Not the most exciting place inside, but a lovely rooftop area which not all that many people seem to know about, 2 mins walk from Old St station. If it’s packed then The Red Lion is just up the road.
Relaxed with character. Tiny garden at the back overlooked by Waterloo train station. Not sure if mother cat still lives there. Nice to go with friends or alone. Books. Good for a coffee and cake or a bottle of beer. Spiral staircase down to basement. One loo serves the place - tip - lock the door, don't just rely on the curtain and save an awkward encounter.
Photo credit: http://www.appletoothpaste.co.uk/2017/05/coffee-scooter-caffe-london.html
East london spot with a bit of everything, food during the day and cocktails, music and cinema during the night. Few nice places around like E5 bakery, Netil 360 rooftop, and Mare Street Market