Shakespeare & Co.

A café chain with character
Popular plate: The pistachio vanilla sponge makes for a delicate confection, and comes in a little pot amidst a puddle of fresh jam.

Tipple of choice: The selection of fruity mocktails makes up for the lack of alcohol. Mango, pineapple, banana and Brazil nuts makes for an interesting combo.
There’s a touch of Versailles to this mini chain, which is stuffed to capacity with pastel chaises, lace drapes and plump foot stools. Confectionery offerings are equally frilly, with cakes sporting swirling bouffants of rich crème.

The menu goes global, with pizzas, Thai curries and hearty Arabic mains all competing for dominance. The standards—soups, salads, sandwiches and sweets—are the way to go here, and most pickings are well complimented by one of an equally large selection of stellar coffees and floral teas.