Dose Espresso

Dose is an owner operated espresso bar at 70 Long Lane, on the northern edge of the City between the Barbican Centre and Smithfield Market, and one of the early specialty pioneers in this part of London. The room is small and red walled, with a tiny footprint that means standing at the counter or sharing a table. Blackboards on the walls are plain spoken and occasionally irreverent.

The idea is a good cup made straight, with house coffee and rotating guest beans that change often, served from seven in the morning. It is an early starter on weekdays and shuts at three, with a shorter Saturday and closed Sundays, which makes it a handy stop on the way to the Barbican or Smithfield, whether you are commuting or sightseeing.