ÉLAN - LONDON'S MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFÉ?

Jaz James
Jul 28, 2018
3 min read

Hello darlings! Many of you may not have heard of Élan (most likely because you’re either not a blogger/influencer or simply just don’t live in the area) but my gosh - you’re missing out guys!

I’ve recently grown a new love for all things pink and pretty and that now includes this absolutely devine little cafe! In case you’re on the fence about whether or not it’s worth a visit, here are Èlan’s highlights... and lowlights ...

THE HIGHLIGHTS

THE DECOR IS..DEVINE!

Who ever built these two cafes is a visual genius! I mean, have you even seen such a pink paradise? Ok, the roses are fake, but still, the visuals alone had my pulse racing (yes, I’m a weirdo with a thing for pretty spaces!!). Passers-by can view the beautiful floral hanging displays in the windows and the elegant marble and gold accents. Once inside, there are walls decorated with pretty yet simple pink Èlan coffee cups, rose walls and general pink, summery clutter. Very well thought out. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a seat by the infamous rose wall and I didn’t want to pester the people who sat in that spot by asking them to move for my photo (yes, this happens here, people don’t care if you’re enjoying your brunch, you will be asked to move for photos) - so here are a few images from www.elan.co.uk to give you a better visual.

GREAT LOCATIONS

The two Èlan cafes are situated on Brompton Road and Park Lane - both in London and both well services by trains and busses. We visited the Brompton Road branch which was pretty easy to find to be honest - just follow the huge queue of bloggers and fashionistas!!

THE FOOD/COFFEE IS AMAZEBALLS!

Let’s talk about the food. If you Google or Insta search #elancafe, you’ll probably see a great deal of pretty cupcakes, slices and unique coffees. What they don’t show you is the proper GRUB.

I had a cheeky plate of chicken goujons with halloumi fried and OH. MY. LORD. it was to die for! The halloumi cheese was perfectly grilled, not to mention the dipping sauce! I can’t lie guys, if I were you, I would go for this over the usuall (but very popular) choice of cake and coffee!

CLEANLINESS HEAVEN

I must say, I was very impressed with the level of cleanlines throughout the cafe - right down to the washrooms! Not that I am surprised, Èlan seem to have built up quite a name for themselves over the last few months so it would have been a shame if cleanliness is what let them down!

Now, despite all of the above, there were just a couple of low lights that I must point out - it’s only fair if this post will help you to decide whether or not you think Èlan is worth a visit ...

THE LOW LIGHTS

WAITING TIMES ARE NO JOKE!

In all seriousness, please do plan your trip well in advance guys. Except for large parties/special occasions, Èlan do not reserve seating for the everyday coffee-drinker! Also, I would advise going as early as possible (I’m talking close to opening times). We visited around lunch time and let me tell you, I have never waited on a queue for a cafe/coffee shop for 45 minuets IN MY LIFE. And I don’t intend on doing it again any time soon!

COSTS

Surprisingly, we didn’t spend as much on the bill as I had expected. However, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get a cheeky cuppa and a slice for anything below £10-15!! Also, be prepared to spend a little more to pay for the service charge. On this occasion I was more than happy to pay it as our waiter (Paulo) was extremely nice and friendly and also gave us a few suggestions / recconedations on what to eat / drink. You can check out the Èlan menu for the branch you intend on visiting at www.elancafe.co.uk.

So, having given you the low down, you’re free to make up your own mind about whether or not you’ll be visiting one of Èlan’s cafes! Do you think the prices and waiting times are worth it? Hit me up and let me know!