I was so excited to try this place out as I’m a fan of Maison Kitsuné but unfortunately my experience was quite disappointing and expensive.
I ordered an iced mocha and a pain au chocolate and my friend ordered an iced matcha and a matcha raspberry cookie. Staff were lovely and the snacks were amazing however, the quality of our drinks was abysmal. I asked specifically if they did iced mochas before I ordered but I don’t think the barista has been trained to make it iced. I saw the barista make the iced mocha and they poured espresso into the cup of iced milk with a layer of chocolate powder and served it like that. I wanted to try it anyway because I’m not a barista so I don’t know exactly how to make an iced mocha the correct way. The drink was clumpy even after stirring it thoroughly. I got up to send the drink back but by that point the line was out of the door and I didn’t want to embarrass the barista as it’s not their fault if they’ve not been properly trained. I also didn’t want to spend 5 mins standing around when I’d come out for coffee with a friend. I make better iced mochas at home with a nespresso machine.
My friend’s matcha looked gorg but she said it wasn’t good enough to justify the price and was bitter. (I understand that some blends of matcha/ coffee are more bitter/acidic than others)
We wanted to sit outside but it wasn’t exactly pleasant. The tables are black so they heated up our iced drinks and cookie. This could be mitigated if the tables weren’t black and if we had been given our EXPENSIVE drinks and pastry/ cookie in proper glasses and on a plate. We weren’t asked if we wanted to sit at a table or to go and looking at other customers, to go packaging seems like the only option. I’m not sure if this is because they don’t want people stealing the plates if they’re branded Maison Kitsume, but it makes a pretty naff experience when you spend £10 each on a coffee and pastry.
Also please drop the paper straws!! They’re pathetic. PLA (plant based plastic) straws exist. No way the store can’t afford them when it’s £6 for a coffee.
Such a shame because the pastry and cookie tasted delish. Not a great...
Read moreTitle: A Memorable Experience at Café Kitsuné, Pantechnicon
Rating: ★★★★★
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Café Kitsuné at Pantechnicon, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and impeccable service that left a lasting impression.
The first thing that caught my attention was the charming ambiance of the café. The sleek and modern interior design combined with the cozy seating arrangements created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Speaking of coffee, the beverage selection at Café Kitsuné was impressive. Their skilled baristas crafted each cup with precision, resulting in a rich and flavorful brew that left my taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you prefer a classic espresso or a unique specialty drink, they have something to satisfy every coffee lover's cravings.
What truly sets Café Kitsuné apart, however, is their exceptional service. The staff members were not only friendly and attentive but also highly knowledgeable about their menu offerings. They took the time to explain the different coffee options and even made personalized recommendations based on my preferences. It was evident that they genuinely cared about ensuring each customer had a memorable and tailored experience.
To complement their excellent coffee, Café Kitsuné also offers a delectable selection of pastries and light bites. From freshly baked croissants to indulgent cakes, every bite was a burst of flavor and a treat for the senses. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste was truly outstanding.
Overall, my visit to Café Kitsuné at Pantechnicon was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of their outstanding service, top-notch coffee, and mouthwatering pastries created a truly memorable experience. I highly recommend paying a visit to Café Kitsuné for a delightful and satisfying...
Read moreJapanese café - a selection of Japanese style bread, cakes, sandwiches etc. on the menu. Value for money is good, for the price you get decent quality food prepared with care - everything shown in the photo cost £32. As far as atmosphere goes, they're clearly trying to tap into Japanese cool... Japanese cool is partly achieved by combining quality, value and modesty - here they're trying a bit too hard to be cool which is... not so cool. Staff are friendly, and quick - they came to collect payment just after we'd started eating, which seemed silly to me, Japan's all about convenience. Sandwiches (pictured) are chicken katsu and egg. Chicken katsu had teriyaki sauce that drips and causes the whole thing to break apart before finishing - both parties dropped food on their laps. The croissant (pictured) was filled with a truffle and miso paste, we didn't like it, not sure who thought that was a great recipe. Sandwich bread is Japanese style, it was a little sweet and dry (stale?) compared to some others. Presentation is good. Americano coffee was great in taste but lukewarm - this is worth losing a star over and I'm being generous... no café should ever serve cold coffee unless it's iced.
In the basement are the toilets - where a nightclub bar resides, blasting out music in the middle of the day, maybe there was an event on... The cubicles are bare, possibly explains the type of customer they entertain - it's an affluent area, no space provided for powdery chemical preparations, which puts customers with real medical conditions at a disadvantage, along with any supposed rich junkies that may turn up at night. Not saying it's so, just expressing the thoughts that crossed my mind when I saw the layout. And why were the toilet rolls on the floor?
Overall, for me, 3 stars. Others might love it, I didn't feel comfortable. I picked up a vibe that felt a little like a private club...
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