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MAP Studio Cafe — Cafes in London

MAP Studio Cafe

CafesLondon

4.7 out of 5 stars4.7(369 reviews)

“Daytime cafe hosting evening programme of live jazz, world music and comedy performances.”

Quick info

+44 20 7916 0544
46 Grafton Rd, London NW5 3DU, United Kingdom

About MAP Studio Cafe

MAP Studio Cafe is a daytime cafe in London at 46 Grafton Rd, serving coffee, teas and cakes downstairs while an upstairs room hosts live music at gigs almost every night. That pairing gives the building a second life after dark for anyone who wants an evening of live sets. A recording studio sits in the back. Thursdays bring a free open jam and open mic. The menu runs to 12 dishes, from a Full English Breakfast to the house Lasagne a La Map Café, with Caribbean cooking that includes jerk chicken and vegan Ital options for plant-based eaters. Chess and board games are on offer, and second-hand vinyl is on sale.

Menu & Prices

12 dishes
  • Cappuccino
  • Veggie Soup
  • Full English Breakfast
  • Lasagne a La Map Café
  • Tea Mocha
  • Irish Coffee
See full menu & prices →

Reviews

4.7/5
369 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention open jam/mic night, jamaican jerk chicken, live gigs upstairs and vegan ital caribbean food.

5★
292
4★
46
3★
22
2★
3
1★
6

Customer Review Summary

Live music upstairs draws most reviewers, especially the open jam and mic night, where diners describe instruments of every kind joined by singers and poets, and one reviewer calls it a good opportunity for young musicians. Gigs are described as almost nightly, in a small, intimate room. Close behind is the Caribbean kitchen, with reviewers praising goat and roti, jerk chicken with rice and peas, rum punch, and a Jamaican Sunday roast with pumpkin and beans as vegan options. Staff are called friendly, and others mention chess, board games, second hand vinyl and dogs being welcome. One reviewer found no food available on a Monday night and had to fetch something to bring in. One reports the venue may face closure by the council. Another notes the toilets sit upstairs behind the bar with no signs, so about twenty people headed downstairs looking for them and waited on the narrow steps to get back up.

Featured reviews

  • Google user
    “Very small music venue upstairs. If you get tickets for a favourite artist, this will be an 'intimite' gig. I saw Gretel on her "Stripped down tour" so it was just her withe her guitar and Gabe (with 2 guitars.) Excellent performance and I couldn't really tell the difference between her live versions and the record. PSA: there seems to be a risk that the venue will be shut down by the council. Search for the petition to keep them open: " Don't Close Map Studio Cafe," BTW the toilets are upstairs behind the bar where you can't see them & there are no signs. This is fun when 20 people head downstairs to find them & then have to wait until everyone comes down the narrow steps, in order to get back upstairs.”
  • Google user
    “I was pretty surprised to stumble across this place. Last night in London before flying back to Vancouver, I'm drinking wine i needed to get rid of and walking to Camden. Walk up to this spot, and it's super busy, so after asking what's going on I end up getting pulled inside. Ate some awesome goat and roti, might be the best goat I've ever eaten. Played a game of chess with some Caribbean dude, while talking to some recording artist from New York. Then watched the jam session (open mic) for a couple hours while drinking draught Sapporo. Got pretty drunk, 10/10 would go again.”
  • Google user
    “Just popped in for a 15 minutes but was impressed by friendly staff, the smells from the kitchen area tempted me to cancel that evenings dinner plans. They had so many things going on, music, food, chess games, coffee, second hand vinyl sales, recording studio in the back. That's what I noticed in 15 minutes...”
  • Google user
    “This is one of my favourites places in Kentish Town. Going to MAP is an experience itself (specially if you are into music) Is such a vibe when walking next to the building and you can listen to some music in the background. They are always organising good gigs and a free open jam/mic on Thursdays where you can participate or just enjoy the performance while enjoying a drink 🙌🏼 (in my opinion this is such an opportunity for new/young musicians that want to give it a try ; such a good gesture for the community) Everyone is open and respectful there, always friendly when having a conversation. The food is normally really good and options are plenty as you can go from having a coffee to have a proper meal. Once again a place in Kentish that can not be missed! thanks to all staff for making all this possible.”
  • Google user
    “This food... some places you know they put flavouring into the food.. This place This food, th jerk chicken you don't just taste the flavour you feel the flavour. All them herbs and spices are in there, no thin gravy This is sauce 👌 🔥 😋 rice n peas no stodge, salad cool n crisp. Rum punch, I should have got two.”

Location

Cafes near MAP Studio Cafe

MAP Studio Cafe
4.7369
  • 0.1 mi£1–10Vegan optionsReservations

    welsh rarebit croissant, vegan wraps, almond croissant

  • 0.5 mi£1–10Outdoor seatingVegetarian optionsVegan options

    avocado toast, love potion tea, matcha mango

  • 0.7 mi

    turkish eggs, french toast, sweet potato spinach waffle

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