E
versholt Street really is a busy old thoroughfare. It’s characterised by an endless stream of cars, busses and trucks, all shuttling between Euston and Camden Town along what is one of the capital’s most ancient arteries – and by the corrugated blandness of Euston Station’s backside.
Yet despite the relentless traffic thunder, the little parades of independent shops that dot its path offer some real delights, and an immediate contrasting sense of calm once inside.
The newest such arrival is Suda, a diminutive daytime hangout promising excellent coffee and some tasty food to go with it, all freshly made on the premises.
The café is the result of a partnership between Hong Kong-born Miranda and South Korean native Kate, who were drawn together by their shared quest to set up their own bakery business.
“We’d been looking all around London for the perfect spot,” says Miranda, “and we’d come to see this one a few times, even though we don’t really know the area. Suddenly everything happened just at the right time and we were in.”
The duo have been pleased to find that the Eversholt Street community extends a warm welcome. Sandwiched between Lost Boys Pizza and Camden Cycles, their bakery is part of a vibrant little strip (they occupy the unit formerly the unfortunately-named Isis beauty clinic and nail bar).
“Suda means to ‘chit-chat’ in Korean,” reveals Kate. “Our idea is for the bakery to be a place for the community to come, sit down and have a good conversation.”
Certainly on our visit the place is a hive of people doing just that, as council staff from across the way nudge up against a gaggle of ASOS lanyard-adorned girls talking shop over a mid-morning pastry.
The coffee is dark and delicious Old Spike, from the Peckham-based roastery that offers career opportunities to homeless Londoners. “We tried loads of beans,” says Kate, “and we liked the story behind these – as well as the fact that they’re also really tasty.”
The girls serve a brilliant cup of the stuff, alongside delicate baked produce. As well as the usual croissants, its well worth venturing in to the specialities, such as the matcha roll, with its symmetrically sliced strawberry centre and feather-light sponge. Well priced avo-toast breakfasts start the day, and soon lunchtimes will see Korean-influenced baguettes added to the menu.
The duo remain bubbly and enthusiastic despite putting in some serious hours to get the place established, let alone getting in to the groove of their daily commutes from South London.
“I’m up at 5.30am to be able to get here and prepare everything for opening at 7.30am,” says Miranda. “We close at 5pm, clear up, so probably don’t leave until 7, and we’re both working here 7 days a week too, so it’s a real commitment. But this is what you do when you are starting out in business, right? It’s everything. I’m even dreaming about the bakery when I sleep.”
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