Nest, Willesden Green Review – A Minimalist London Cafe

A local’s review of the minimalist Nest Deli in Willesden Green, North West London – one of the best cafes for cinnamon buns, chai latte and banana bread!

A few months ago, I stayed in Willesden Green for a bit, an area of Northwest London that I didn’t know very well.

I learned to discover it better, with its lovely little cafes and village-like feel.

I really like North London in general, even though when I first moved there in 2019, I was a die-hard lover of East London, where I lived in Mile End and Bethnal Green.

But the North itself feels like a village within London.

You can find a multitude of beautiful places there like Muswell Hill, with its charity shops full of designer clothes and bow-fronted shopfronts, or North Finchley, and even Highgate.

It is also where you will find Willesden Green and, right next to the tube station, Nest Deli, which is also known as Nest Cafe.

Nest, Willesden Green Review – A Minimalist London Cafe

Nest Deli is a minimalist local cafe that I discovered simply because I was hungry one morning and wanted a quick breakfast.

As it turns out, I found myself in one of the best cafes in North London, where I ended up going back for breakfast three or four more times.

The deli is a spacious yet cozy spot with white walls and a simple, minimalist decor.

From what I understood, the owner is Maghrebi, so you will find delicious cakes, croissants, and cinnamon buns alongside options for a halal breakfast on the go.

I actually found the service to be very friendly every single time I visited Nest Cafe.

I believe the first time I went, I had a chai latte with either a cinnamon bun (maybe a muffin?) or a slice of their amazing banana bread.

Every time I returned, I stuck with the chai latte because it is one of my favorite hot drinks, and the creaminess and spice ratio at Nest Cafe really suited my taste.

There are a few tables with power outlets, but I am not sure if they offer free wifi.

In any case, it feels more like a coffee shop where locals grab a quick breakfast before heading to the tube.

That said, if you are looking for a good place to work in London, I think it is a great, quiet spot where you can really feel at ease.

The honey, pistachio, and barberry loaf cake is one of the most unique desserts I have found in London. That green pastry cream topped with berries is absolutely incredible.

And I cannot stress that enough.

But if you’re more into pains au chocolat, croissants, or muffins, just know that the ones you can eat at Nest are crispy, buttery, and truly hidden gems.

100% deserves a trip to Willesden Green to eat again.

Nest Willesden Green London Photo Gallery

Nest, Willesden Green Review – A Minimalist London Cafe

Once you have finished your breakfast at Nest Deli, why not continue exploring Northwest London, starting with West Hampstead and Kilburn?

You can find a Madonna street art piece at Quex Mews, as well as plenty of charity shops and a decent sized Superdrug makeup store.

Alternatively, if you are looking for more history and hidden gems, you could head toward East London to places like Spitalfields and Liverpool Street, or even the City of London with its secret alleys and historical monuments.

I particularly like the Royal Exchange and Horizon 22 for its free viewpoint, as well as Tivoli Corner and the secret gardens in the City.

The Reflection Garden, St Dunstan in the East, and Christchurch Greyfriars are all absolutely beautiful and make for a great follow up to your visit to Nest Deli.