In London, every nook and cranny has something to offer, and this latest dessert spot certainly proves that. A former NatWest cash machine space on Holloway Road has been transformed into a tiny dessert window serving traditional Italian tiramisu.
Coccole, an operation run by a baker named Francesco, sells the classic dessert in small, portable glass jars straight to the pavement.
Francesco took over the narrow unit which was once the site of a bank building. The kitchen and service counter now occupy the exact footprint where the ATM once sat, and the owner is hoping it’ll be a good omen. “This space used to be the cash point machine, so hopefully it’s going to bring some luck,” Francesco says.
The business’s name translates to “cuddle” in Italian, a nod to the comforting nature of his homemade desserts.
Nonna’s recipes in glass jars
Using his grandmother’s original recipe, Francesco prepares and pots the Italian desserts entirely within the small space. The tiramisu is served in small jars for £4 each, which can be eaten on the go.
Alongside the classic coffee preparation, the menu features modern variations including pistachio, toffee, almond, and blueberry. Each pot offers a velvety, creamy texture that mirrors authentic Italian street desserts.
Pasticciotto on the pavement
Beyond tiramisu, the window serves pasticciotto. Traditionally eaten as a breakfast treat in Italy, Coccole’s take on the bake involves a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with custard and cherry jam. It is finished with a dusting of cocoa and a thick dollop of the shop’s signature mascarpone cream, creating a sweet and crumbly dessert available throughout the day.
The tiny service window remains open directly onto the street, turning an abandoned bank into a daily destination for fresh Italian treats.
