll find solid versions of things like shakshuka and an aubergine and tomato pasta. Come for the convenience, and stay for the velvet sofas, relaxing environment, and tasty food." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, daisy meager

"You’ve been on two dates with this person. Things were going fairly well. Then out of nowhere they respond to your question with a single, deafening, moon-face emoji. Are they losing interest? Did they get back with their ex? WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?! There’s only one way to find out—a whole lot of whining to your friends, checking your star sign compatibility, and never, under any circumstances, addressing the issue with the actual person you’re dating. This all-day cafe in Covent Garden is the perfect place to spiral uncontrollably while drinking homemade peach ice tea and eating baked porcini pasta, followed by a slice of chocolate cake. Do this on repeat from 9am to 5pm (when it closes), and take back all the mean things you said when they inevitably hit you with the “sorry got distracted” text. " - heidi lauth beasley, rianne shlebak

"If our dream of meeting the love of our lives in a coffee shop ever comes true, there’s a high chance it would be in Apple Butter Cafe. This Middle Eastern spot in Covent Garden is all about the exposed brick and velvet sofas, not to mention the huge apple tree slap bang in the middle of it. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed date where you can get comfortable. Get some of their specialty coffee and, if all goes well, something from the all-day menu wouldn’t hurt either." - heidi lauth beasley, rianne shlebak

"This cute little Monmouth Street cafe has a special place in our hearts. Not because the food is going to blow you away, but because it’s just so reliable. Need a lunch spot you don’t have to book in advance? Sorted. Need somewhere quiet for an intimate catch-up in Covent Garden? This is the place. In the mood for some homemade ice tea and baked porcini pasta while you take your laptop out and pretend to do some work? Go ahead. Want to actually do some work? It’s good for that too. It’s the sort of place you head to for the convenient location and velvet sofas, and stay for the relaxing environment and tasty food." - Rianne Shlebak