The BEST Coffee Shops in London ☕️

Where to read, hang, enjoy life, and most importantly get your money's worth in the British capital

Updated ago

It feels like every major city is overrun by coffee shops at this point, but when I say London has a lot, I mean A LOT.

I studied abroad here in my junior year of college and spent almost every free afternoon sitting in one of the hundreds of coffee shops to choose from. Here are my favorites, or at the very least the ones I found myself returning to both for the vibe and quality of coffee given London's natural expensive-ness.

Best All-Around

Monmouth Coffee Company

@sarahpollock

If you're a tourist coming to London, this is the first place I'd recommend you go. It's famous for a reason. Unlike almost everywhere else in Europe they are also known to have great brewed coffee aside from espresso drinks! If you're American this is huge. The Covent Garden (not Borough Market) location is also a slightly better bet for avoiding crowds.

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Jolene Redchurch Street

@sarahpollock

Everyone loves Jolene. There's nothing bad to say about it. The food, vibes, atmosphere, branding, people... all very worthy of its praise. Thankfully there's a few locations around London, but I've only ever been to the one on Redchurch Street. Note that it's mostly takeaway- the physical place is small and there's barely any seating. But there's lots of space outside and parks/public seating nearby where people usually go.

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Climpson & Sons Café

@sarahpollock

The second place I'd recommend for coffee snobs (Allpress being the first)! And another supplier of beans to many other coffee shops around the city. Not much more to say.

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Allpress Espresso Bar London

@sarahpollock

Across the street from Jolene! But also with a few locations around the city. Allpress as a coffee shop and a roaster sort of sets the standard for espresso in London and also supplies a good amount of coffee to other shops around the city. If you're serious about coffee this is the first place I'd recommend.

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Best Coffee AND Food

Ozone Coffee Roasters, Shoreditch

@sarahpollock

I'll start with the major con... it gets crowded. Like really crowded. At any time of the day the bar will be filled to the brim with people on laptops. For that reason, I don't find it particularly relaxing here, and never mastered the perfect time to go to even be guaranteed a spot. But the major pro is that the physical space and quality of food and drinks are really really good. If you're already in Shoreditch or Hackney its definitely worth giving it a try. Maybe on a weekend or earlier in the morning if possible.

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Attendant Coffee Roasters

@sarahpollock

The original location of the Attednant is situated in an old underground men's room in Fitzrovia- hence the name. I like that one too for what it is! But I'm talking about the other, more open-air location in Shoreditch. This one is close to and less crowded than Ozone and has a less gourmet/more traditional cafe menu, which also happens to be very good. I've come here plenty of times for different reasons (brunch with friends, to read or draw by myself, to work for a little bit), and have found that this place fits the bill for all of them.

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Abuelo

@sarahpollock

This is where I'd usually find myself stopping in Soho/Covent Garden when I want good drinks AND food. Most places in the area are incredibly trendy/touristy and overpriced. I'm not saying this one isn't, but it's definitely better than others and the atmosphere and quality of the menu offerings make up for it. Note that there is only one long communal table, so only go if you're comfortable with that.

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Kaffeine

@sarahpollock

Very solid Australian coffee shop. Not my first choice for vibes because it gets loud and crowded, and I don't think they have wifi. But food and beverage-wise, they deliver. The toasted banana bread and Anzac cookies (biscuits?) are phenomenal, as are all of the espresso offerings.

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Best to Meet Friends

Bar Italia

@sarahpollock

Established in 1949 and still very popular, although now with a bit of a younger crowd moreso than the original Italian immigrant community. A fun cafe vibe I'd specifically recommend for socializing. It's also open until 5 am!

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Towpath

@sarahpollock

One of the most beloved local spots in all of London, tucked away in a quieter part of Regents Canal. It's only open during the summer so if you happen to be there then, absolutely go.

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Drury 188-189

@sarahpollock

The vibes here are the best, probably because it's mostly locals. It's cozy and warm and the coffee is great. I wouldn't recommend trying to work at Drury, but I would recommend meeting friends and enjoying your life here.

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Most Charming

One Shot Coffee

@sarahpollock

I don't think that this place is as known as most of the others I've listed. That's a good thing! All the more reason to go in my opinion. The space in the back and especially the lighting/open ceiling is what makes it. A very enjoyable place to spend a decent amount of time. If you ever find yourself in the Camden area in need of a coffee shop I'd highly highly recommend!

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Hjem Kensington

@sarahpollock

My absolutely favorite local spot when I lived in the area. It's a peaceful little Nordic cafe backing up to one of the Mews in Kensington (dreamy). Early in the morning is the best time to go to avoid crowds, too. I'd see lots of wealthy parents here after dropping their kids off at some fancy school. They also serve great matcha and make all of their food in-house! Try the rye bread if you can.

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Haminados

@sarahpollock

A very charming place in Notting Hill! When I say charming, I mean it's a place that feels like you're firmly in the UK (versus anywhere with a pulse on internet trends) and also like you could be in any decade (instead of obviously 2018-present given certain decor decisions). It feels hard to find places like that these days! The kind that feel reminiscent of the Notting Hill movie era. The owner is also incredibly sweet. And the food is arguably very good too but even more so because it's obviously made with love. ❤️

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Change Please

@sarahpollock

A lovely initiative for combating the growing homeless issue in the city, to which 100% of the proceeds go. The coffee is genuinely very good and there are a few locations around London. My preferred is the cart in the center of Borough Market.

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Honorable Mention

Wellcome Library

@sarahpollock

This is not a coffee shop, but I included it as an honorable mention because it's one of the best places in the city to do work. It's a room at the top of the Wellcome Collection near the British Museum. London doesn't have the same problem as most other European cities regarding the lack of internet-friendly cafes (because most of them are just as hustle-focused as Americans), but it's still worth noting the options if you'd prefer to be productive elsewhere. I'm not sure if they have wifi, but the space is completely free and can be used for as long as you please!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Pollock

Available for hire

Sarah Pollock is a twenty-something-year-old traveler, creative, and spiritualist. She graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems (although she did not enjoy it) and a minor in Sustainability from the University of Florida. Since embarking on her first trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand at 15 years old, she has since visited 25 countries and counting- most of them solo. She is also an avid foodie, reader, concert-goer, sitter at coffee shops, introspective thinker, and champion of small businesses. She prides herself on her romantic and nostalgic approach to seeing the world, which is reflected in the hidden gem-filled and slightly sentimental tone of her writing and recommendations. She recently spent this past school year splitting time between Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, Israel; teaching English to underrepresented and underprivileged children in both Hebrew and Arabic-speaking schools. She is currently continuing this work in Madrid. For more personal thoughts and musings and present updates on where she is in the world and how she’s feeling about it, consider subscribing to her bi-weekly travel newsletter, Postcards. Other subject matters, though all undoubtedly influenced by her experience living abroad, are explored through her primary publication, Older Sister (both linked in bio).

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