Independent Architect Designed Café Abuelo comes to Marylebone

Abuelo is no ordinary cafe; this independent architect-owned brand seamlessly combines high-style, artisan produce and laid-back vibes. Perfect for those seeking an upscale café providing all-day crunching.

The company ethos is a combination of the owner’s heritage, Australian hospitality fused with great Latin American Speciality coffee and passionately sourced produce.

We visited the Marylebone branch, where the design pays homage to the 1970s; the interior is adorned with rice paper lanterns, timber-panelled walls and red quarry tiles. Low-level warm lighting provides that cosy lounge atmosphere, ideal for kicking back and sipping your artisan flat white or matcha latte.

The bar counter is cleverly made from a selection of marble and stone swatches in a patchwork pattern - very retro, each piece chosen from off-cuts of stone which would otherwise have been waste material. The bar has a real homely feel, where you can perch on a stool and watch the barristers make your perfect coffee. The staff are friendly and if you go their enough you will certainly start feeling like you’re at home.

If you are looking for an alternative to your avocado egg brunch then Abuelo’s menu is sure to inspire. We went for the Chorizo Salsa Baked Eggs, a warm and layered dish of chorizo, red pepper, tomato and fennel salsa, a dash of fresh dill, and topped with a poached egg and luxurious sourdough. This dish is filling and has just the right amount of spice, the bread is hearty and robust. We also ordered their other house favourite - Jamon Egg Plate, which provides a great protein fix of boiled egg and fresh jamon, pickles, sourdough and a creamy stracciatella and honey dip, you can feel the Latin influence and it makes a refreshing change.

Dishes are served on eclectic tableware and drinks come in 70s-inspired cups. The coffee is rich and smooth, leaving you wanting a second cup just because it was so good the first time around, no bitter aftertaste or lingering dry mouth, you can taste the quality of the beans.

We went on to share the Pan Y Fruta 1, a sumptuous mix of plums infused with ginger, lightly whisked ricotta, adorned with delicate rose petals and served on toasted banana bread, a delicious and intriguing flavour combination. The sweet, slightly tart taste of plums pairs beautifully with the warm, spicy notes of ginger.

For those who just want a light snack, there are sharing plates and daily baked goods. If you want a tipple to relax with, there is a selection of natural wines or cocktails by Taylor and Elementary. Abuelo in Marylebone hosts evening wine events, so keep an eye on their socials to find out when. Their other branch in Covent Garden is equally as stylish with a twist of timeless modernity set against classical architecture.

Website: www.abuelocafe.co.uk

Address: 7-11 Cavendish Place, W1G 0QD

Written by Claire Bloom

Photography by Nyla Sammons