Progreso

A worthy addition to the London scene Progreso is the harbinger of what it hopes will be a chain of around 20 cafes run in conjunction with Oxfam, Glasgow-based coffee roaster Matthew Algie and three coffee grower co-operatives in Ethiopia, Honduras and Indonesia, under the genetic title of Fairtrade.

Whilst sound coffee is the basis of the operation think also of pastries, soups, sandwiches, chocolate and yogurt with Fairtrade honey, and on the drinks front speciality coffees and organic teas, cold drinks and fruit smoothies.

At a time when the western conscience is increasingly troubled by its share of the world's affluence, projects such as Progreso are to be welcomed on moral, as well as quality food grounds.