BEST COFFEE

The Ultimate Guide To London's Best Coffee Shops

Coffee culture has taken London by storm in recent years, with the rise of artisanal coffee shops offering unique blends and brewing methods. For young professionals, a great coffee shop can be an essential part of daily life, whether it’s for catching up with friends, getting work done, or simply enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best coffee shops in London and what makes them stand out.

Central London

A hub for coffee shops, with plenty of options for young professionals looking for a caffeine fix. Here are some of the top coffee shops in central London to check out:

  1. Monmouth Coffee Company in Covent Garden: Known for its high-quality coffee and cozy atmosphere, Monmouth is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

  2. Kaffeine in Fitzrovia: This Australian-style coffee shop is known for its exceptional coffee and friendly service.

  3. Workshop Coffee in Clerkenwell: Workshop Coffee is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts, with a wide variety of brewing methods and a focus on sustainability.

  4. Flat White in Soho: This New Zealand-inspired cafe is a favorite among locals for its delicious coffee and laid-back atmosphere.

  5. The Attendant in Fitzrovia: Housed in a former Victorian toilet, The Attendant is a unique and quirky coffee shop with a great selection of coffee and food.

  6. Notes Coffee in Trafalgar Square: Notes Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own beans, offering a range of unique blends and brewing methods.

  7. Prufrock Coffee in Leather Lane: Prufrock Coffee is a popular spot for coffee enthusiasts, with a focus on quality and innovation.

East London

A thriving coffee scene, with plenty of independent coffee shops offering unique blends and brewing methods. Here are some of the top coffee shops in East London to check out:

  1. Ozone Coffee in Shoreditch: Ozone Coffee is a popular spot for coffee lovers, with a great selection of coffee and a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing.

  2. Nude Coffee Roasters in Spitalfields: Nude Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop with a focus on quality and sustainability.

  3. Allpress Espresso in Shoreditch: Allpress Espresso is a popular spot for coffee enthusiasts, with a great selection of coffee and a focus on sustainability.

  4. Origin Coffee Roasters in Shoreditch: Origin Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own beans, offering a range of unique blends and brewing methods.

  5. The Watch House in Shoreditch: The Watch House is a cozy and welcoming coffee shop with a great selection of coffee and food.

  6. Dark Arts Coffee in Homerton: Dark Arts Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own beans, offering a range of unique blends and brewing methods.

South London

South London boasts a thriving independent coffee scene, with a number of top-notch coffee shops that are not to be missed. Discover some of the best coffee spots in the area below. 

1. Federation Coffee in Brixton: Federation Coffee is a popular spot for coffee lovers, with a great selection of coffee and a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing.

2. Four Boroughs in Crystal Palace: Four Boroughs is a cozy and welcoming coffee shop with a great selection of coffee and food.

3. Brickwood Coffee in Clapham: Brickwood Coffee is a specialty coffee shop with a focus on quality and innovation, offering unique blends and brewing methods.

4. M1lk in Balham: M1lk is a popular spot for locals, with a great selection of coffee and food.

5. The Coffee Collective in Elephant and Castle: A Danish company that sources coffee from farmers around the world and roasts it in-house to ensure maximum freshness. Their specialty is filter coffee, which is made with precision using a variety of brewing methods.

North London

North London has a reputation for hosting some of the most charming and cosy coffee shops in the city. Below, you’ll find our top picks of the best coffee shops to visit in North London:

  1. The CoffeeWorks Project in Angel: The CoffeeWorks Project is a small, independent coffee shop serving up delicious coffee and tasty treats.

  2. Bread & Bean in Archway: Bread & Bean is a neighbourhood favourite with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and excellent coffee.

  3. The Fields Beneath in Kentish Town: this cosy coffee shop has a passion for sustainability and serves up delicious coffee and snacks.

  4. The Haberdashery in Crouch End: The Haberdashery is a charming coffee shop with a focus on homemade, locally sourced food and excellent coffee.

  5. Coffee Circus in Crouch Hill:  this cosy coffee shop has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up delicious coffee and tasty treats.

  6. Black Cat Cafe in Hackney: Black Cat Cafe is a vegan coffee shop with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, serving up delicious coffee and vegan treats.

West London

West London has a range of coffee shops catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere or a quiet space to work, West London’s coffee scene has something for everyone.

  1. Workshop Coffee: Located in Marylebone, Workshop Coffee offers a relaxed atmosphere, excellent coffee, and ample seating space for work. They also have a separate workspace upstairs called “The Attendant” for those seeking a quieter environment.

  2. Kaffeine: Situated in Fitzrovia, Kaffeine is known for its quality coffee and friendly ambiance. It can get busy during peak hours, but their skilled baristas and delicious food options make it a favorite spot for freelancers and remote workers.

  3. Department of Coffee and Social Affairs: With several branches across London, including one in Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, Department of Coffee and Social Affairs is a well-regarded chain. They offer comfortable seating, fast Wi-Fi, and a good selection of coffee blends

  4. Antipode: Located in Hammersmith. Antipode is a true embodiment of Australian cafe culture, offering an authentic experience that captures the essence of Melbourne’s renowned coffee scene. From the moment you step in, you’ll be greeted with the aroma of expertly brewed flat whites and an array of meticulously crafted brunch options that effortlessly blend creativity and taste. 

  5. Bluebelles of Portobello: This charming café in Notting Hill provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for work. They serve delicious coffee, tasty brunch options, and have a relaxed vibe that makes it suitable for working or meeting friends.

  6. Coffee Plant: This no-frills institution on Portobello Road started life as a coffee-roasting/magazine-publishing combo. The magazine has since folded but the coffee is still brewing. Tourists get their lattes at the chain up the road; old-hand Notting Hillers come her for the best macchiato in the West and to stock up on a fine supply of organic and fairtrade beans.

London’s coffee culture has exploded in recent years, with an abundance of artisanal coffee shops offering unique blends and brewing methods. Whether you’re in search of the perfect spot to catch up with friends, get work done, or simply indulge in a delicious cup of coffee, finding the best coffee shop in London is an essential part of your daily routine. From the bustling streets of central London, where Monmouth Coffee Company in Covent Garden and Kaffeine in Fitzrovia delight with their high-quality coffee and cozy atmospheres, to the thriving neighborhoods of East London, home to Ozone Coffee in Shoreditch and Nude Coffee Roasters in Spitalfields, each with its own focus on sustainability and exceptional coffee, and the charming corners of North London, boasting The CoffeeWorks Project in Angel and Bread & Bean in Archway, where locally sourced ingredients and delicious brews take center stage, to the diverse offerings of West London, with Workshop Coffee in Marylebone and Antipode in Hammersmith, catering to different tastes and preferences, London’s coffee scene has something for everyone. Embark on your coffee adventure and explore the best coffee shops in London, one cup at a time.