By Ayanda Dlamini for Coffee Magazine
As a constant coffee scout, I'm after an experience that challenges my taste buds and surprises me with creative innovation. My recent visit to EL&N London in the Mall of Africa did just that.
It felt like stepping into a bold, unapologetic world where luxury meets all things tasty. Personified, EL&N is that friend who’s always dressed to impress, with a character that’s big, loud, and drenched in pink. From the pastel pink walls to the gold accents, it’s impossible to miss the attention to detail that turns this café into something really special. And it’s no wonder, since the Founder is Alexandra Miller who has over ten years of experience in the world of luxury fashion, spreading this pink fantasy across 13 countries globally.
At EL&N, I found the coffee experience to be elevated through intriguing variations. A feature on their menu that stood out, was their cocktail-style Chemex offerings, where the traditional pour-over method is reimagined. Each brew is paired with subtle infusions of citrus, floral, and berry.
Beyond the Chemex, this cafe invites coffee lovers to explore an array of alternative cappuccinos. It encourages us regular flat white drinkers or the simple black Americano drinkers to try things like Beetroot Lattes, Turmeric Cappuccinos and a drink called the Rose Spanish - a combination of espresso, condensed milk, steamed milk, rose water and beetroot juice.
Since it was a late visit, I opted for something a bit gentler, un-caffeinated but still energising: the turmeric, honey, and cinnamon cappuccino. This combination was the perfect choice to wind down the day - earthy, soothing, and with just the right amount of sweetness. The turmeric added a subtle warmth, while the honey balanced the spice with its natural sweetness, and the cinnamon brought it all together with a comforting finish. It was a drink that felt both nourishing and indulgent, a beautiful representation of how EL&N reimagines traditional cafe drinks.
EL&N stands for Eat, Live, & Nourish, a name that encapsulates their ethos of offering food and drinks that nourish both body and soul. The more you explore the cafe, the more you realise, this philosophy isn’t only reflected in their drinks selection, but also in their selection of cakes and desserts. Each crafted with care and creativity. The Mixed Nut Brownie lured me in, I simply couldn’t resist. This brownie combined hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and almonds into a rich, decadent treat that’s perfect for those who love a balance of texture and flavour.
This cafe offers an experience that’s as indulgent and vibrant as the cafe itself, a true sensory adventure that combines luxury with creativity.
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