Top 10 'Yummy Mummy' Cafes
Top 10 'Yummy Mummy' Cafés
Dropping the kids off in curlers and a dressing gown isn't an option these days, with yummy mummies across the globe dressing up to the nines before stopping at suitably stylish cafés for coffee and gossip after the school run. Katie Brown from luxury city guide publisher Hg2 hunts down the best places to hang out with the yummy mummies.
Brompton Quarter Brasserie, London
Mariage Freres, Paris
We had to include France's first importers of tea in our top 10 (we are British after all) - not only because of the nation's life-long love affair with the little black leaves, but the fact that Mariage is truly a quaint yet stylish establishment dedicated to great tea and providing old-fashioned comfort, as well as having an endless hoard of Darjeeling, Earl Grey and Oolong for one to enjoy in-shop or take-away with them in a very fetching tin. For the tea fanatics, there's a chance to get a good whiff of all your favourites by sticking your nose in the array of tea cans lining the walls, or if one is feeling a little peckish, tea-scented cakes are on offer, as are non-tea tainted food goodies for those who may be all brewed-out.
202 Cafe, New York
Definitely Carrie and Samantha's kind of place, yummy mums will feel right at home at this adorable café alongside the well-heeled shoppers, publicists and editors who regularly frequent the area. Located within the very modish Chelsea Market, 202 is the brainchild of fashion designer/restaurateur Nicole Farhi and combines great gastronomy with chic clothing and home-ware. Ladies of leisure can watch the Ninth Avenue world go by through the large open windows, while enjoying a warm goat's cheese salad with prosciutto, figs and pistachios, or alternatively, admire the easy on the eye waiting staff over fish, chips and mushy peas. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around one of downtown's most stimulating shopping districts.
Café Atelier, Moscow
Funky and fashionable in both the music playing lightly in the background and the designer décor - such as the screen in the back with black and white photos depicting the faces of fashion - that line the walls. The Café is light and airy, thanks to the cream and beige furnishings, and a touch of sophistication is added with the inclusion of dark wood tables and chairs - but it is not bland; an old singer style sewing-machine (that still works by the way) rests upon one of the muslin drapes, while the wall is decorated with an array of mannequin coat hooks - all of which adds depth to this very French-feeling establishment. As one would expect, the food that accompanies such lovely surroundings is excellent; from the Sushi to the patisserie range, you will not be disappointed.
Chocolat, Milan
No top 10 would be complete without a café that specialises exclusively in chocolate, and Chocolat (inspired by the adorable film featuring Juliette Binoche) is, in our opinion, one of the best of its kind, due to the fact that the owner Marina is as passionate about chocolate as we are about Johnny Depp. This little place would put Willy Wonka to shame, what with the decadent Chilli Fondente - 100% cocoa (and 100% delicious) on offer, and the thick-as-chocolate-sauce hot chocolate that steams from the wonderful ceramics. The ice-cream served is home-made, and can be decorated with any and every chocolate goody, from Kinder Eggs to just simple White Chocolate; and even the décor is choco-themed, with walls that look like they're dripping hot chocolate and stools that could be giant brownies (but please refrain from eating the furniture).
Oui Oui, Buenos Aires
This one is for 'ladies who lunch', with scented candles and scented napkins upon scented tables, pink upholstery to garnish and a generic French love song playing in the background to top it all off. Despite this sickly-sweet image, it's actually done very well, with most of it being subtle undertones to set a scene of comfort and class for the fine following of young females who use this café as a gossip den. The staff are probably the friendliest in the world, and there's always a smile served up with your croissant. Unfortunately you can't book a table, so to avoid disappointment make sure you and your girlfriends get in early as this place can get extremely busy.
Vefa Bozacisi, Istanbul
For the more culturally inclined and those who like different experiences and new tastes, one should definitely head to a traditional Boza Café like Vefa when in Istanbul and try out the malt style drink made with fermented millet - it has a slightly sweet, acidic taste and makes for something a little different compared to your standard latte. If this isn't enough to whet your appetite, then maybe a Sira - a sparkling grape drink - will do the trick. Arguably the most atmospheric café in the area, with its 1930s style tiles and located relatively close to the Bazaar quarter, it is well worth a visit, even if it's only to replenish your stores of Vefa Vinegar - for which it is well-renowned.
Bookworm Café, Beijing
Being a mother means it can be difficult to find the time (or kid-free space) to actually enjoy and soak up a good book, so the Bookworm Café can be a real pleasure when you're in need of a little 'me' time - on top of that, it's not often that you get to immerse yourself in the pages of your favourite novel while being waited upon, with the ever helpful staff ready to bring you a mug of freshly made hot coffee whenever your previous one is all but a ring stain upon the interior of the ceramic. Another highlight is the chance to catch a glimpse of many of the literary giants who pass through here for the home-style food and one of the most varied selections of English books in Beijing.
Lasse I Parken, Stockholm
What makes this place particularly special is the sweet outdoor stage, framed by the surrounding trees and greenery, which is brought to life in the summer when the owners put on little shows and concerts to entertain the enchanted customers. The café itself comprises an 18th century wooden house, set on the edge of Sodermalm, and, un-surprisingly, serves up traditional snacks such as fruit pies and home-made cream or thick Swiss cheese sandwiches. It's a delightful place for children, and you can even take your pets along if you like because of the handy outdoor seating - Stockholmers are very fond of Lasse, and no doubt any newbie will be as well.
Café Bistro im Nu, Berlin
It's hard to believe that Helmholzplatz was once considered a no-go zone in the old reunification days, as now it is one of the most fashionable districts Berlin has to offer, with a host of trendy bars and cafés. Of these cafés, Bistro Im Nu arguably holds claim to the accolade of serving the best home-baked food in the area; the mixed Berry Cheesecake is frankly to die for, and freshly baked bread is served up straight from the oven. Sunday sees the Berlin renowned buffet brunch available until 4pm, with 'Kaffe and Kuchen' or the healthier options of juices and yoghurt shakes to choose from. The familiarity and friendliness makes this place special, and the interior - awash with pastels and Art Deco - keeps it chic and chilled.
