Heading to London and looking for a great local coffee shop. You may think that as London is a large city the coffee scene would be big and booming however due to the large amount of cheap coffee chains in London it actually does make it hard to find a great place for coffee.
We have spent the last 4 years living in London and have been checking out as many independent coffee shops as we can. Here is our list of our favourite coffee shops from all around London.
Looking to explore more of London? Check out Our Ultimate London Guide
Contents
Stir Coffee
Brixton
This coffee shop has become our clear favourite coffee shop in London. Much like all of the coffee spots on this list, the coffee itself is always absolutely delicious but the atmosphere here puts it above the rest. Stir offers a very cosy vibe for those ‘Work from the Coffee Shop’ kind of days. They are dog loving, kind and always welcoming, just like the Original Charlie Mackesy mural on their wall.
Monmouth
Borough Market, Bermondsey, Seven Dials
Although we do not frequent the Monmouth coffee shop all that often, Monmouth is our coffee of choice at home. The varierty that they provide in their bean choice is unparralleled for the quality that you get. From light to dark roasts, from low acidity roasts all the way to some truley funky flavours, you will be able to find a bean perfect for your palet. Aimee and I have been getting their coffee subscription for over a year now, delivering a new bean to our door every fornight. A great way to explore and keep variety in our weekday coffee routines
Looking for Markets to explore in London? Check out Our Guide to Londons Best Markets
The Coffee Jar
Camden
This small coffee shops tucked away in Camden has been one of our favourite places to grab a coffee from on the go. It is ideally located between Camden Town station and the walk to Regents Park. They also serve breakfast and lunch but its the treats that they bake that are always the winner.
Hopper
Clapham North
What started out as a coffee cart outside of Clapham North tube station has grown into a Clapham North staple. The humble coffee cart still remains for the peak traffic commuter rush but located just around the corner on Landoore Road you can find their home. The loving Brazilian barista’s are always welcoming and make a very nice brew. If you have time to stop in for some food, we can also highly recommend their brunch. But if you are on the go, do leave without trying their Blueberry muffins, they are worth the indulgement.
Beam
Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Nottinghill
Beam is one of the few places on this list that is more of Brunch spot than just dedicated coffee shop but that does not take anything away from them. The modern architectural design of the spots is perfect to capture your gram photos alongside a delicious brunch meal and coffee to boot.
Rosslyn Coffee
St Pauls
When I used to work near St Paul’s, finding Rosslyn was a breath of fresh air amongst the pletheroa of Pret & Starbuck coffees in Central London. Rosslyn was one of the few places that served Australian quality coffee, often with an antipidian or two working behind the counter. They are a no frills coffee store on the door step of St Pauls and worth the stroll if you are in the area.
The Roasting Shed
Holloway
This small batch specialty coffee roaster and cafe has been brewing coffee since 2013. Their cafe however has recently opened in Holloway and has brought a vibe to the one abandoned street. It has a great set up for those working from home and if you’re lucky and in on a great day you’ll be able to also pick yourself up an Aussie Lammington!
Omotesando Koffee
Mayfair
After the success of the South East Asian chain Omotesando opened in London. The cafe itself full of light wood and clean lines allows the coffee itself to really shine through. There isn’t much space inside for dining in however there is a beautiful courtyard behind where you can enjoy a take away coffee. Its great to be able to find a place in central London for excellent coffee.
Brewed / Hourglass Coffee
Finsbury Park
Located opposite the green space of Clissold Park Brewed formally known as Hourglass is the perfect neighbour hood cafe to get cosy inside or to enjoy a take away coffee on your stroll around the park. They also run a subscription based coffee service, specialising in sustainably sourced local UK beans.
13th Floor Coffee
Stoke Newington & Shoreditch
13th Floor coffee is a horse box located in a church yard, I know this may not sound appealing however they know coffee. As it is a small small they serve coffee and limited pastries while also selling merchandise and their own beans. Both their venues are located with ample areas around to be able to sit back and enjoy your coffee from.
Chains that are better than Starbucks:
Caravan Coffee
Grind
Monmouth
On Our list to try:
Hagen Espresso, Mayfair
Kaffine, Fitzrovia
% Arabica, Covent Garden
Looking for some inspiration for your next weekend away? Why not check out Our Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London: UK Getaways by Car or Train
*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.
