The best cafés in London

The Elder Press Café is a cute neighbourhood cafe located right by the riverside in Hammersmith. They serve a little menu of Scandi-style plates, as well as pastries, sweet treats and coffee. It's located right by the Thames path and alongside lines of sleek white townhouses, but there's also an outside courtyard with a handful of tables and chairs for sunny alfresco dining.

Baking and brunch is the name of the game at Brunswick Eat, where you can drop by for Aussie-inspired dishes and a warming hot drink. The Dalston branch has its own sky farm, where they grow all sorts of delicious fresh produce for their all-day brunch dishes, as well as baked goods from Brunswick East's bakehouse in Hackney.

Just off Oxford Street, Kula Café is a family-run, friendly spot, full of people sipping lattes over crêpes and waffles instead of rushing out the door. The coffee's solid, think proper flat whites, saffron Spanish lattes, even pistachio crème brûlée specials, and there's a big all-day menu if you're hungry. It's a nice escape from the chaos outside, whether you're after a caffeine fix, a casual lunch, or something sweet mid-shopping.

If you're after a café that goes beyond the usual flat white and pain au chocolat, Java Whiskers in Marylebone and White City is worth a visit. This cute cat café serves great coffee complete with whiskery latte art, in a laid-back space shared with a clan of adorable rescue cats. You can sip on a hot brew and tuck into a sweet treat or afternoon tea, all while playing with the resident cats, who are also available for adoption.

The leafy Pavilion cafe in Victoria Park is a bit of a daily ritual for many locals, stopping by for their coffee during their morning walk. The cafe has an emphasis on Sri Lankan food, as well as hot drinks, teas, juices and freshly-based pastries. They also sell local items like olive oil, homemade granola, mugs and so on.

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.

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.

This bike-themed café reopened after a World War II bombing, keeping much of its moto theme. There are regular moto and car-themed events taking place here, but if you're just stopping by for a bite, then expect European-style breakfasts such as a classic Full English, as well as a fabulous cup of coffee.

Ngopi is an independent coffee shop and café owned by Indonesians who opened the space to fill the void of the lack of dedicated Indonesian cafes or restaurants in the Midlands, leading them to later open in London's Dalston. Expect a menu of Indonesian classics and specials, including kopi susu, teh tarik, matcha latte and Milo chocolate alongside hot drinks. There's also traditional Indonesian fare, such as nasi goreng and gao-gado, as well as plenty of drinks to choose from.

The Fields Beneath is a café nestled into railway arches in Kentish Town, where they serve a totally plant-based menu of pastries, cakes, wraps and hot dishes. The coffee here is responsibly sourced from their friend of a friend in Costa Rica, and there are also a range of events that take place, such as wine tasting.

Fair Shot is a social enterprise café in Covent Garden that supports people with learning disabilities through training and employment opportunities, helping to prepare them for the world of work. They serve speciality coffees and a tasty selection of freshly-baked pastries and cakes, as well as a seasonal menu including things like focaccia sandwiches and fresh salads.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Milk is undoubtedly one of Balham's favourite dining spots, offering a relaxed yet highly sought-after brunch experience. Despite its understated vibe, this walk-in-only café draws plenty of admirers with its beautifully crafted breakfast and brunch plates served in a stylish, rustic setting. Alongside familiar favourites such as breakfast sandwiches and sweetcorn fritters, the menu features inventive seasonal specials like a fish sando, complemented by a selection of fresh juices and smoothies.

Hopper Coffee House began as a humble horsebox outside Bank station but has since expanded into several permanent locations. This Italian-run café group is renowned for its exceptional coffee, accompanied by an all-day brunch menu and lunchtime options like pasta, salads, and soups. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up over a quality brew – it's more about  having a conversation than working on a laptop here.

Bake Street is a classic modern Hackney neighbourhood cafe located right opposite Hackney's Rectory Road station. They serve iconic weekend brunch specials, such as their legendary makhani fried chicken bun, alongside baked goodies, sweet treats and hot drinks. They're always running creative specials, so keep an eye on their socials for what's happening and when.

Debbie Jo is a cute local bakery in Kensington that is co-owned by a mother and son-duo. They have great freshly brewed coffee, as well as artisanal sourdough bread and homemade baked goods, all made fresh every day. The bakery is mainly known for its changing selection of sandwiches, available at the counter, including options like tarragon chicken, coronation chicken, and egg mayo with cress.

Juliets Quality Foods in Tooting has earned a reputation as a local favourite for tasty food and equally tasty coffee. The café has a laid-back vibe to it, with weathered wooden floors and exposed brick walls, but its real highlight is the menu. You'll find brunch classics like eggs with smoked eel on toast or house-made cornbread. They also sell wine and groceries to take home.

215 Hackney is tucked just around the corner from Stoke Newington's Church Street, serving a menu of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes alongside expertly brewed coffee. They prioritise sourcing their ingredients locally, with a lot of their produce coming from nearby Stoke Newington shops and businesses. The owners are also dedicated to giving back, donating 20% of their profits to War Child to support children worldwide affected by conflict.

London's Farm Girl cafés were founded to bring a healthy twist to the city's food scene, inspired by Aussie coffee culture. There are a few cafés dotted around the city, serving great coffee and brunch favourites like porridge and eggs, all made with organic ingredients. You probably would've seen this one on your TikTok somewhere along the line; it's aesthetically pleasing and stylish with an overall chic, sophisticated feel.

Granger & Co. cafeés are located all over London and capture the relaxed Australian spirit that has made Bill Granger's restaurants a favourite around the world. They are all stylish and modern, offering a menu of seasonal dishes, from crispy potato and feta rösti to burgers and fragrant curries. The breakfasts are particularly popular, as is the cocktail list.