With the overwhelming choice of cafes in London, it’s very easy just to stick to your old favourites, but when you chance upon a cool, individual and independent coffee shop in your local area, it really is a lovely thing. This exact thing happened a couple of weekends ago; Steve (my partner), Mila (our seven-year-old daughter) and I discovered Artisan – a cool new coffee shop in Stamford Brook with gorgeous coffees (Steve is a huge bean enthusiast) and amazing interiors (which kept me interested).

The place is alive with atmosphere, both cool and inviting at once. With reclaimed wooden floorboards, mismatched chairs, wire lampshades and concrete walls, it’s the kind of place where you can get inspired or just relax. Style doesn’t take precedence over substance however, and they turn out the most beautiful brews. They grind the coffee freshly for each order and use beans roasted in London. To top it off the owner Edwin is as lovely as the cakes and bagels that I can’t resist now that I’ve discovered my new local.