Are you a coffee person? Is it your first time in the UK capital? You’re in the right place to start your morning on the right foot! London counts zillions of coffee lovers and there’s always a nice coffee place around the corner, whichever neighbourhood you discover or live in. You probably even picked yours already!
But if you’re still looking for inspiration as to which café to pick, in light of National Coffee Day, we selected some of the top-rated coffee shops in London areas (we also created a Google Maps List)! And if you don’t like coffee, don’t worry, most of these places offer delicious cups of tea and a variety of hot drinks.
Westminster
The Rubens at The Palace
Perfect for afternoon tea while wandering in the beautiful surroundings of Westminster and St James’s Park, The Rubens Hotel has an incredible drink and dining venue called The Rubens at The Palace, in which you can enjoy a five-star afternoon tea (or coffee) experience.
Formative Coffee
Hidden between Westminster and Victoria, Formative Coffee is an independent coffee shop that was created by passionate coffee connoisseurs to put coffee at the centre stage. This is a modern space thought to remove distractions and is the perfect spot to discover more about the craft and science of coffee.
City of London
Rosslyn Coffee
Open in 2018, Rosslyn Coffee combines Irish and Australian hospitality styles, where their founders are from. They work with the best producers to source their milk, and hot chocolate and are equipped with ace La Marzocco espresso machines. When it comes to coffee, they sell varieties from the world’s leading roasters like Proud Mary (Melbourne), The Coffee Collective (Copenhagen), SEY (New York), Switch (Tokyo) and Origin (Cornwall).
Bermondsey
Crol and Co
The story of this coffee place goes back to when founders Vanessa and Nico stumbled across an old betting shop in Bermondsey. With their creativity, and love for Antiques and coffee, they decided to establish Crol and Co. More than just a local coffee shop, its location between Waterloo and Greenwich makes it a convenient stop for cyclists looking for a caffeine fix and a delicious breakfast.
Soho
Algerian Coffee Stores
Since 1887 with the opening of their first store in Soho, Algerian Coffee Stores sell coffee and tea for anyone who would expect an original blend to drink at home. With a choice of over 80 coffees and 120 teas, the shop prides itself on sourcing the best and most authentic sorts in the world. You’re sure to receive expert advice if you’re looking for a delicious morning coffee at home!
Shoreditch
Alchemy Coffee
Independent family business, Alchemy Coffee is the result of a trip to Central America in 2000. At the time, the founders decided to leave their jobs and have been delivering exceptional coffee at venues all over the world for guests ranging from royalty and rock stars – some of them being backstage artists at Glastonbury. After years of supplying many coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and VIPs, they now own two cafes in London.
Fitzrovia
Kafi Café
Kafi Café is a cute local coffee shop that offers a fair selection of coffee beans from providers around the world and is equipped with rotating roasters. Espresso-based drinks, teas, and wellbeing recipes… this place will seduce you right away, as well as its vegan menu!
The Penny Drop
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, The Penny Drop has become a part of the Fitzrovia neighbourhood since 2017 and serves its locals a range of fresh coffee and home-brewed ice teas. Its charming space and smiling staff make this spot very welcoming and a rendezvous for friends and families. On top of that, this café welcomes your pets!
Brixton
Stir Coffee
Nestled a few steps away from Brixton Hill, Stir Coffee is one of these hidden places in London worth a visit. Attracting mostly people from nearby, it is also a great stop for a break in a nice and quiet ambience, with of course proper coffee, and fresh sandwiches!
Charing Cross
Quiet Coffee
As its name suggests, Quiet Coffee is a very well-located coffee shop that opened in 2022. Although it sits in the busy area of Trafalgar Square, it is still far from its relentless back and forth. The place serves sandwiches, salads, and speciality coffee in a relaxing and cosy environment, so you can grab a calming moment for yourself.
Holborn
Drury 188-189
Founded by two best friends from East London who were eager to take on the independent coffee market, the Drury 188-189 space is different for customers to disconnect from the real world. That’s why, if you pick this coffee shop, you won’t have wifi but instead you’re encouraged to read a book while having your coffee!
St James’s
Coffee & Friends
One of the best-rated London coffee shops of the moment is surely Coffee & Friends, next to St James’s Park. A place that doesn’t own a website but an Instagram profile. With a feed full of coffee art, a visit to this one is tempting, and per the many positive reviews online, Mike, a very friendly host Mike will make your morning on top of making your coffee!
Farringdon
FWD:Coffee
Since 2009, FWD:Coffee operates over three locations in London with the latest opening in Farringdon. The small chain offers a selection of breakfast and lunch food, and its FWD:Coffee blend roasted by Climpson and Sons. The cherry on top? An eclectic soundtrack, unique lighting and decor make this coffee place even more special.
So whether you’re touring London for the first time, keen to learn more about the rich independent coffee culture or just need your daily coffee fix, try either one of these wonderful coffee places, or let us know what is your favourite spot in or around the English capital!
