Guide to the best cafés in London

Guide to the best cafés in London

Café, coffee shop, coffee house, espresso bar – no matter what you call them, London has plenty of places to hit up when you need a quick fix of java and a break. The coffee shops in the capital range from speedy takeaway outposts to laidback eateries that place as much of an emphasis on the food as on the drinks, from beloved neighbourhood hubs to sleek urban cafés cranking out espressos to rush-hour crowds. Regardless of the setting or location, however, all of the places listed in this guide have one thing in common – a serious dedication to brewing a great cup of coffee. Read on to discover the best cafés in the city.

  1. The best cafés in London
    1. 1
      Ozone Coffee Roasters Roasting, pickling, fermenting, protecting
    2. 2
      Grind Independent coffee roasters
    3. 3
      Monmouth Coffee Sourcing quality coffee from around the world
    4. 4
      Antipodea All-day dining, Aussie-style
    5. 5
      Blackhorse Workshop Café Community hub with decadent food
    6. 6
      Store Street Espresso Specialty coffee mainstay
    7. 7
      Café Kitsuné Acclaimed fashion and record label's café
    8. 8
      The Black Cab Coffee Co Trademark mobile bars find a home
    9. 9
      Bar Italia Legendary Italian coffee hub
    10. 10
      Prufrock Coffee Enthusiastic about good coffee
    11. 11
      Birdhouse Welcoming local spot
    12. 12
      Kaffeine Taking food as seriously as coffee
    13. 13
      Campbell & Syme Spreading good coffee awareness
    14. 14
      The Gentlemen Baristas Well-mannered coffee
    15. 15
      % Arabica Sleek Japanese coffee chain
    16. 16
      Kiss the Hippo Responsible carbon-negative coffee company
    17. 17
      Petersham Nurseries Richmond's garden retreat
    18. 18
      Rosslyn Coffee Where Ireland meets Australia
    19. 19
      Host Café Coffee religion
    20. 20
      Workshop Coffeebar Clean, sweet and fresh coffee
    21. 21
      Dobar Buzzy brunch place
    22. 22
      Omotesando Koffee Visually stunning coffee shop
    23. 23
      Bread & Bean Neighbourhood hangout
    24. 24
      Towpath Charming waterside spot known for its food
    25. 25
      Esters Creative simplicity
    26. 26
      Origin Coffee Sustainable approach to exceptional coffee
    27. 27
      Saint Espresso Stylish neighbourhood spots
    28. 28
      Root/25 Supporting charity in cosy setting
    29. 29
      Lo-Fi Beats 'n' brews
    30. 30
      Thingy Cafe Verdant work haven
    31. 31
      Redemption Roasters Roasting coffee behind bars
    32. 32
      Frequency Coffee Good music, good coffee
    33. 33
      Common Ground Popular neighbourhood hang-out
    34. 34
      Formative Coffee No fuss, just coffee
    35. 35
      Browns of Brockley Beloved South London joint
    36. 36
      Blighty As British as it gets
    37. 37
      Aida Coffee break while you shop
    38. 38
      E5 Bakehouse London Fields bakery

Jump to

The best cafés in London

Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch
Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields
ozonecoffee.co.uk
Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch
ozonecoffee.co.uk/pages/locations
Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch

Roasting, pickling, fermenting, protecting

Imported from New Zealand, Ozone Coffee Roasters combine environmental awareness and sustainability, specialty coffee and contemporary culinary techniques such as fermentation and pickling at their London eateries. Expect low-waste dishes such as kimchi, pasta with garlic and chili ferment, and eggs benedict on bubble 'n' squeak cakes at these very popular cafés.

  • Emma St, Tower Hamlets 11 Leonard St, Shoreditch
    Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields
    Emma St, Tower Hamlets
    Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch
    11 Leonard St, Shoreditch
  • Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields
    ozonecoffee.co.uk
    Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch
    ozonecoffee.co.uk/pages/locations
    Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields
    020-749 010 39
    Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch
    020-749 010 39
  • Ozone Coffee Roasters London Fields Ozone Coffee Roasters Shoreditch
Grind Covent Garden Grind Greenwich Grind Liverpool Street Grind London Bridge Grind Royal Exchange Grind Shoreditch Grind Soho Grind St Pancras Station Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf) Grind Spitalfields Market Grind Battersea Power Station Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf) Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)
Grind Covent Garden
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Grind Greenwich
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Grind Liverpool Street
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Grind London Bridge
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Grind Royal Exchange
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Grind Shoreditch
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Grind Soho
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Grind St Pancras Station
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Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf)
grind.co.uk/pages/canary-wharf
Grind Spitalfields Market
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Grind Battersea Power Station
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Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf)
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Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)
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Grind Covent Garden Grind Greenwich Grind Liverpool Street Grind London Bridge Grind Royal Exchange Grind Shoreditch Grind Soho Grind St Pancras Station Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf) Grind Spitalfields Market Grind Battersea Power Station Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf) Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)

Independent coffee roasters

Run by an indie coffee company with its own roastery, the Grind cafés emphasise quality coffee, fresh juices and expertly mixed cocktails. Many of the latter are made with Grind’s own coffee. There’s also food to be had at the group’s various locations around town, highlighted by an all-day brunch menu with smashed avocado toast, filled croissants, burrata bruschetta and more.

  • 42 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden 17-19 Nelson Rd, Greenwich 38 Broadgate, The City/City of London 2 London Bridge, Southwark 34 Royal Exchange, The City/City of London 213 Old Street, Shoreditch 19 Beak St, Soho St Pancras International, King's Cross Market Halls, 25 North Colonnade, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Spitalfields Market, Brushfield St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets Battersea Power Station, Kirtling Street, Vauxhall/Battersea 15 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Unit G, Waterloo Station, 01 The Sidings, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
    Grind Covent Garden
    42 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden
    Grind Greenwich
    17-19 Nelson Rd, Greenwich
    Grind Liverpool Street
    38 Broadgate, The City/City of London
    Grind London Bridge
    2 London Bridge, Southwark
    Grind Royal Exchange
    34 Royal Exchange, The City/City of London
    Grind Shoreditch
    213 Old Street, Shoreditch
    Grind Soho
    19 Beak St, Soho
    Grind St Pancras Station
    St Pancras International, King's Cross
    Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf)
    Market Halls, 25 North Colonnade, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
    Grind Spitalfields Market
    Spitalfields Market, Brushfield St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
    Grind Battersea Power Station
    Battersea Power Station, Kirtling Street, Vauxhall/Battersea
    Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf)
    15 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
    Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)
    Unit G, Waterloo Station, 01 The Sidings, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
  • Grind Covent Garden
    grind.co.uk/pages/covent-garden-grind
    Grind Greenwich
    grind.co.uk/pages/greenwich-grind
    Grind Liverpool Street
    grind.co.uk/pages/liverpool-street-grind
    Grind London Bridge
    grind.co.uk/pages/london-grind
    Grind Royal Exchange
    grind.co.uk/pages/royal-exchange-grind
    Grind Shoreditch
    grind.co.uk/pages/shoreditch-grind
    Grind Soho
    grind.co.uk/pages/soho-grind
    Grind St Pancras Station
    grind.co.uk/pages/st-pancras-grind
    Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf)
    grind.co.uk/pages/canary-wharf
    Grind Spitalfields Market
    grind.co.uk/pages/old-spitalfields-market-truck
    Grind Battersea Power Station
    grind.co.uk/pages/battersea-power-station-truck
    Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf)
    grind.co.uk/pages/cabot-place-canary-wharf
    Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)
    grind.co.uk/pages/brewdog-grind
    Grind Covent Garden
    020-301 918 01
    Grind Greenwich
    020-382 365 45
    Grind Liverpool Street
    020-396 354 14
    Grind London Bridge
    020-301 971 78
    Grind Royal Exchange
    020-301 918 07
    Grind Shoreditch
    020-749 074 90
    Grind Soho
    020-728 770 73
    Grind St Pancras Station
    020-301 918 06
    Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf)
    020-301 918 06
    Grind Spitalfields Market
    020-301 918 06
    Grind Battersea Power Station
    020-301 918 06
    Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf)
    020-301 918 06
    Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)
    020-301 918 06
  • Grind Covent Garden Grind Greenwich Grind Liverpool Street Grind London Bridge Grind Royal Exchange Grind Shoreditch Grind Soho Grind St Pancras Station Grind Market Halls (Canary Wharf) Grind Spitalfields Market Grind Battersea Power Station Grind Cabot Place (Canary Wharf) Grind at Waterloo (BrewDog)
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden – Cafés
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden Monmouth Coffee The Borough Monmouth Coffee Spa Terminus
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
monmouthcoffee.co.uk
Monmouth Coffee The Borough
monmouthcoffee.co.uk
Monmouth Coffee Spa Terminus
monmouthcoffee.co.uk
Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden Monmouth Coffee The Borough Monmouth Coffee Spa Terminus

Sourcing quality coffee from around the world

The people behind the Monmouth Coffee Company go out of their way to establish direct relationships with growers of quality coffee all over the world, travelling the globe to source coffee they like and retail it at their shops and online. You can sample the different coffees they offer at their cafés, along with a selection of artisanal pastries and sweet treats. There's a reusable coffee cup policy in effect as well.

  • 27 Monmouth St, Covent Garden 2 Park St, Southwark Unit 4 Discovery Estate, Bermondsey
    Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
    27 Monmouth St, Covent Garden
    Monmouth Coffee The Borough
    2 Park St, Southwark
    Monmouth Coffee Spa Terminus
    Unit 4 Discovery Estate, Bermondsey
  • Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden
    monmouthcoffee.co.uk
    Monmouth Coffee The Borough
    monmouthcoffee.co.uk
    Monmouth Coffee Spa Terminus
    monmouthcoffee.co.uk
  • Monmouth Coffee Covent Garden Monmouth Coffee The Borough Monmouth Coffee Spa Terminus

Antipodea

All-day dining, Aussie-style

During the day, Antipodea is a laidback Australian café where you can enjoy global favourites such as toasts, egg dishes, pizzas and burgers, sip on hot coffee or re-energise with a fresh smoothie. Later in the day, the all-day brasserie become a buzzy spot for dinner and drinks.

Blackhorse Workshop Café

Community hub with decadent food

Part of the Blackhorse Workshop area, this café started out as a showcase for its former proprietors' independently roasted coffee, but is now a popular community spot, in no small part thanks to its food offer. The changing weekly menu features generous slices of banana bread slathered in mascarpone, sourdough toasties, BLTs, Turkish eggs, pea smashes and an absurdly over-the-top French toast, all served in a cosy inside area or on the relaxed outdoor terrace.

Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury Store Street Espresso Bishopsgate Store Street Espresso Hammersmith Store Street Espresso Tavistock Place
Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury
storestespresso.co.uk
Store Street Espresso Bishopsgate
storestespresso.co.uk
Store Street Espresso Hammersmith
storestespresso.co.uk
Store Street Espresso Tavistock Place
storestespresso.co.uk
Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury Store Street Espresso Bishopsgate Store Street Espresso Hammersmith Store Street Espresso Tavistock Place

Specialty coffee mainstay

Store Street Espresso is a group of cafés originating from a popular Bloomsbury spot with minimalistic furnishings and vibrant artwork on the walls. The cafés are known for their array of specialty coffees and quiet working atmosphere, and the Tavistock Place location serves breakfast and brunch as well.

  • 40 Store St, Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury 222 Bishopsgate, Shoreditch/The City/City of London Bechtel House, 245 Hammersmith Road, Hammersmith and Fulham 54 Tavistock Pl, Bloomsbury
    Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury
    40 Store St, Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury
    Store Street Espresso Bishopsgate
    222 Bishopsgate, Shoreditch/The City/City of London
    Store Street Espresso Hammersmith
    Bechtel House, 245 Hammersmith Road, Hammersmith and Fulham
    Store Street Espresso Tavistock Place
    54 Tavistock Pl, Bloomsbury
  • Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury
    storestespresso.co.uk
    Store Street Espresso Bishopsgate
    storestespresso.co.uk
    Store Street Espresso Hammersmith
    storestespresso.co.uk
    Store Street Espresso Tavistock Place
    storestespresso.co.uk
    Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury
    020-861 787 60
  • Store Street Espresso Bloomsbury Store Street Espresso Bishopsgate Store Street Espresso Hammersmith Store Street Espresso Tavistock Place
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London
Café Kitsuné London – Cafés
Café Kitsuné London

Café Kitsuné

Acclaimed fashion and record label's café

An outpost of the Japanese-French brand Maison Kitsune, Café Kitsuné serves pastries, cakes and sandwiches with a Japanese twist in a relaxing contemporary space with a sunny terrace. You can also get coffee and tea, including unique infusions like yuzu and honey, as well as refreshing cold drinks such as strawberry mint lemonade, hibiscus and rose lemonade or iced matcha lattes.

The Black Cab Coffee Co

Trademark mobile bars find a home

The Black Cab Coffee Co’s distinct vehicles could be found at events all over the city in the years before finding a permanent home by the Thames in Battersea. The elegant black-tinged outpost is both café and bar and boasts an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy quality coffee and cocktails, as well as breakfast and brunch.

Bar Italia

Legendary Italian coffee hub

A landmark spot in Frith Street for more than 60 years, Bar Italia is the sort of genuine Italian joint you otherwise need to jump on an airplane for. This vibrant café is beloved by London’s Italian community as well as celebs, likely because it serves espressos the way they do back home – with an inordinate yet welcome amount of passion and dedication.

Prufrock Coffee

Enthusiastic about good coffee

Prufrock Coffee in Central London was launched by a team of coffee fiends who turned this minimalist café into a go-to choice for local as well as international coffee aficionados. Slide into the wood-lined booths and sample an evolving, diverse range of coffees from global roasters. You can also choose from a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes if you’re hungry, or just grab a pastry for a quick pick-me-up.

Birdhouse

Welcoming local spot

Birdhouse in Clapham is the sort of laidback neighbourhood joint where you can loll around on retro chairs, sip on coffee and watch the baristas tend to their machinery. If you’re hungry, you can also grab some brunch or a nice pastry. The stylish café with grey walls and bright yellow details serves as an elegant yet casual setting for your espresso.

Kaffeine Eastcastle Street Kaffeine Great Titchfield Street
Kaffeine Eastcastle Street
kaffeine.co.uk
Kaffeine Great Titchfield Street
kaffeine.co.uk
Kaffeine Eastcastle Street Kaffeine Great Titchfield Street

Taking food as seriously as coffee

The sleek Kaffeine coffee shops are inspired by Aussie and Kiwi coffee culture, placing as much of an emphasis on food as on coffee. The weekly changing menus at these independent cafés feature a wide array of breakfasts and pastries, light bites and plated meals for brunch, as well as a range of lunch dishes. You can also get your food as takeaway or catering.

  • 15 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia 66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia
    Kaffeine Eastcastle Street
    15 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia
    Kaffeine Great Titchfield Street
    66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia
  • Kaffeine Eastcastle Street
    kaffeine.co.uk
    Kaffeine Great Titchfield Street
    kaffeine.co.uk
  • Kaffeine Eastcastle Street Kaffeine Great Titchfield Street

Campbell & Syme

Spreading good coffee awareness

Launched by self-taught roasters over a decade ago, Campbell & Syme Coffee Roasters are dedicated to spreading the joys of good coffee. This East Finchley café serves as their shop and showcase, with customers able to choose from two different options of single origin espresso and three different filter coffees, as well as buy equipment and seasonal beans for their own homebrewing experiments.

The Gentlemen Baristas London Bridge The Gentlemen Baristas Piccadilly
The Gentlemen Baristas London Bridge
thegentlemenbaristas.com
The Gentlemen Baristas Piccadilly
thegentlemenbaristas.com
The Gentlemen Baristas London Bridge The Gentlemen Baristas Piccadilly

Well-mannered coffee

The Gentlemen Baristas is a group of London cafés that reflect their founders' commitment to a sustainable, well-mannered approach to the environment as well as their customers. They source their beans from trusted farms and producers from around the world, serving hot cups of coffee in cosy, welcoming venues.

  • 11 Park St, Southwark 162 Piccadilly, Mayfair
    The Gentlemen Baristas London Bridge
    11 Park St, Southwark
    The Gentlemen Baristas Piccadilly
    162 Piccadilly, Mayfair
  • The Gentlemen Baristas London Bridge
    thegentlemenbaristas.com
    The Gentlemen Baristas Piccadilly
    thegentlemenbaristas.com
  • The Gentlemen Baristas London Bridge The Gentlemen Baristas Piccadilly
% Arabica Broadway Market % Arabica Covent Garden % Arabica Spitalfields Market % Arabica Battersea Power Station
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% Arabica Covent Garden
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% Arabica Spitalfields Market
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% Arabica Battersea Power Station
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% Arabica Broadway Market % Arabica Covent Garden % Arabica Spitalfields Market % Arabica Battersea Power Station

Sleek Japanese coffee chain

An independent specialty coffee chain originally launched in Kyoto, % Arabica has expanded around the world on the back of its founder’s passion for travel, quality coffee and elegant modern interiors. The chain’s locations in London range from a futuristic, efficient kiosk to a flagship venue where you choose your beans and wait while the baristas roast them in-house.

  • 33 Broadway Market, Hackney/Dalston 5 King St, Covent Garden 2 Market St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets/City of London Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Vauxhall/Battersea
    % Arabica Broadway Market
    33 Broadway Market, Hackney/Dalston
    % Arabica Covent Garden
    5 King St, Covent Garden
    % Arabica Spitalfields Market
    2 Market St, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets/City of London
    % Arabica Battersea Power Station
    Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Vauxhall/Battersea
  • % Arabica Broadway Market
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    % Arabica Covent Garden
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    % Arabica Spitalfields Market
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    % Arabica Battersea Power Station
    arabica.coffee
    % Arabica Broadway Market
    020-340 946 66
    % Arabica Covent Garden
    020-737 996 21
  • % Arabica Broadway Market % Arabica Covent Garden % Arabica Spitalfields Market % Arabica Battersea Power Station
Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Kiss the Hippo King's Cross Kiss the Hippo Richmond Kiss the Hippo Shoreditch Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Corner Kiss the Hippo Chelsea Kiss the Hippo Covent Garden Kiss the Hippo Mayfair Kiss the Hippo Soho
Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia
kissthehippo.com
Kiss the Hippo King's Cross
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Kiss the Hippo Richmond
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Kiss the Hippo Shoreditch
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Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Corner
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Kiss the Hippo Chelsea
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Kiss the Hippo Covent Garden
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Kiss the Hippo Mayfair
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Kiss the Hippo Soho
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Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Kiss the Hippo King's Cross Kiss the Hippo Richmond Kiss the Hippo Shoreditch Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Corner Kiss the Hippo Chelsea Kiss the Hippo Covent Garden Kiss the Hippo Mayfair Kiss the Hippo Soho

Responsible carbon-negative coffee company

An award-winning specialty coffee company, Kiss the Hippo has dedicated itself to innovative techniques, ethically sourced coffee and sustainability initiatives. They’re considered to be among the pioneers of farm-to-table coffee culture and stock a variety of coffees from around the world. You can sample them at one of several branches in London.

  • 51 Margaret St, Fitzrovia 7 Goods Way, King's Cross 21 Sheen Rd, Richmond 145 City Rd, Shoreditch 36 Berners St, Fitzrovia 285 Fulham Rd., Kensington/Chelsea 24 New Row, Covent Garden 3 New Burlington St, Mayfair 30 Golden Square, Soho
    Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia
    51 Margaret St, Fitzrovia
    Kiss the Hippo King's Cross
    7 Goods Way, King's Cross
    Kiss the Hippo Richmond
    21 Sheen Rd, Richmond
    Kiss the Hippo Shoreditch
    145 City Rd, Shoreditch
    Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Corner
    36 Berners St, Fitzrovia
    Kiss the Hippo Chelsea
    285 Fulham Rd., Kensington/Chelsea
    Kiss the Hippo Covent Garden
    24 New Row, Covent Garden
    Kiss the Hippo Mayfair
    3 New Burlington St, Mayfair
    Kiss the Hippo Soho
    30 Golden Square, Soho
  • Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo King's Cross
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Richmond
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Shoreditch
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Corner
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Chelsea
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Covent Garden
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Mayfair
    kissthehippo.com
    Kiss the Hippo Soho
    kissthehippo.com
  • Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Kiss the Hippo King's Cross Kiss the Hippo Richmond Kiss the Hippo Shoreditch Kiss the Hippo Fitzrovia Corner Kiss the Hippo Chelsea Kiss the Hippo Covent Garden Kiss the Hippo Mayfair Kiss the Hippo Soho

Petersham Nurseries

Richmond's garden retreat

Unlike the many sleek urban cafés in the more central parts of the city, the café at the Petersham Nurseries in Richmond provides a natural, garden-inspired setting. You can enjoy seasonal delicacies or treat yourself to afternoon tea in the glasshouse, an extremely British experience if there ever was one.

Rosslyn Coffee London Wall Rosslyn Coffee Queen Victoria Street Rosslyn Coffee Tower 42 Rosslyn Coffee Royal Exchange Rosslyn Coffee Cannon Street Rosslyn Coffee Leadenhall Market
Rosslyn Coffee London Wall
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Rosslyn Coffee Queen Victoria Street
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Rosslyn Coffee Tower 42
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Rosslyn Coffee Royal Exchange
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Rosslyn Coffee Cannon Street
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Rosslyn Coffee Leadenhall Market
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Rosslyn Coffee London Wall Rosslyn Coffee Queen Victoria Street Rosslyn Coffee Tower 42 Rosslyn Coffee Royal Exchange Rosslyn Coffee Cannon Street Rosslyn Coffee Leadenhall Market

Where Ireland meets Australia

Taking its cue from its founders’ roots, Rosslyn Coffee brings together Irish hospitality and Australian coffee culture. The company hits up leading producers around the globe for quality seasonal coffee, often offering exclusives that aren’t available anywhere else. At their locations in London, you can get their freshly brewed coffee, as well as pastries.

  • 78 Queen Victoria St, The City/City of London 118 London Wall, The City/City of London 25 Old Broad Street, The City/City of London 21 Royal Exchange, The City/City of London 116 Cannon St, The City/City of London 15 Lime St Passage, The City/City of London
    Rosslyn Coffee Queen Victoria Street
    78 Queen Victoria St, The City/City of London
    Rosslyn Coffee London Wall
    118 London Wall, The City/City of London
    Rosslyn Coffee Tower 42
    25 Old Broad Street, The City/City of London
    Rosslyn Coffee Royal Exchange
    21 Royal Exchange, The City/City of London
    Rosslyn Coffee Cannon Street
    116 Cannon St, The City/City of London
    Rosslyn Coffee Leadenhall Market
    15 Lime St Passage, The City/City of London
  • Rosslyn Coffee London Wall
    rosslyncoffee.com
    Rosslyn Coffee Queen Victoria Street
    rosslyncoffee.com
    Rosslyn Coffee Tower 42
    rosslyncoffee.com
    Rosslyn Coffee Royal Exchange
    rosslyncoffee.com
    Rosslyn Coffee Cannon Street
    rosslyncoffee.com
    Rosslyn Coffee Leadenhall Market
    rosslyncoffee.com
  • Rosslyn Coffee London Wall Rosslyn Coffee Queen Victoria Street Rosslyn Coffee Tower 42 Rosslyn Coffee Royal Exchange Rosslyn Coffee Cannon Street Rosslyn Coffee Leadenhall Market

Host Café

Coffee religion

Located within a majestic Gothic church, Host Café provides a quite extraordinary setting to enjoy a cup of coffee in. There are different coffees, cakes and sandwiches to choose from, and you can also book a table to work on your laptop in peace for as long as you need. They also hold various events there, from concerts to yoga.

Workshop Coffeebar Fitzrovia Workshop Coffeebar Marylebone
Workshop Coffeebar Fitzrovia
workshopcoffee.com/pages/fitzrovia-coffeebar
Workshop Coffeebar Marylebone
workshopcoffee.com/pages/marylebone-coffeebar
Workshop Coffeebar Fitzrovia Workshop Coffeebar Marylebone

Clean, sweet and fresh coffee

Devoting a hefty chunk of time and effort to sourcing coffee from sustainable coffee producers, Workshop Coffee then brings out their individual flavours during the roasting process and serves them in the stylish surroundings of its Coffeebars. You can get espressos, filter coffee, food and even homebrewing equipment there.

  • 80a Mortimer St, Fitzrovia 1 Barrett Street, Marylebone
    Workshop Coffeebar Fitzrovia
    80a Mortimer St, Fitzrovia
    Workshop Coffeebar Marylebone
    1 Barrett Street, Marylebone
  • Workshop Coffeebar Fitzrovia
    workshopcoffee.com/pages/fitzrovia-coffeebar
    Workshop Coffeebar Marylebone
    workshopcoffee.com/pages/marylebone-coffeebar
  • Workshop Coffeebar Fitzrovia Workshop Coffeebar Marylebone
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar
Dobar – Cafés
Dobar

Dobar

Buzzy brunch place

A popular choice for brunch crowds, Dobar is known for its Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes of all sorts, with plenty of eggs, avocado, sausages and sourdough flying around. The drinks include freshly brewed coffee, refreshing smoothies and more, and the social vibe of the place turns strangers into friends before you know it.

Omotesando Koffee

Visually stunning coffee shop

The London branch of the popular Omotesando Koffee chain from South Asia is all wood, the light panelling fitted seamlessly together to great effect. There are a few cosy wall booths and a window counter to enjoy a range of hot and cold brews at, from cappuccinos made with single-origin beans to matcha lattes.

Bread & Bean

Neighbourhood hangout

Bread & Bean is a cosy family-run café in North London that knows what it takes to be loved by the local community. The atmosphere at this corner joint near Archway Station is laidback and welcoming, with hot filter coffee, tasty brunch options, cakes and more ready to go. You can also sit outside on the pavement.

Towpath

Charming waterside spot known for its food

It might count the likes of Keira Knightley and Tracey Ullman among its devotees, but Towpath is far from being a posh celebrity hangout. This enchanting and unpretentious café right by the canal in Haggerston boasts plenty of outside seating, good coffee and food that shows a touch of sophistication, yet is still comfortingly familiar.

Esters

Creative simplicity

When it comes to food, this cosy neighbourhood coffee shop surpasses expectations by adding a pinch of gourmet flair – think French toast with poached loquats, blood orange purée, Earl Grey cream and buckwheat-oat brittle, or fried eggs on toast with Tokyo turnip escabeche and wild garlic chimichurri. The specialty coffee is available in both espresso and filter versions, and there are inventive bakes to treat yourself with as well.

Origin Coffee Shoreditch Origin Coffee Southwark Origin Coffee at The British Library
Origin Coffee Shoreditch
origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-shoreditch
Origin Coffee Southwark
origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-scoresby-street
Origin Coffee at The British Library
origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-the-british-library
Origin Coffee Shoreditch Origin Coffee Southwark Origin Coffee at The British Library

Sustainable approach to exceptional coffee

Origin Coffee is an independently owned speciality coffee company that places as much emphasis on sourcing its beans ethically as it does on pouring the final brew into your cup at one of its coffee shops. Their flagship location is in Shoreditch, but those looking to curl up with a good book and an espresso will be happy to hear they can be found at the British Library as well.

  • 65 Charlotte Rd, Shoreditch 84 Scoresby St, Southwark The British Library, 96 Euston Road, Camden Town
    Origin Coffee Shoreditch
    65 Charlotte Rd, Shoreditch
    Origin Coffee Southwark
    84 Scoresby St, Southwark
    Origin Coffee at The British Library
    The British Library, 96 Euston Road, Camden Town
  • Origin Coffee Shoreditch
    origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-shoreditch
    Origin Coffee Southwark
    origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-scoresby-street
    Origin Coffee at The British Library
    origincoffee.co.uk/pages/origin-coffee-the-british-library
    Origin Coffee Shoreditch
    020-772 962 52
    Origin Coffee Southwark
    020-792 830 57
    Origin Coffee at The British Library
    020-738 786 84
  • Origin Coffee Shoreditch Origin Coffee Southwark Origin Coffee at The British Library
Saint Espresso Angel Saint Espresso Angel Central Saint Espresso Baker Street Saint Espresso Camden Saint Espresso Kentish Town Saint Espresso Hackney Saint Espresso St Paul's
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Saint Espresso Angel Saint Espresso Angel Central Saint Espresso Baker Street Saint Espresso Camden Saint Espresso Kentish Town Saint Espresso Hackney Saint Espresso St Paul's

Stylish neighbourhood spots

Saint Espresso knows a café is more than just a good cup of coffee – the aesthetic and overall vibe of the place are just as important. The group’s various branches around London combine sophisticated industrial chic with a welcoming neighbourhood feel, serving authentic speciality coffee and simple, tasty food.

  • 26 Pentonville Rd, Islington 21 Parkfield St, Islington 214 Baker St, Marylebone 20 Camden High St, Camden Town 296 Kentish Town Rd, Camden Town 13 E Bay Ln 45 Gresham St, The City/City of London
    Saint Espresso Angel
    26 Pentonville Rd, Islington
    Saint Espresso Angel Central
    21 Parkfield St, Islington
    Saint Espresso Baker Street
    214 Baker St, Marylebone
    Saint Espresso Camden
    20 Camden High St, Camden Town
    Saint Espresso Kentish Town
    296 Kentish Town Rd, Camden Town
    Saint Espresso Hackney
    13 E Bay Ln
    Saint Espresso St Paul's
    45 Gresham St, The City/City of London
  • Saint Espresso Angel
    saintespresso.com/blogs/visit/angel
    Saint Espresso Angel Central
    saintespresso.com/blogs/visit/angel-central
    Saint Espresso Baker Street
    saintespresso.com/blogs/visit/baker-street
    Saint Espresso Camden
    saintespresso.com
    Saint Espresso Kentish Town
    saintespresso.com/blogs/visit/kentish-town
    Saint Espresso Hackney
    saintespresso.com/blogs/visit/hackney
    Saint Espresso St Paul's
    saintespresso.com/blogs/visit/st-pauls
  • Saint Espresso Angel Saint Espresso Angel Central Saint Espresso Baker Street Saint Espresso Camden Saint Espresso Kentish Town Saint Espresso Hackney Saint Espresso St Paul's

Root/25

Supporting charity in cosy setting

Root/25 is a not-for-profit charity café, community and arts space in Bow that’s also home to Restless Beings, an international human rights organisation. The coffeehouse’s earnings go towards supporting the charity. Internationally influenced decor turns the wood-panelled space into a cosy, welcoming venue where you can enjoy food inspired by the Islamic world.

Lo-Fi

Beats 'n' brews

If you’re looking for new tunes to go with your fresh coffee, Lo-Fi, an independent coffee house in Crouch End has you covered. They serve beats in addition to freshly poured espressos, with a listening station in the back of the café. Put on a vinyl record and relax.

Thingy Cafe

Verdant work haven

Down a quiet street in Hackney Wick, this lovely oasis provides a warm, welcoming space to grab a coffee and a bite to eat. There’s a lush garden with plenty of outdoor seating out back for those who prefer to dine in the fresh air. If you're looking for a place to perch and work, this is an excellent spot to do just that.

Redemption Roasters Bloomsbury Redemption Roasters Broadgate Circle Redemption Roasters Dulwich Village Redemption Roasters Farringdon Redemption Roasters Holborn Redemption Roasters Islington High Street Redemption Roasters King's Cross Redemption Roasters Hampstead Heath Redemption Roasters Piccadilly Redemption Roasters Covent Garden Redemption Roasters Perrin's Court Redemption Roasters Muswell Hill Redemption Roasters St Giles High Street
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Redemption Roasters Dulwich Village
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Redemption Roasters St Giles High Street
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Redemption Roasters Bloomsbury Redemption Roasters Broadgate Circle Redemption Roasters Dulwich Village Redemption Roasters Farringdon Redemption Roasters Holborn Redemption Roasters Islington High Street Redemption Roasters King's Cross Redemption Roasters Hampstead Heath Redemption Roasters Piccadilly Redemption Roasters Covent Garden Redemption Roasters Perrin's Court Redemption Roasters Muswell Hill Redemption Roasters St Giles High Street

Roasting coffee behind bars

Self-described as the world’s first prison-based coffee company, Redemption Roasters works with offenders behind bars to produce its speciality coffee. The social enterprise aims to help reduce re-offending rates by providing prisoners with skills and careers once they’re released, including jobs at their many pleasant cafés around London.

  • 84b Lamb's Conduit St, Bloomsbury The Pavilion, 3 Broadgate, The City/City of London 29 Dulwich Village 55 Long Ln, The City/City of London 71 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn 96-98 Islington High St, Islington Lower Stable Street, King's Cross 53 S End Rd, Hampstead 35 Jermyn St, Westminster 40 Drury Ln, Covent Garden 14 Perrin's Ct, Hampstead 119 Muswell Hill Rd, Haringey 56 St Giles High St
    Redemption Roasters Bloomsbury
    84b Lamb's Conduit St, Bloomsbury
    Redemption Roasters Broadgate Circle
    The Pavilion, 3 Broadgate, The City/City of London
    Redemption Roasters Dulwich Village
    29 Dulwich Village
    Redemption Roasters Farringdon
    55 Long Ln, The City/City of London
    Redemption Roasters Holborn
    71 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn
    Redemption Roasters Islington High Street
    96-98 Islington High St, Islington
    Redemption Roasters King's Cross
    Lower Stable Street, King's Cross
    Redemption Roasters Hampstead Heath
    53 S End Rd, Hampstead
    Redemption Roasters Piccadilly
    35 Jermyn St, Westminster
    Redemption Roasters Covent Garden
    40 Drury Ln, Covent Garden
    Redemption Roasters Perrin's Court
    14 Perrin's Ct, Hampstead
    Redemption Roasters Muswell Hill
    119 Muswell Hill Rd, Haringey
    Redemption Roasters St Giles High Street
    56 St Giles High St
  • Redemption Roasters Bloomsbury
    redemptionroasters.com/locations/bloomsbury
    Redemption Roasters Broadgate Circle
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    Redemption Roasters Dulwich Village
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    Redemption Roasters Farringdon
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    Redemption Roasters Holborn
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    Redemption Roasters Islington High Street
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    Redemption Roasters King's Cross
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    Redemption Roasters Hampstead Heath
    redemptionroasters.com/locations/hampstead-heath
    Redemption Roasters Piccadilly
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    Redemption Roasters Covent Garden
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    Redemption Roasters Perrin's Court
    redemptionroasters.com
    Redemption Roasters Muswell Hill
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    Redemption Roasters St Giles High Street
    redemptionroasters.com
    Redemption Roasters Covent Garden
    020-452 482 20
  • Redemption Roasters Bloomsbury Redemption Roasters Broadgate Circle Redemption Roasters Dulwich Village Redemption Roasters Farringdon Redemption Roasters Holborn Redemption Roasters Islington High Street Redemption Roasters King's Cross Redemption Roasters Hampstead Heath Redemption Roasters Piccadilly Redemption Roasters Covent Garden Redemption Roasters Perrin's Court Redemption Roasters Muswell Hill Redemption Roasters St Giles High Street
Frequency Coffee Angel Frequency Coffee King's Cross Frequency Coffee Paddington
Frequency Coffee Angel
frequencycoffee.com
Frequency Coffee King's Cross
frequencycoffee.com
Frequency Coffee Paddington
frequencycoffee.com
Frequency Coffee Angel Frequency Coffee King's Cross Frequency Coffee Paddington

Good music, good coffee

Starting out as one man’s dream of combining his loves of quality coffee and good tunes in one place, the Frequency Coffee shops are stylish multi-concept spaces. The coffee houses located around town serve speciality coffee, cocktails and food, host gigs, chess nights and other events, feature a house band and even have private meeting rooms you can hire.

  • 13 Camden Psge, Islington 121 King's Cross Rd, Bloomsbury 37 N Wharf Rd, Paddington
    Frequency Coffee Angel
    13 Camden Psge, Islington
    Frequency Coffee King's Cross
    121 King's Cross Rd, Bloomsbury
    Frequency Coffee Paddington
    37 N Wharf Rd, Paddington
  • Frequency Coffee Angel
    frequencycoffee.com
    Frequency Coffee King's Cross
    frequencycoffee.com
    Frequency Coffee Paddington
    frequencycoffee.com
    Frequency Coffee Angel
    020-781 379 31
    Frequency Coffee King's Cross
    020-781 379 31
    Frequency Coffee Paddington
    020-781 379 31
  • Frequency Coffee Angel Frequency Coffee King's Cross Frequency Coffee Paddington
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground
Common Ground – Cafés
Common Ground

Common Ground

Popular neighbourhood hang-out

Based near Finsbury Park, Common Ground is a popular local café with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can sit in the contemporary interior or out in the peaceful and plant-filled garden. Dogs are welcome but laptops are not. Coffee, juices, and alcoholic drinks are available, plus pastries and treats and a menu of veggie-friendly brunch favourites.

Formative Coffee

No fuss, just coffee

Formative Coffee is located between Westminster and Victoria. The contemporary coffee shop is bright and airy thanks to large windows flooding the space with light. The interior is intentionally kept bare to make sure your attention remains on the carefully prepared coffee. “The craft and science of coffee” is above all here.

Browns of Brockley

Beloved South London joint

The light and airy Browns of Brockley features indoor and outdoor seating, friendly, personal service, quality espresso and filter coffee courtesy of guest roasters, and pastries, sandwiches and other small bites to refuel with. There’s a reason the beloved neighbourhood café in South London has a far-reaching reputation.

Blighty

As British as it gets

As suggested by its name, Blighty Cafe is covered in Britain-related paraphernalia, from cut-outs of Mr Bean and a traditional fry-up on the brunch menu, to portraits of Queen Elizabeth II adorning the walls. The funkily decorated cafés offer work-friendly interiors, secluded outdoor seating, pastries, cakes, hot beverages and more.

Aida

Coffee break while you shop

The Aida boutique in Shoreditch doubles up as a café, serving colourful chai, turmeric, matcha and rose lattes along with the more commonplace coffee drinks right in the store. You can take your time to watch the world go by as you sip on your drink, get some work done, or look at the fashion on display as you ponder your new outfit.

E5 Bakehouse

London Fields bakery

E5 Bakehouse is an artisan bakery located within three railway arches in Hackney, specialising in organic, ethically made goods. They have a commitment to local ingredients and craft fresh bread from heritage wheat alongside a selection of tempting pastries, cookies, and brownies. They also serve a lunchtime menu that changes but includes dishes like homemade soup and dhal. For those passionate about baking, E5 Bakehouse also offers classes in sourdough and pizza-making

Cafés – About the guide

The best cafés in London - Our guide to the best cafés in London is updated regularly. If you know of a great café in London that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the best cafés in London. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.