Another Maida Vale Mum and I went to try out the new-ish cafe ‘Toast’ on Formosa Street today. It’s a nice little place with the usual coffees, yummy-looking pastries, some sandwiches and other light fare. We sampled an Oreo cupcake which hit the spot and the coffee was good. They also sell fresh organic loaves of bread and some Daylesford Organic products.
It’s not really a baby-friendly cafe, simply because of space contraints. They have a few tables out on the pavement, which in this nice summer weather always seem to be taken. Inside they have 3 wooden tables but it’s a bit tight to have a pushchair or two in there with you.
Just next-door to Toast is an interior design shop called Jacqui B & Marieux. They have 3 tables outside and sell freshly-squeezed juices, coffees, paninis and wraps. You can get it to take-away if there’s no spot to sit or if you have a buggy with you, as again space is very limited.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think there must have been a personnel change at Toast. When I first went there a few weeks ago the manager and service could not have been more charming. Today (July 26 2010), alas, the coffee was lukewarm and the taste inferior. Worse still, the waiter pestered me for payment while I was at the table reading my paper and drinking my coffee. I have never known this in any other establishment. I shall not be returning to Toast.
My son loves Toast because they have a big fishtank. He always wants to go in there to see the fish. I have never had a problem with the staff, in fact when my son accidentally knocked my (full) cup of coffee over, the waitress cheerfully cleared up the mess and very kindly made me another cup of coffee!
I had problem with the staff when it first opened. I was pregnant and asked for my salami sandwich toasted, they said OK or so I thought, they asked me to pay, when they brought it only the bread was toasted, not the meat, when I asked them to they said they won’t toast it with the meat as this is not how the sandwich is, I said I can’t eat raw meat unfortunately while pregnant, they were quite rude after that, I had to leave and they did not refund the money. Although I live on the same street, I have not been back since.
It was great to see a new cafe open on Formosa St. However more recently, I havent been impressed. Take away coffees are half filled and toasted sandwiches are barely toasted. For a community feeling area I am also not impressed for the additional fee of eating in.. its not Pret a Manger.
I live just around the corner from toast and feel the same way, its over priced coffee especially as you get a half cup in one of those small take away cupps. Its not even warm, and I’ve got several barista diplomas. And the pastries are always too dry. Very sad as we did need another coffee spot in Maida vale.
Completely agree with Geri and Joanna – Lukewarm
coffee, dry pastries and cakes, pricey and unfriendly staff.
Looks nice and is a disappointment.
Well, I see I am not the only one with issues about the staff ag Toast. Although I think their coffee is very good taste wise, but their staff is really snooty and always make me feel as if I’m under dressed or something.
Sooo happy that Nero opened on Clifton Road. The staff is extremely friendly and there is always space for my and my 5 year old daughter.