Again, my biking espresso quest was foiled, this morning, as I found the coffee apparatus at Gamma in a considerable state of undress, as it was being comprehensively overhauled. I was in need of both coffee and a start-of-the-day feed, so toddled along Raeburn Place to Maxi’s.

Exterior

I’d walked past this place on many occasions and filed it under “Bugaboo friendly”, as it always seemed to be packed with women and prams. This was not to condemn it, but rather to highlight it for a visit at a potentially quiet hour. 8:45am on a Wednesday morning proved to be an ideal time for this.

The space is bright and airy, with white walls and light wood. It’s simple and understated. There was evidence dotted about, from the cloudy apple juice bottles in the window, to freshly baked scones being brought out from the kitchen, and bags of Artisan Roast behind the counter, which suggested that the place had good quality on offer. And so it proved.

Granola

I opted to breakfast upon granola with fruit compote and honey drizzled yoghurt, and a flat white to accompany it.

As I sipped my impressively good coffee, my granola arrived, looking decidedly bonnie. It proved to be very good indeed. It was right up there with the excellent granola combo on offer at Hula, which is a particular favourite of MJ’s.

Granola and coffee

With both items finished, and my used dishes returned to the smiling and helpful counter woman, I was on my way to work, with a considerable spring in my step.

So overall, Maxi’s was an impressive place, offering real quality. Their breakfast rolls, with sausages from nearby butcher George Bower, demand that I must visit again, so I look forward to that. I’d be happy to recommend it to you, as well.

Scores
Blythe scores Maxi’s
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 15.5/20

I ate: granola with fruit compote, yoghurt and honey

I drank: flat white, water

I wore: pinstripes

Total bill: £6.45