Slake Coffee House ; Coffee Shop and Brunch in Lyon

Slake Coffee House, a naturally good little Lyon snack spot…

Slake Coffee House in Lyon

Coffee Shop and Brunch near Les Jacobins

After several hours of walking, shopping and discovering Lyon, my stomach starts to rumble. Not knowing the city well, I head to the first available wifi to check a few trusted blogs. One address quickly stands out. Readers’ comments and Google reviews are excellent. No objection from the friend walking with me: off to the Slake Coffee House.

This modest place is instantly appealing. The room has a natural, no-frills feel. The beautifully decorated blackboard displays a menu that whets the appetite. The pastries in the window almost make you give up on savoury food. But to tackle the rest of the day, a proper meal is in order.

Lyon, Capital of Gastronomy

Lyon readily presents itself as France’s gastronomic capital. Its bouchons serve hearty food, from quenelles and brioche sausage to cervelle de canut. Chef Paul Bocuse contributed greatly to this reputation. The market halls that bear his name now bring together the city’s best artisans. Between meals, the Presqu’île and Vieux-Lyon are best explored on foot. Celest (in French) then offers a view over the whole city.

Hearty Savoury and Sweet Food

Slake Coffee House ; Salads, Puff Pastries and Carrot Cake

On the menu: two squares of cheese puff pastry topped with walnuts, rocket and apples. A chicken sandwich completes the order, a classic that always hits the spot. For something lighter, a quinoa salad with apples, pineapple and spices joins the table. Every bite holds a lovely taste surprise, and everything is perfectly seasoned. A good house coffee goes with the meal. One question remains: a little something sweet to finish? The answer is yes!

Back to the first room, where choosing looks difficult. Brownies, muffins, cheesecake and a magnificent carrot cake compete for space in the window. The shop assistant recommends the carrot cake: one slice, and back to the table. Even without being a big fan of walnuts, the recipe wins me over. The frosting is simply perfect.

Thanks to other bloggers’ tips, Slake Coffee House turns out to be a lovely discovery. Friendly, smiling staff and a really nice choice of food: the address is ideal for a savoury or sweet break. A funny little anecdote: during this visit, the wifi was switched off at weekends. You have to disconnect from time to time, especially when it’s this good… Slake now has a second address, in the Terreaux district. In Lyon, Celest (in French) offers a panoramic view. The Musée Cinéma et Miniature (in French) nicely rounds off the visit.

9 rue de l’Ancienne Préfecture, 69002 Lyon
Website

Slake Coffee House