Compane runs four small espresso bars in central London. Three are in the West End: Princes Arcade in Piccadilly, Quadrant Arcade off Regent Street and a room by Berkeley Square in Mayfair. The fourth is in Camden Passage, the pedestrian lane of antique shops and market stalls in Angel. The rooms are “a peaceful oasis within the city’s hustle and bustle”, a café to stop at for a quick espresso or a midday treat, and the regulars are local businesspeople, retail workers and tourists.

Compane does not roast. The espresso is Allpress, served as a double shot as standard, with almond, Bonsoy and oat milk alongside dairy. Tea is loose-leaf from Good & Proper. The pastries are baked locally and delivered each morning: croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon buns and filled doughnuts.

The coffee is roasted by Allpress Espresso, whose own London café is in Farringdon.

Coffee on the shelf

Photograph: Compane