Cafe Eterno, Covent Garden

Divine milkshake at Cafe Eterno

At first glance Cafe Eterno appears to be just like any other nice, cute independent cafe in central London, but it's only when you've settled down with your bottomless cup of coffee and start to take in your surroundings that you sense there's just something.....different about the place.

When you discover that the cafe is in fact run by the London City Mission (a Christian charity), the vibrant wall murals, eclectic range of customers and even the name of the cafe itself make a lot more sense.

Religion not your thing? Don't let this put you off - Cafe Eterno provides a friendly escape from the West End crowds outside, and their Christian credentials aren't enforced upon their customers. Settle down on one of their sofas with a book, enjoy the great value food and hot drinks, and appreciate this little slice of tranquil simplicity in the heart of the capital.

Cosy rating: 6/10 - probably the least pretentious cafe you're likely to find in this cobbled corner of Covent Garden.

Secret rating: 4/10 - it gets a fair amount of footfall, but it's likely that many of its customers aren't aware of the cafe's spiritual background.

Best bits: Bottomless cup of coffee for £1.70, really friendly staff (some of whom are volunteers), and awesome, indulgent milkshakes.

Worst bits: The Christian leaflets dotted around may not be to everyone's taste.

Red Door cafe, Greenwich

Red Door cafe (thanks @Katereddoor for the image!)

Originally a gallery, Red Door in Greenwich has somehow managed to squeeze in a cafe and shop into its cute premises just outside of Greenwich Market.

Cosiness is therefore enforced, since it is soooo snug, and if it weren't for one of the best mochas - if not the best mocha - I've ever slurped, you could argue that perhaps you're a little too squeezed in.

Thankfully the chirpy table service, award-winning brownies and the aforementioned coffee more than make up for this, and it's definitely one of Greenwich's nicest and most welcoming spots. They do sarnies as well as cakes, and I'll certainly be taking my parents there next time I'm in the area.

Cosy rating: 7/10 - it's all charmingly rickety and you'll have no choice but to get to know your fellow patrons!
Secret rating: 7/10 - It seemed to have a healthy, steady flow of custom, and everyone who wanted one of the few seats available was not disappointed.
Best bits: The coffee (properly hot, too. Lukewarm drinks = pet hate) and the brownies.
Worst bits: On a busier day you might have to try your luck elsewhere, but watch this space as they're hoping to open up their upstairs living room to customers soon, and have lots of other nice plans in the pipeline.