The best cafés in Waterloo

On the South Bank, this small coffee spot operates out of an artwork-covered shipping container and feels very much in line with trendy London. Seating is mostly outdoors, so it suits takeaway more than a longer chit-chat kind of coffee, especially when the river breeze kicks in. Expect banging flat whites, a few pastries, and people using it as a pit stop on their Thames stroll. Things shift later in the day when the beer taps get going, and it quietly transforms into a low-key riverside drinks stop.

Balance on Waterloo's Lower Marsh is the place to go if you want a solid coffee and a healthy lunch, thanks to the salad bar. You'll find all sorts to eat here, like tahini-coated cauliflower, chickpeas, grains, and whatever greens are having a good day. Grab a mango smoothie, take it to go, and enjoy it in Waterloo Millennium Green, weather permitting.

Calico is a calm little coffee shop in Waterloo with warm wood, soft lighting, and a neat counter of pastries like almond croissants and black sesame cake. The coffee is the main event, and it usually arrives with impeccable latte art and a quick note about where the beans came from. People tend to settle in with a book or laptop, and the vibe stays cool and low-key, making it a cracking spot for a quiet coffee off Lower Marsh.

Sista Barista is a compact cafés on Westminster Bridge Road with a couple of outdoor tables and a steady stream of commuters and regulars. The coffee menu covers everything from flat whites to iced frappes, and the pastry shelf often includes things like apple cinnamon buns alongside tasty savoury bits. It is small and cosy, rather than a place to stick around and work for ages, so think of it as a quick caffeine stop or snack before heading towards the South Bank or Waterloo.

Scootercaffe is one of those eccentric Waterloo spots that feels like it has been around forever, filled with retro scooters, old furniture, and the kind of knick-knacks you might find in your grandma's house. By day, it is all about espresso, pastries, and good hot chocolate. Come evening, the lights dim and it becomes all about the cocktails, turning more into a bar than a café.