Katsute100 

A Japanese sweet treat spot after a shopping spree! 

Shopping is an activity that everyone partakes in, whether as a pastime or a necessity.

However, it is a universal experience that once the shopping spree ends, the hunger begins—the stomach, which seemed tamed the entire day, starts growling and begging to be filled.

In recent years, Uniqlo has become a must-stop when shopping for clothing essentials or fun graphic tees.

The one in Covent Garden has to be the most unique branch in London, with its beautiful glass ceilings, mezzanine-like openness, and wide stairs that go up to two floors. 


But what makes this branch unique is a cafe on the second floor that will satiate your after-shopping hunger. Katsute100 Tea Room serves Japanese desserts and special drinks.

The cafe is tucked in the corner, just beside the Uniqlo embroidery station, so it gives people an opportunity to optimize their time while waiting for their wardrobe pieces to be embroidered with their selected designs.

Upon seeing the store and the little desserts in the glass casing, it felt like I was transported back to Japan. The cafe had a simple layout: a counter at the front and a few chairs and tables to house people for in-house dining.

The furniture was made entirely of wood or wood-like materials, giving off a simplistic, cozy vibe. 


One look at the menu, you can tell that many of the usual caffeinated drinks that we enjoy are infused with a Japanese twist to them, such as the Matcha Flat White, Hojicha Hot Chocolate, Black Sesame Latte, and many other interesting blends.

As it was a hot summer day, I wanted something cold and sweet to cool off the heat. There was a seasonal matcha flavour that caught my eye and I decided to go for that.

I ordered the Iced Watermelon Matcha. Watermelon flavors have been trendy this summer, and I wondered how it would taste compared to the popular matcha combinations of strawberry and blueberry from other cafes.

The picture of the drink was not like how another coffee shop did theirs, which was more spritz-like matcha-watermelon drink. This one was portrayed to have milk in it, an interesting choice since watermelons aren’t used for anything milky.


Once I got my drink, I went outside to the patio to sit since there weren’t any more tables to accommodate me. The patio is a nice, shady place, and it was very modern, almost like the rooftops of apartment buildings.

The plants added a nice touch to the patio, making it feel more homey and welcoming.

It was a good spot to sit comfortably and chat with friends without being confined to the formal table seating. 


After I had taken a sip of my drink, the instant sweetness of the watermelon syrup hit me, and it felt very refreshing.

I must say that I didn’t expect it to be very sweet, but this sweetness wasn’t overpowering; it just left you wanting more.

It hit the right spot and was very appropriate for a hot summer day!

I was quite disappointed that I could not see the green and red hues blending together, as the barista had put my drink in a to-go cup. 

This little cafe was an interesting stop in my shopping journey. It was nice to take a break without having to leave the shop to grab something to refresh myself. I recommend stopping by for a pick-me-up when you feel peckish during your shopping.

I would come back to try some of their desserts, as they are baked in-house.

If you want to try this cafe without going up the flight of stairs in Uniqlo, you could also check out their other stand-alone branches in Angel and Brick Lane.



Location:

Covent Garden

 2nd Floor, Uniqlo Covent Garden 19 - 20 Long Acre, London, WC2E 9LZ​

Angel 

100 Islington High Street, London, N1 8EG

Brick Lane

147 Brick Lane, London, E1 6SB

Written by Althea Scully



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