Velasquez and Van Wezel

Oscar Velasquez is Colombian born and, having worked at London coffeeshops, has opened a café in Crouch End in collaboration with Dutch born Martin Van Wezel. Oscar grew up on a coffee farm east of Bogota and Martin remembers his granddad sold loose coffee beans out of large tins in the family corner shop in a small town in the east of Holland. It’s natural then that their coffee machine is a Kees van der Westen and they serve Dutch Apple Cake and Colombian single origin coffees, among others.

 

Espresso is from Square Mile and filter from Origin in this bright modern café reminiscent of Origin’s space near Hammersmith. Crouch End is very much a London village (in part due to the scarcity of transport links) that still has its own neighbourhood feel and (superb) fishmonger’s. For a long time, the specialty scene has been provided for by Coffee Circus (and more recently Harris + Hoole) and Velasquez and Van Wezel gives another welcome and stylish option.

 

The dream team of Lalani & Co teas and Mörk hot chocolate is also served as well as cakes, pastries and artisan sandwiches. Look out for home brewing classes and other events.