If you’re a frequent visitor to London, likely it is for one of these reasons: work, family/friends or tourism.

While the first two have clear objectives, the nature of the latter changes with every visit. After all, you’ve already been to see the changing of the guards at Buck Palace, taken a spin on the Millennium Wheel and got lost in the ages (and corridors) at the National Museum.

Recently I expressed my love for Edinburgh, but I share the same sentiment for London – if not more so! I don’t mind returning to the same streets and galleries, or following the same route along the Themes over and over. Shockingly, I usually pick the same restaurants for dinner too – craving the visual and taste sensations so lacking at home. But one thing I am adventurous about is the cafe scene.

I don’t think I could manage to visit all the highly rated and raved about cafes in the capital in my lifetime as a tourist – there are oh so many! However, among them there are those that stand out among the crowd; for example, for being curious tourist destinations in their own right.

Introducing: Attendant – albeit you may already know (of) it.

It’s a tiny subterranean cafe in Fitzrovia, in the premises previously occupied by a public lavatory. The wrought-iron caging and narrow staircase decorated in tiles resemble a cross between a tube station and – well, there’s no escaping it – an old-fashioned public toilet; thankfully, at the end of it the air is full of pleasant aromas of brewed coffee and cheese toasties.

There isn’t much space to move in the narrow interior between the counters on the right and the seating area on the left – made up of a long wooden counter and ceramic bowls (since they are certainly not urinals…..!) – and when I arrived one Saturday noon, the place was packed with people. There were some waiting for their take away orders – sat on a few stools right by the underground entrance; but I was lucky that there was one ceramic bowl (an original seat separator) free for me to enjoy a “sit in”.

The cakes, bakes and sandwiches looked (and smelled – those that were made and/or toasted to order) incredibly tempting, but I had not long had my breakfast and this stop was more of an indulgence of my curiosity than appetite. So I settled for just ordering the mocha, which was served a few minutes later.

It looked gorgeous in its rich chocolatey darkness with masterful latte art on top – and tasted equally divine. It was of the right temperature and sweetness to enjoy at sips – all elements nicely blended for a brew that mellowed and perked you up at the same time. To be honest, I was not needy of anything more after that – it was the perfect treat.

Even though, prior to this visit, I hadn’t heard much about The Attendant (other than its out-of-the-ordinary setting), I kind of knew I would not be disappointed with this visit. Now I can confirm that besides an Insta-worthy tourist destination, this (ex)toilet will leave your taste buds pleasantly satisfied!

To learn more about Attendant, visit their website.