Despite its location on busy St Paul’s Road, there’s an old-fashioned, bucolic vibe to this new coffee shop, helped by its 1940s frontage (complete with signage rediscovered during the renovation), old wooden panelling, mismatched furniture and elderly chests of drawers and shelving. Stairs lead down to an open kitchen and more seating. As well as freshly ground Climpsons coffee (flat whites and all), there’s a selection of cakes, pastries, sandwiches and antipasti available, plus focaccia sporting a ‘try me’ notice. Weekend brunches are on the cards, too, and there are plans to open into the night, serving a more extensive menu and a short list of wines and local beers. Just a hop and (dangerous) skip across Highbury Corner from Highbury & Islington tube, Sawyer & Grey looks well-positioned to attract caffeine-starved travellers searching for a rus in urbe oasis.