The Mocha Lounge has got it all - superb coffee, elegant surroundings, entertainment in the form of poetry nights and acoustic music, and a strict green policy. Coffee shops don't get much better.

The Venue
This basement cafe looks elegant, comfortable and surprisingly bright. Purple armchairs nestle next to brick walls and tables and chairs sit under a skylight while small glass chandeliers and other touches like a sheer white curtain make this place a great place to have an intimate conversation over a steaming hot mug of strong coffee.

The People
The Mocha Lounge is far removed from the usual chain cafes that have taken over the high street. Takeaway coffees are served in cups made from corn, water and paper from 99 per cent renewable sources. They're also completely recyclable and biodegradable. You can even compost them.

Their green philosophy attracts the alternative sort but The Mocha Lounge is more elegant than the average hippy hangout. Couples and small groups chat quietly while those who are on their own curl up in armchairs with a book. There are more sociable moments, though, when there is a poetry night or some live acoustic music. On Thursdays and Fridays, the cafe is open until 9pm and it is a good alternative to the pub before going to the cinema.

The Food
At The Mocha Lounge you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast (£1.10 to £5), lunch or a sweet or savoury afternoon snack. In the morning you can choose between classic options like Danish pastries, fresh croissants, sausage and egg muffin or opt for something more substantial like a breakfast panini. At lunchtime you can pick between toasted paninis (£3.85 to £4.50), sandwiches (£3.50 to £4) in a white or granary bap, all made to order and served with a side salad, jacket potatoes (£2.80 to £4.20), fresh salads (£3.75) or homemade soups (£2.50). Some of the options are Jarlsberg cheese and mango chutney sandwich, goats cheese with mixed peppers and onion panini, tuna nicoise salad and chicken pesto jacket potato.

The Drink
The coffee available here is prepared to perfection using quality coffee beans sourced from as far as Kenya and Costa Rica. Their espresso is very close to the Italian variety and is served as a shot in a 3floz cup or it can be served double for those looking for a strong caffeine high. Other coffees on offer include caramel macchiato, cappuccino, latte, Americano, con panna and mocha, the latter being their speciality. They also serve a blend of the day and a selection of speciality coffees. There's a thick late frappe, an iced latte and a scrumptious mocha frappe made with a mix of chocolate syrup, espresso, fresh cold milk and whipped cream blended with ice.

The speciality teas are just as attractive with Organic Breakfast, Mountain Spring Jasmine green tea, Chamomile Citrus, the black Orange Dulce along with many others. Prices are quite similar to the chains and a hot chocolate is £2.35.

Craving something cool? Like wine? Don’t worry they serve that here too. There is only a handful but you can choose a fair trade bottle like the Dos Hermanos Sauvignon Blanc from Chile or the Don Jacobo Rioja Rose. Bottles are an affordable £12 to £15 while a small glass is between £3 and £3.70. For those craving beer the choice is between Becks, Corona and Carlsberg (all £2.70).

The Last Word
The Mocha Lounge is a great alternative to coffee chains. It serves excellent coffee, good food and even some alcoholic drinks in an elegant environment. And the paper cups, let’s not forget, are completely biodegradable. A guilt free caffeine fix on the go. Could you ask for more?

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