Central London - Strand Courtauld Institute Cafe

Nearest Tube Charing Cross/Temple Part of the Somerset House complex Somerset House
Strand London WC2R 0RN

My mum and I were going to the gallery so we popped into Tom's diner which is in Somerset House. The cake selection was very poor so we decided to go to the Courtauld Institute Cafe instead. It's out of the way tucked underneath the gallery and you have to go past the gallery ticket office to access it. You just need to say you're just going to the cafe and don't want to visit the gallery and they'll let you through.

The cafe isn't very big but there is an outside courtyard and the room its self feels very homily with comfy sofas as well as chairs and tables.

Here's a picture of their range of cakes. All cakes are in the £3-£4 range. They are all handmade in the kitchen on the premises. I had a nice chat with the chap who makes them more about his scones later...

So my mum had a piece of pistachio and rosewater cake (£3.75)  as we were both intrigued with the idea of rose water in cakes.

Sadly there wasn't really any taste of rose water and the cake was a bit dry. She gave the cake 2/5.

 I chose polenta, almond and lemon cake (£3.50). It was delicious. Moist and really tasty. I gave it 4/5.

We both agreed the tea served was excellent and good value at £1.95 a pot. All served in a proper pot and everything.

So after we chose our cakes and were happily munching on them these babies were brought out. Check them out...

Have you ever seen such beautifully risen scones??  I will definitely be checking these out the next time I go!

I think the dry cake was an exception as mine was great and I've been here before and the cake that time was also good. The tea was good and the surroundings nice.So overall I'll give the cafe 4/5.