Address: 52 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4PB

Telephone: 020 7437 2480

Website:http://www.algcoffee.co.uk/scripts/default.asp

Opening time: Mon-Wed 9.00-19.00, Thur and Fri, 9.00-21.00, Sat 9.00-20.00. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Datre of visit : 13 July 2010 (please note prices were correct on 13 July 2010)

Summary:

If you like coffee and tea, this is THE place to visit. They have been trading for over 100 years and is a key supplier to restaurants in and around London. I have been coming here for over 20 years.

They have over 80 varieties of coffee and 120 varieties of tea. You can also order online.

The shop front is painted red (the only one in Old Compton Street) so you can’t miss it.

They sell coffee, tea, coffee and tea making equipment and chocolate ONLY.

The selection of tea is amazing – you are talking about tea from around the world. My favourite chinese tea Dragon Pearl Jasmine (white tea) is available here. In fact they do a bigger range of chinese teas than any shop in China Town, Harrods or Fortnum and Mason. I used to source my tea from Hong Kong, Singapore and Vancouver until I discovered this place.

On the coffee side, they have the famous Copi Luwek at £12.50 per 100g. They also have Jamacan Blue Mountain ……

My favourite coffees are:

Formula Rosa – a house blend which is usually on special offer at around £15 for 2.5 kilo (beans – vacuum packed). This is a strong robust coffee which is used in most restaurants. My other favourite one is the Columbian High Roast decaff. They offer 2 versions, the water treatment or “chemical” treatment. I always take the “water” version which retails at £21.00 for a kilo. By the way, they are happy to sell you any quantity in the shop. However they only offer vacuum packing at 500g and above when they are busy.

The shop also sells a variety of coffee pots, cafeteria and tea pots. They are not as good valued compared with the coffee beans.

If you are in the area, try to visit Dennys and The French House – both on Dean Street, just round the corner – Shaftesbury Ave end. Denny has an amazing collection of kitchen knives – this is where chefs go to buy knives. The only type that tehy are poor at is cleavers. You will buy better cleavers in China Town.

The French House (bar and restaurant) is famous because the French Cabinet (in exile) used to camp down there during the second world war. Many famous artists drank there and this is one of those landmark place that all Foodies should pay a visit to once in their life. There is a restaurant upstairs which I dined in about a year ago – it’s pricy and the food is ordinary.

E