I often have to meet people first thing in the morning and am always on the look out for somewhere lovely, smart and peaceful. So imagine how happy I was to re-discover the York & Albany at the end of Camden Parkway. It’s within walking distance of the tube station yet you feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle that is Camden Town as soon as you step inside.

I had an early meeting and sank into a comfortable leather chair with the sun pouring in through the big glass windows feeling like I was on holiday rather than about to do some work. There were pretty flowers on the table and the attentive staff offered us a choice of fresh juices, teas and coffees and there were lots of breakfast options too (my colleague treated herself to banana pancakes). An oasis of calm, fresh flowers and deliciousness, the York & Albany left me refreshed and ready to continue the rest of my day with a smile on my face. I’ll be back (perhaps for lunch or dinner as well as for more breakfast meetings).

Photo by Juliet Simmons