After a sleepless night and a trudge through early-morning London deep in thought, Strike goes to Caffé Vergnano 1882 on Charing Cross Road for breakfast — as well as for further deep thought and to write a very important list.

“He saw a waitress in a black dress unlocking the doors … realized how hungry he was and turned inside.”

“The small coffee shop smelled of warm wood and espresso…. Strike sank gratefully onto a hard oak chair.”

He orders “a ham and cheese panini, a bottle of water and a double espresso…. The copper-domed coffee maker on the counter hissed into life.”

Have a double espresso yourself at Caffé Vergnano 1882. We found the cafe to be cozy and welcoming. You can find it here: