Is Elan Cafe London worth visiting?
On a rare sunny March day, I decided to check out one London cafe that’s been popping up all over Instagram. With its flower-themed décor and colorful patisserie, I went along to check out Elan Café London for myself.
Where to find Elan Café
There are 7 branches of Elan Café in total, 6 of which are in London. The largest is on Brompton Road. It’s much bigger than the Park Lane café, and makes for a spacious and more memorable experience. Selfridges London, also has another bright and beautiful branch within the store.
Outside London is another Elan Café in Bicester Village. This luxury shopping outlet in Oxfordshire is ideal for a day trip, and of course, for doing some serious spending.
The nearest tube station — Elan Café London
Elan Café Brompton Road is within minutes’ walk of South Kensington tube station. For readers unfamiliar with London, South Kensington is the capital’s museum district.
Here, you’ll find the Natural History Museum and one of my favorites, the V&A Museum. Further down the road heading east is the grand shopping mecca that’s Harrods.
Does Elan Café London live up to the hype?
Through the wonders of social media, and good PR, I came across Elan Café on Facebook. The article hailed it as the ‘most instagrammable café in London’, and just like that, I wanted to know more.
I arrived around 11.15am and was happy to see no line outside the door. A giant heart-shaped floral display beams in the window, surrounded by a tantalizing display of cakes and pastries.
Upon entering the café, the atmosphere’s buzzing but civil, and I was lucky to get seated right away.
A floral explosion — Elan Café London
It’s easy to see why Elan Cafe has earned the coveted title. Romantic in feel, the detail in décor, and the colorful, if not girly, theme is everywhere.
From the heart-shaped window display, to the replica cherry blossom tree, there’s plenty of Instagram opportunities. Ironically, I didn’t see that many patrons that day simply doing it for the ‘gram’.
While I’d like to say the food’s the biggest draw at Elan Café London, I’d be wrong. Right at the back of the Brompton Road branch is its star attraction: the rose-covered wall. Halfway through my brunch, I saw a small line beginning to form outside, eagerly waiting their turn.
Presumably they’d booked beforehand for the coveted area, as they were still waiting patiently outside when I left. If you’re planning on visiting London soon, don’t waste time hanging around in lines.
Instead, consider pre-booking tickets for some of the top attractions, like Buckingham Palace.
“A giant heart-shaped floral display beams in the window, surrounded by many delicious cakes and pastries.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“Romantic in feel, the detail in décor, and the colourful, if not girly, theme is everywhere.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“From the heart-shaped window display, to the replica cherry blossom tree, there’s plenty of Instagram opportunities.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Elan Café London has a great choice when it comes to the food. They serve an all-day breakfast and brunch menu, along with tempting cakes and pastries too.
Order up — Elan Café London
I had a tough time deciding what to order, but eventually went for the chia porridge with cashew milk, maple syrup and blueberries. It’s one of the most colorful, and not to mention healthiest, brunch items I’ve ever had.
The burst of color of the blueberries, topped with fruit, coconut and edible flowers almost looked too good to eat. The menu also has classic breakfast/brunch items like avocado on sourdough, or egg dishes if chia doesn’t float your boat.
To drink, I ordered a Spanish latte. It’s a velvety rich coffee sweetened by Spanish condensed milk.
Truthfully, I didn’t taste much difference — they could’ve added sugar for all I know.
However, I did enjoy it, but not so much that I’d order it again.
I was also tempted to order a cake or pastry, but decided against it.
While aesthetically tempting, I’m not too keen on cakes and pastries that are left uncovered.
I get its purpose in attracting people through the door, but hygiene speaking, I’ll pass.
The verdict on Elan Cafe London
There’s no question that Elan Café’s very instagrammable, but for me, there are far better places in London.
I found the famous rose covered-wall underwhelming in person, and I credit filters for portraying a different image on social media.
Just for special occasions — Elan Café London
It’s a nice café with a pretty interior, pretty food and helpful staff. However, the prices are pretty expensive.
My latte cost £7.50* (€8.60/$10.66), which even for London is ridiculously high.
“Refreshing, compact in size and a whirlwind of flavours, it’s a sweet, yet delicate, way to end the meal.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Elan Cafe London is ideal for a one-off occasion like a girls’ lunch or Sunday brunch.
However, for me, the hype’s more than the reality and for that reason, I’ll be sticking to my regular brunch place.
Where to stay near Elan Cafe London
The superb Fleming’s Mayfair is a great luxury choice in the city. This 5-star luxury boutique hotel in the plush neighborhood of Mayfair and close to the cafe.
What are your thoughts on Elan Café London? Did I get it right/wrong? Drop me a note in the comments below.
Till next time, happy and safe travels xx
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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omg, that place looks so fancy and beautiful. And the desserts look to cute to eat lol . I would love to visit this place one day . thanks for sharing
It’s a great place for desserts, but expensive!
Very cool! My wife would love this place! I think Elan Cafe looks nice but maybe it’s too expensive by the sound of it. I love the way you write, great photos too!
Thank you!
It’s very pretty. I like the floral interiors that complement colorful desserts. The price is on the higher side, but not shocking. There are hotels even in India which offer coffee at that range.
Oh wow, that’s expensive! It’s very pretty and makes for a pretty photo on IG!
It’s so pink and pretty, I can see why it’s become one of the most Instagrammable cafes in London. And I am not surprised that it’s not the food that draws the people to the cafe but the roses covered wall, it’s lovely! I don’t think, however, that I would have the patience to stand in a queue to be seated next to it. I’d love to pop by to check out the lovely decor, though!
The decor is definitely worth it. As I wrote, I wouldn’t be a regular there, but for a one-off, it’s a nice place to visit.