Cafés came around in London in the 17th century when coffee was considered an exotic elixir for the elite. With changing times and evolving habits of the Brits, cafe culture has seen a rollercoaster ride. In today’s times, brunch spots, Irish pubs, and nightclubs in London have a large fanbase in all its boroughs. But the love for coffee still stands tall and in its glory! If you have an undeniable passion for coffee and all the delectable grub that goes with it, then the following cafés in London are going to make your time in this city a joy ride.
Top Cafés in London
To make this read a breeze, these cafés have been categorised into the most easy-to-access zones of London.
Central London
- Monmouth Coffee Company
- Store Street Espresso
- Afternoon Tea
- Prada Caffe
East London
- Perky Blinders
- Origin
- Ozone Coffee Roasters
- Sadie’s
West London
- Coffee Addict
- Bluebelles of Portobello
- Peter’s Café
North London
- Jolene
- Intermission
South London
- Gentlemen Baristas
- Browns of Brockley
Central London
1. Monmouth Coffee Company
This cafe in Covent Garden has been around since the late ‘70s, making it one of the OG coffee shops for Londoners. Monmouth’s popularity in London as one of the best cafés also arises from the fact that it brought the “café culture”. If you are a coffee lover, then getting some beans for your coffee maker back at home would be a great option!
Address: 27 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London
2. Store Street Espresso
Quaint is the word that best describes one of the most popular cafés in Bloomsbury. Store Street Espresso is the answer to all your coffee needs, especially if you are an introvert who likes to enjoy their cuppa and muffin on their own. With minimal seating, the scope of social interactions is limited. But this does not mean that your time at one of Bloomsbury’s most beloved cafés is going to be anything short of a dream come true! Pro tip: The British Museum is right around the corner, so this coffee shop is the perfect pit stop on your London tour!
Address: 40 Store St, London WC1E 7DB
3. Afternoon Tea
If sipping on some luxurious coffee in a 5-star hotel is on your bucket list, then Cafe Royal is the place to be! Touted to be one of the most famous tea rooms and cafés in London, this one’s nestled within the Café Royal Hotel London. The tea and pasty menus have been curated by executive chef Eliano Crespi and Executive Pastry Chef Loic Carbonnet.
Address: 10 Air St, London W1B 5AB
4. Prada Caffe
Every shopaholic is bound to land up on the doorstep of Harrods while exploring London city, one way or another. If you are one of them, then satiate your soul with a touch of designer coffee in this world-famous store. Prade Caffé, a one-of-a-kind coffee shop at Harrods has taken inspiration from the first-ever outlet of the designer company. All Prada fans, this is one cafe in London you need to pay homage to on your next trip. Oh, and there’s a pop-up Café Dior during Christmas at Harrods London so your love for both designers can come true in the winter season. Drooling already, aren’t you?
Address: 87, Entrance via, Harrods Ground Floor, 135 Hans Rd, Brompton Rd
East London
5. Perky Blinders
We know you read Peaky Blinders on the first go. No, Cillian Murphy has got nothing to do with this cafe! A wordplay that has earned a lot of appreciation for this coffee shop, making it one of the most popular cafés in East London overnight. A takeaway cappuccino with chicken avocado flatbread will be enough to make your tummy satisfied while strolling through the streets of London in the morning. Make sure to queue up ahead of time because Perky Blinders is quite popular among the locals.
Address: Kensington High St, 225, London
6. Origin
Hardcore coffee aficionados ought to visit Origin for its vast variety of blends. What’s more? This is one of the few cafés in London that not only brew their coffee but also provide professional courses for learning the process! While there are many outlets of Origin across the UK, the one in Shoreditch is particularly renowned for its latte art.
Address: 65 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch, EC21 3PE
7. Ozone Coffee Roasters
A Shoreditch treasure that has been the crowd’s favourite since ‘98, Ozone is a must-visit café in London, UK. An adorable fact about this coffee roastery is that it is entirely dog-friendly! Folks missing their furry friends can shower their love on their English cousins as much as they want, of course, taking permission from their parents.
Address: 11 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4AQ
8. Sadie’s
Hackney’s very-own female-run coffee shop, Sadie’s, is easy on the pocket and always welcoming. The magical ambience of this cafe is what makes it a go-to place for most locals in East London. Expect blue matcha lattes in the daytime and tea-infused cocktails at night! Whenever you’re at Sadie’s, it’s going to be one helluva experience.
Address: 224 Graham Road, Hackney, E8 1BP
West London
9. Coffee Addict
By now, it is pretty evident that Londoners love their coffee. So much so that there are dedicated cafés in London like Coffee Addict where latte art is taken very seriously. It is normal for the locals to travel on the tube for a couple of hours just to try their coffee. Need we say more? Try it out yourself and you will surely go back for more. Our recommendations would be the Ruby Rose Latte, Truffle 24K Gold Souffle Pancakes and the Forest Toast.
Address: 324 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London
10. Bluebelles of Portobello
Travellers in and around the W10 area (North Kensington, Queens Park, and Kensington and Chelsea) are recommended to visit Bluebelles of Portobello for its classic coffee-and-cake combo! Do not underestimate the power of this mouth-watering union because you will surely ask for a second helping. Besides this, it is highly encouraged to devour any of their delicious Sarnies (Tina Tuna Bagel is our personal favourite!).
Address: 320 Portobello Road, London W10 5RU
11. Peter’s Café
The craze around the Full English Breakfast is still very relevant in London and other parts of the UK. Filling up on some lip-smacking bangers, hash browns, and eggs, is quite a tantalising thought, isn’t it? Do not devoid your palette from this exceptional experience and visit Peter’s Cafe for a brunch of a lifetime. It has, undoubtedly, the best breakfast and cafés in West London. Vegetarians do not worry, they’ve got you covered too.
Address: 73 Aldgate High Street. London EC3N 1BD
North London
12. Jolene
POV - a restaurant with a bakery and natural wine cellar nearly wrapped together to make your time in London simply unforgettable! Jolene, just like the Dolly Parton song it is named after, is a culinary delight that should be on your itinerary for sure. After taking a bite of their sausage rolls, you will surely want to give up your man. (if you know you know).
Address: 21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, London N16 9PU
13. Intermission
Sustainable coffee roasteries are coming up all over the world. Intermission, being one of the most woke cafés, aims to achieve this goal with every cup of coffee they serve to its patrons. Situated in West Hampstead, London, this coffee shop has made saving the planet cool. If you don’t believe us, check out their website and you will plan your visit with a drop of a hat.
Address: Unit 2 The Hardy Building, Heritage Ln, London NW6 2BR
South London
14. Gentlemen Baristas
Everything about this cafe exudes etiquette and gentle behaviour. Reputed to serve award-winning coffee, Gentlemen Baristas is an experience in itself. Since it is situated in Covent Garden, visiting the Royal Opera House, the London Film School, and many other attractions is possible. Serving you brunch plates, coffee, ice creams, and a little bit of chivalry, it’s going to make your time in this city wholesome. Additionally, you can listen to this podcast to truly understand London’s incomparable charm and how it’s going to be the highlight of your vacation to the UK.
Address: 8-9 James Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8BH
15. Browns of Brockley
Browns of Brockley is a haunt for those who love coffee from Square Mile Coffee Roasters, which won many accolades for its blends in the UK. It's one of the most famous cafés in South London due to its airy outdoor seating, friendly staff, and filter coffee. It would be a delight for travellers who like to observe the everyday life of Londoners, while they enjoy decadent pastries and mind-blowing coffee.
Address: 5 Coulgate Street, Brockley, SE4 2RW
Coffee fanatics tend to find each other in any part of the world. Who knows? You might find birds of the same feather in any one of these cafés! Book your holiday to London and make the most of this city’s offerings.
Post your Comment
Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.