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 colourful patisserie, I went along to see for myself whether Elan Café’s actually any good.
Where can I find Elan Café?
At the time of writing, there are 2 branches of Elan Café in London. The largest is on Brompton Road. It’s much larger than the Park Lane café, and makes for a spacious and more memorable experience.
Elan Café Brompton Road is within minutes’ walk of South Kensington tube station. For readers unfamiliar with London, South Kensington’s 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 many delicious cakes and pastries. Upon entering the café, the atmosphere’s buzzing but civil, and I was lucky to get seated right away.
It’s easy to see why Elan Cafe has earned the coveted title. Romantic in feel, the detail in décor, and the colourful, 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 it’s the food at Elan Café that draws the people in, I’d be wrong. Right at the back of the Brompton Road branch is its biggest attraction: the rose-covered wall. Halfway through my brunch, I saw a small line beginning to form outside waiting their turn to sit by the wall of the roses.
Presumably they’d booked beforehand, and were still waiting patiently outside when I left. If you’re planning on visiting London soon, don’t find yourself wasting time in any lines. Instead, consider pre-booking tickets for some of the top attractions, like these below.
“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
What’s the food like at Elan Cafe?
Elan Café 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.
I had a tough time deciding what to order, but eventually settled for the chia porridge with cashew milk, maple syrup and blueberries. Needless to say, it’s one of the most colourful, and not to mention healthiest, brunch items I’ve ever had.
The burst of colour of the blueberries, topped with fruit, coconut and edible flowers looked too good to eat. If you prefer classic breakfast/brunch items like avocado on sourdough, or egg dishes, the menu has something for everyone.
For afters, I ordered a Spanish latte. A velvety smooth coffee, it’s 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 wouldn’t order it again.
I was also tempted to order a cake or pastry, but decided against it. While aesthetically pleasing, I’m not keen on cakes and pastries left uncovered, which it was during my visit.
The verdict
All in all, Elan Café’s very instagrammable, but for me, there are other places in London that deserve the title.
The famous rose covered-wall’s underwhelming in person, and I credit filters for portraying a different image on social media!
It’s a nice café with a pretty interior, pretty food and helpful staff.
The prices are on the expensive side —my latte cost £7.50 (€8.60/$10.66), which even for London is ridiculously high.
It’s a good choice for a start to a girls’ day out, or Sunday brunch, but not for an everyday occurrence.
“Refreshing, compact in size and a whirlwind of flavours, it’s a sweet, yet delicate, way to end the meal.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Where to stay near Elan Cafe?
The superb Fleming’s Mayfair is a great luxury choice in the city. This 5-star luxury boutique hotel’s in the plush neighborhood of Mayfair and close to the cafe. Read my review here. If you’re looking for a more local experience, use my Airbnb code to get 20% off your first booking.
What are your thoughts on Elan Café? Did I get it right/wrong? Drop me a note in the comments below!
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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What a pretty place! Sounds like the place to go if you’re looking to be immersed in an “Instagrammable” atmosphere, as you said. Thanks for sharing this review.
It’s a pretty cafe, and I understand why so many grammars head there 😀
It is a beautiful patisserie. As much as I would love to get some a sweet treat and coffee, 7.50 for a cup is pretty steep, even for beautifully displayed food and coffee : ).
Yes, it’s too much for my pocket too! It was good but not that good!
It looks really cute. I’m also that kind of person like you are. If I see something on Instagram – cute restaurants or cafes like that, I must to go visit them if they are near me or I put them on my bucket list for that city where I saw it.
Then you would love this cafe! It’s pretty, and yes, a big draw for the grammars out there!
That’s so pink and girlie, I love it! The flowers, the decor, the setting, everything is super cute. I can see why it’s one of the most instagrammable cafes in London! I love places that serve all day breakfast and brunches and desserts too! Seems like I’ll have to make a note of Elan Cafe for when I visit London next, thanks for sharing this lovely review!
You’re welcome! It’s really pretty and romantic inside, but be warned, it’s not cheap! Still, it’s a nice experience for visitors.
This cafe is completely instagrammable, couldn’t agree more, very pretty cafe! Roses, pink hues, a cafe that looks really cute, but something I am not sure if I would prefer. I would still choose some place for the best food. But good to know about this cafe.
I understand! I know other places with much better food, and no attractive decor. Still, it’s worth a visit if you’re new to London.
So many cakes! And lovely interior. I would stay there for the whole day and eat everything.
It’s very tempting!
I can see why people call it the most instagrammable cafe in London. The flowers are totally spectacular, as was the chia porridge. But it does sound like it might not be worth so much money. That’s an extremely high price for a latte. I think it would be worth going here for the experience, though.
It’s a one-off visit for me, or for a special occasion. It’s pretty but pricey!
Interesting blog. You’re pictures are fantastic, it’s obvious where it got it’s title as the most instagrammable place in London. I’m a sucker for pretty cafe’s and patisserie counters so might have to check it out next time I’m there (if I’m feeling flush that is!)
That’s the right time to go! And thank you for your compliments 🙂
Wow, that is a little steep for a Latte lol – but I guess you’re paying for the experience and decor? Have you tried Peggy Porschen in Belgravia, Lisa? It’s very very similar, but the prices are a little less expensive x
I’ve seen Peggy Porschen, but was put off by the lines of girl grammars! Yes Becca, the latte was too expensive, and a one-off!
This cafe definitely looks adorable and makes for an excellent location to just chill and grab some selfies to post on Instagram! However, that latte is so exorbitant – if I’m in the area, I may just give it a shot at having a new experience but being a one-time thing, I’m sure I won’t head back unless the latte is really *that* good.
I don’t blame you Nathan! Honestly, I’ve had better and cheaper lattes, hence my writing it’s a one-off 🙂
It’s so beautiful and romantic. And your photos look so DELICIOUS. It really looks like the Elan Cafe is a must see and do and something that I haven’t tasted yet. It’s going on the list!
Perfect! It’s a pretty cafe and worth seeing if you’re in London.
Chia Porrige? You are a better person than I am cause after looking at all of those cakes & different chocolate items I would have died from diabetes or the bill after eating it all!
I do have to say that Elan Cafe in London is very pretty inside but I would have definitely judged it based on the food and then the cost over the decor and it doesnt seem any better than any other Cafe in London that we went to last year from what I gather.
You’re spot on Eric. I think the decor is pretty, but I’ve had better food and coffee in other places, and for cheaper too! I understand about the chia porridge, but really I was in the mood that day for something healthy!
I love cafe..tea..coffee..pretty cakes..you got the idea! I went to London prior to exposure to Instagram craziness, so, missed out on these prettt cafes. Lol I had the same question as Becca if you tried the Peggy porchen cafe..I would really love to know how it was! All I see the picture of the door on Insta! And also, how do you really pick chia porridge at that place? You are great!
Haha, everyone keeps asking me that! I wanted to try something different, and as I went for brunch, I wasn’t yet in cake mode. Peggy Porschen looks great, but I was put off by the long line of grammars waiting to take a photo!
The ambiance of Elan cafe does look very instagrammable and the rose covered wall certainly unique. But I was more enticed by the food on display, especially the cakes. The porridge also looks nothing like any of the other porridges I’ve ever seen.
It’s definitely a unique porridge, and probably not to everyone’s liking. The cakes are very tempting, so if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love it here.
I’m all in for the Elan cafe 😀 I love their decor, their flower theme and precisely everything instagrammble 🙂 Food preferences can vary and I would love to try their Spanish Latte, wondering what’s that like. When in London, I’ll visit Elan cafe for sure!
Happy to read that! I hope you enjoy your visit when you come over 🙂
This place does look like a very Instagrammable spot! I must say, I really love the flowers and decor – it seems like it adds to the charm. i didn’t stop here when I was in London, but I wish I did! Your chia porridge almost looked to pretty to eat. Thanks for sharing your experience.
It’s Instagrammable friendly! Next time you’re time, make sure to drop by 🙂
The cafe definitely looks cosy and romantic. No wonder it got the tag of ‘most instragammable cafe’! The food looks so tempting too. But its a pity that the prices are so high. Thanks for sharing an honest review.
you’re welcome! Yes, it’s pretty but pricey!
Okay I have no idea how many times I’ve squealed and said omg whilst looking at your photos. Bummer it doesn’t live up to its title though. I’d still definitely come here with my girlfriends for afternoon tea regardless. So cute!!!
Haha, thank you! Elan Cafe’s the perfect place for tea with the girls, and plenty of photo ops too 😀
This is so interesting! I always wonder about these “Instagramable” cafes. It always feels weird when I see photos of the lines to take “candid” shots in front of the Instagramable features. Your meal looked super pretty!
It’s definitely more hype than anything. It’s a lovely cafe to visit, but I wouldn’t be a regular!
The giant heart-shaped floral display is definitely instaworthy! aww, I was hoping you’d tell me how the cakes and pastries tastes like as that’s totally my jam! I guess I’ll have to try it out for myself.
Honestly they looked so good, but I was a little put off by the cakes all being uncovered, and people breathing over them. It just wasn’t worth the price tag!
So, I read the title and then looked at the picture of the cakes under it, and my immediate answer was, “Yes, of course it’s worth the hype!”. But 7.5 pounds for a LATTE. That’s insane! So, I would have to agree: my Instagram-loving side would need to drop in once while in London… but definitely not make it a regular spot.
I totally agree. It’s far too much for a latte, and a one-off visit for me 🙂
Looks like a lovely cafe in London…..do you know if they offer gluten and dairy free options?
I think they do. I can’t remember off the top of my head, but they have a varied menu 🙂
Great review. Love trying new things. Will have to take a look when I get to London
Enjoy your time there!
Yum those cakes look divine! And the decor! I would love to try this place is I am ever in London
It’s a nice cafe if you’re in London, just a bit expensive.
It looks like a really gorgeous cafe to sit in and I would definitely like to check it out next time I’m in London but I don’t think it would be my “regular” at the price of those coffees! Thanks for you honest opinion 🙂
Trust me, it won’t be my regular either, I can’t afford that for a latte, no matter how good it is.
The store is filled with so many pink flowers! I can see why that place is popular. Too bad it is underwhelming in person – sometimes what we see on Instagram can be deceiving!
Yes, yes and yes! It’s a pretty cafe to visit, but I wouldn’t make it a regular occurrence 🙂
elan cafe looks cery pretty, love the floral patterns all around the cafe. The rose wall does look like a very attractive spot to dine at. The croissants flavours are something unique, haven’t tried anything like these.
It’s a bit different, and I didn’t get to try any as I was too full 🙂
I’m so glad you write this as I’ve been seeing it all over Insta but have yet to read a review! I was so tempted to go but I cannot believe the price of a latte. That I think makes it impossible for me, even if it is pretty!
Trust me, I won’t be a regular here! It’s pretty, food is decent, but the prices don’t justify it for me 🙂
thanks for an honest review, the prices are high, but the demand too. the place looks so pretty, sweet and cozy and your chia porridge with cashew milk is fantastic. Just remembered how my mum used to make me porridge with tasty homemade jams and berries
That sounds delicious, and surely cheaper than my chia porridge!
This is a dream place for Instagrammers. I am huge cake lover and this would be my go-to place when I am in London next. Love the idea that they serve an all-day breakfast and brunch menu, along with tempting cakes and pastries too.
You’re right about that! But you’ll also enjoy the cakes there, as many do look good.
Oh, I can totally see why it would be considered the most Instagrammable café in London. That tree with the pink leaves on the counter is beautiful! Too bad the food wasn’t up to scratch. Sigh, how have we become so obsessed with getting those photos that we would be lured into a café we would probably otherwise not go. I would have gone for sure!
I agree Amy, and honestly, I’d only go back for a one-off, especially at those prices!
Thank you for your honest review. I would have to agree that Elan Cafe’s is very instagrammable but not be really worth since I value food + cost and the experience than photos.
Sadly yes, it’s a shame that style wins over substance here.
Lisa these photos are beautiful! The flowers and food look great. It’s unfortunate that it was more of an instagram place than living up the the hype. Seems to be common place these days.
Thank you so much! Even if the food and drinks aren’t as special as it makes out to be, the venue is really pretty
But, but, but the cakes at Elan Cafe look soooo good! And like a lot of other places, I find out that the rose wall is a little underwhelming. Those prices sounds pretty steep too for food that is just okay. Thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome! The cakes do look good, and I wanted to try, but after the price of the latte, I passed!
Thanks for the HONEST review. While it does looks beautiful, I imagine that it would be underwhelming after seeing all the filtered and edited pictures on IG. I admit though, I would tried LOTS of cake 😉
The cake looked really good, but after spending so much on the latte, I decided to leave 😀
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.
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!
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!
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!