The Machiavelli Cafe

The Machiavelli Cafe is a short distance from International Hall. Easily accessible from the dorms by foot, it can also be found by taking the tube from Russel Square to the Holborn station. The cafe offers a wide selection of wines, cocktails and pastries, as well as full entrees. The pastries are delicious and beautifully presented. Highly recommended is the Salted Caramel Tart, which balances sweet and salty masterfully and makes an excellent companion to a glass of amaretto or one of the many cocktails featured on the menu. A word of warning about the cocktails at the Machiavelli Cafe: They are quite expensive and served in champagne flukes instead of the martini glasses many Americans may be more accustomed to. Although delicious, many may not consider the small drinks as worth their steep prices. Although the drinks run around 9 pounds for a small portion, the pastries are quite cheap for their superior quality. The interior of the cafe is lavishly decorated and the patrons are typically dressed in business or business casual attire. The staff is efficient and polite, if somewhat rushed in their service. While photography is allowed of food that has been paid for, it is worth noting that photographing the pastries in their display cases is strictly forbidden. The Machiavelli Cafe makes a great destination for drinks and dessert. Its close location to International Hall and tasty pastries ensure follow up visits to fulfill the craving for something sweet.