With a startling array of uber-trendy eateries springing up daily in King’s Cross, eating out  at work has never been so tempting.  The latest wunderkind on the block is the German Gymnasium. Amidst the sauerkraut and schnitzel, an enticing kaffee and kuchen menu caught my eye.   Served up during peak office sugar craving hours, I slipped away from my desk to savour some afternoon strudel.

Office Breaks kaffee und kuchen at the German Gymnasium

Kaffee und kuchen at the German Gymnasium

Constructed in 1859 for the German Gymnastics Society, the German Gymnasium hosted the first indoor Olympics events in 1866 and is also England’s first purpose-built gym.

Office Breaks German Gymnasium

Heaving back the heavy smoked glass door, I’m met with a sleek, chrome and glass complex complete with ground floor grand café, upstairs restaurant and two bars.  A congenial buzz ricochets round the lofty ceilings to the marble-effect floors.  I feel instantly transported to Budapest’s Grand Café.

Office Breaks kaffee und kuchen at the German Gymnasium

Muscly toy guards stand watch from the top floor windows while gymnasts gyrate on wall friezes – as a timely reminder of the building’s athletic past.

Office Breaks Kaffee und kuchen at the German Gymnasium

At 4.00pm, the giant downstairs clock chimes kaffee und kuchen o’clock.   A time-worn tradition, kaffee und kuchen is still enjoyed by many Germans between the hours of 3-5 on a Sunday.

Office Breaks grand clock at the German Gymnasium

Taking the weight off my weary pins, I peruse the menu which boasts seven traditional German favourites.  These range from festive Stollen to retro Black Forest Gateau and the lesser known Sachertorte – a rich chocolate and apricot seductress.

The refreshments include traditional coffee, tea and chocolate through to speciality coffees including dark Jamaican Rum – perfect for easing the pressure of a bad day at the office.  (Speciality coffee is £3.50 extra.)

Being a traditionalist, I opt for the apple strudel and vanilla cream washed down with a latte. True to form, the service is rigorously efficient.  Shimmering silver tableware arrives in a flourish as I settle into my seat. A glass of water is provided without me asking.

Office Breaks Kaffee und kuchen at the German Gymnasium

The strudel appears moments later in a decadent apple-spiced slab enrobed in wisps of delicate pastry. The buttery, flaky fronds melt in the mouth before the sweet and spicy rush of raisin, cinnamon and apple descends.  A moment of sheer bliss.

Office Breaks Kaffee und kuchen at the German Gymnasium

The cream has a delicate hint of vanilla and provides the perfect contrast to the richness of the strudel.  The portion size is just about right for a light snack which won’t fill you up before dinner. The generous coffee pot allows for several refills – handy if you’re doing battle with the Black Forest Gateau.  With service included, the bill comes in at just under £10.00.

Office Breaks Doorman at the German Gymnasium

For those put off by the saccharine tweeness of traditional afternoon tea, kaffee und kuchen is a lighter and more sophisticated indulgence. Located perilously close to my office, kafee und kuchen could turn into a regular post-work addiction.