Compared to some parts of London, Mayfair is a bit bereft of decent coffee, but for the last couple of years, Everbean, along with fellow long(ish)-time resident, Taylor Street Baristas, has been filling the void, supplying the suits and shoppers of the area with fine coffee. I’d been aware of Everbean for a while, but never had the opportunity to visit. Ironic then that I was actually heading for Taylor Street Baristas on Brooks Mews when Everbean jumped out at me as I passed by.

Located in an interesting-shaped building (it used to be a hairdressers), tucked away on the pedestrianised Avery Row, Everbean is a lovely spot, although it took me a second visit before I really fell for the place. Serving no-nonsense Climpson and Sons coffee, along with a wide range of tea and a good selection of cake, sandwiches and other savouries, Everbean has a dedicated band of customers and on both my visits was consistently busy.

Seating is in a mezzanine level above the counter or downstairs on a large, round, communal table or a bar that runs along the inside of the bay window. There is also a table outside if the weather is nice.

You can read more of my thoughts after the gallery.

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As regular readers will know, I’m a fan of strange-shaped Coffee Spots and Everbean fits the bill perfectly. It has a massive, semi-circular bay window that dominates the front of the store, while the entrance is a smaller, three-sided projection to the right. In front of the door, a flight of steps lead up to a mezzanine level which runs the width of the store above the counter. This is just deep enough to fit two rows of small tables, with a further table at the end.

Normally I adore mezzanine levels, but this one didn’t quite suit me. I think it’s because it’s quite close to the ceiling, which traps the noise. Both times I was there, it was very full and hence very noisy. I also sat at the back against the wall, which probably magnified the noise and also meant I didn’t have much of a view. In my defence, all the tables at the front were taken! It was also comparatively dark, not helped by being slightly above the level of the light bulbs, all of which hang above the main seating area below.

Downstairs, in contrast, was much quieter, despite having constant traffic to and from the counter. It was also much, much brighter. There are some stools by the door, which I imagine could be quite noisy/draughty, with the main seating on the communal table between the counter and the bay window (where I sat on my second visit). It’s far enough away from the door that you aren’t really bothered by everyone queuing to order/collect their coffee. You can also sit at one of the stools at the window bar which are generously provisioned with power outlets.

I was immediately struck by the bustle of the place. Given its size, there are a lot of staff: five on both my visits, but they are really needed. I required a lot of patience to get a clear shot of the counter such was the steady stream of customers. It’s rare that there isn’t a group of (usually) men in suits ordering their takeaway coffee, while finding an empty seat also requires a little patience.

On my first visit, I had an espresso (my friend had a flat white), while on my second visit, a piccolo. Had I not known it was the same blend both times, I would have said they were different beans, but the owner explained that the first time I was there, they were still getting used to them, which explained the difference.

Everbean have a very dark roast from Climpson and Sons, producing a traditional-style espresso. It was quite bitter, but not in a bad way. As a straight espresso it left me wanting something a little more adventurous. Oh, the irony! However, when coupled with milk in the piccolo, it was transformed, losing the bitterness and combining very well. The milk was also excellent, keeping its body all the way to the bottom of the cup.

I also had a rather lovely chocolate/caramel slice on my first visit, which had a fudge-like consistency to the topping, making a pleasant change from the more usual solid topping.  On my second visit, I had an excellent nata with a really soft, squidgy centre that was bursting with flavour and real raspberries.

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