Little London
I Recommend ☆☆☆☆
Taipei cafe offering: Imported Beer / Fruit Ale / Cider / Tap Beer / Top British Tea / Milk Tea / Coffee / Pastries / Panini / Scones / Seasoned Fries / Sausage Rolls / Hot Toddy / Selected Cocktails
Address & Phone:
No. 26, Ln. 131, Yanji St., Da'an Dist., Taipei City 106
台北市大安區延吉街131巷26號B1
02 8772 2477
Last Reviewed: 19 May 2014
Little London's decor is laid out with intricate detail; you'll find something cool at every turn. It's apparent that a lot of thought and care was put into the place. The atmosphere itself is not like other western bars or cafes and that is what I really like about it. The clientele are a good mix of Taiwanese and Westerners because both can equally appreciate the vibe of this joint, but make no mistake, it's a British experience. Choose the type of seating that you prefer: booth, bar stools, or lounge chairs. There are a number of different elements to keep you entertained from a dart board, a classic multi-selection arcade machine that includes Street Fighter, a overhead projector that might be showing artsy independent music videos, and another TV showing music videos from cable TV or YouTube. I have never been to a cafe that constantly plays great background music.
You will not find a better selection of British beers in any other location in Taipei. They also have a few other international beers from places like Thailand, Singapore, and America. The beer selection caters to all needs, from cheaper to upper-end, and from light to heavy. The owner, Mark, is very creative and is always incorporating new ideas and events into his establishment; on some weekends there will be live bands, food sampling from outside companies, or introductions to special, themed beer lines.
The two top British tea brands are available at Little London: Taylors of Harrogate and Twinings. Ahmad Tea of London, a newer fine brand, is also available. Both Taiwan and England are countries that are known for highly appreciating tea. Little London offers tea for those British expats seeking comforts from back home, and an opportunity for Taiwanese tea lovers to taste the best of what England has to offer. Herbal, fruity, milk tea, and liquor infused (hot toddy) are all on the menu. In order to make your afternoon tea or anytime of the day teatime complete, there are some of the finest scones, pastries, and snacks that contain ingredients that are shipped directly from Yorkshire, England, a historic Northern England county where the owner is from. Mark's skills for baking English scones, pastries, and snacks were acquired from his parents who has been running a cafe in Yorkshire for around 30 years now.
Imported beer, proper tea, and pastries aren't the only specialty items one can find at Little London; Sidney brews excellent espresso based coffee drinks as well. The espresso beans come from a renowned Taiwanese coffee grower, and smaller amounts are purchased and stored properly in order to insure freshness. Ask to smell the espresso beans to see for yourself how powerful and fresh they are. Like other proper independent coffee shops, Little London doesn't grind your beans until you have placed your order, keeping the beans' quality intact when they reach your cup. Plus, Sidney uses a higher ratio of espresso, so you will not end up with a hot milk tasting beverage, reminiscent of large coffee chain disastrous lattes. Espresso based coffee aficionados know what I'm talking about. A proper cup of coffee in Taipei has to be seeked out; it's not pervasive throughout the city. If you want an alcoholic kick to your coffee, there are alcohol coffee drinks available as well.
*UPDATE: The British owner, Mark, sold the place, but from my last experience, the bar still has one of the best atmospheres in Taipei. Drinking alcohol is not really my thing; I originally reviewed and recommended Little London because of their excellent British tea, coffee, pastries, and snacks. If the new owners have kept that aspect of Little London intact, I still recommend this place.
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Address: 台北市大安區延吉街131巷26號B1
No. 26, Ln. 131, Yanji St., Da'an Dist., Taipei City 106 Phone: (02) 8772 2477 Hours: 2:30pm till late, daily, except Tuesdays Closed on Tuesdays Chinese & English Menu Average food item price: NT$140 Beer prices: NT$120 and up Cash Only Take Reservations Free WiFi Click on link below for a Google STREET VIEW. (the street shot was taken prior to the store's opening so it doesn't show it, but it's where AU Darts & Bar use to be) Little London in Taipei |
Proud of British beer. If you can't try it in Britain, Little London in Taipei is the closest you'll get in Taiwan.
Learn a little about Taylors of Harrogate Tea. Then go try a pot of Taylors of Harrogate or Twinings at Little London.
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