Albion's open plan kitchen. Picture copyright Albion.
A friend who lives in Bethnal Green described Albion as "That English place selling English stuff, in England', which, in a funny way, sums it up. Albion on Boundary street serves up the best of British, with the kind of flair commonly reserved for foreign delicacy. The shop attached to the cafe sells Bovril, Marmite and porridge oats on fancy rustic displays next to freshy baked goods. The caff is the best thing about this Conran owned gaff because it really does offer tasty food at value for money. My personal fave is the cream tea for £6. Far from being a measly scone and a cuppa, this is a feast I struggled to finish despite my best efforts. Faultless scones; two of them, huge with jam, butter and cream, sat beside beautifully moist fruitcake, some amazing shortbread and a slice of perfect sponge, all washed down with a pot of tea. I say all washed down, but in truth I had to smuggle the shortbread away in my handbag for later because it was all too much. Easily enough for two and delicious.
And all this only a few minutes walk from Trim's cutting rooms....
2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DD 020 7729 1051
Whilst you are contemplating cakes, please spare a thought for Trim's very own editor and running champ Dominic Leung, who this weekend takes on Berlin at the Marathon. No cream teas for him until after! And if you haven't had a chance to sponsor the excellent charity he's running for please take a moment to follow the link and sling him a few pennies, or better still some pounds.