Brill – More Than Brilliant

Brill, the music store and coffee shop is quite simply one of my new favourite spots in London.

Brill itself, owned by the cooly named Jeremy Brill, started life in the 90’s as Clerkenwell Music, but changed to its latest incarnation in the last couple of years, thanks to the advent of Amazon and iTunes, or rather internet shopping and downloads. You know you are entering a music mecca when you read the shop board on the street which includes the words No Woman, No Chai alongside the Brill logo.

Betwixt the CD racks are desks, usually with 1 or 2 people huddled in front of their Apple Macs or others chatting over a decent latte and home made sandwich or patisserie.  On a cold winters’ day, the condensation on the window is a sure sign you are heading into the welcoming warmth.

If decent music advice is what you are looking for then Brill is definitely a good shop to stop at, with racks filled with Jazz, Reggae, Dub Ska and plenty of current indie faves.  Consider it a wicked little micro-social-network for music.  In addition they have music and artwork on the walls from local musicians and artists, which only adds to the spiffiness.

I personally and religiously drink their lattes but others will ask for Americanos and Espressos on the ‘Brill Run’ from the office.  That being said I have zero complaints and there is ALWAYS a friendly face behind the counter when you walk through the door.

Brill comes wholeheartedly recommended and so, if you are up Clerkenwell/Islington way and want a decent coffee, head on over to Brill at 27 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4QL.

Photo by Evil Twin on Flickr