Yeah, us Brits might be better known for our cups and tea, but trust me when I say; there’s a real coffee culture in London that’s well worth dipping into. It doesn’t matter which of the areas of the city you visit, I’m almost certain you’ll find some of the best coffee in London.
Best of all, lots of the local coffee shops sell their own customized blend of beans or ground coffee to take home, too. That being said, there’s nothing more satisfying (for me, at least) than to hanker on down in a cosy London coffee shop.
Honestly, you’ll be pretty spoilt for choice when prowling for that best coffee in London… so much so you might actually find it hard to choose just one spot. And you know what, it’s not like you can just go coffee hunting and try them all out (you’d be buzzing down the street from all that caffeine!). 😉
That’s why I wanted to share some of my top spots for the best coffee in London. I’m pretty sure there’ll be at least one you’ll love!
Take a look below at some of the spots for the best coffee in London. ☕️
1.) The Watch House
The Watch House is an independent spot for some of the best coffee in London! Perched on Bermondsey Street (south of the River Thames), it’s a gorgeous little spot that’s always my go-to place to visit.
Once an old Victorian watch house (where police would scare off grave robbers), the Watch House is a much more delicious place to visit nowadays. Inside this intimate little spot is a treasure trove of coffee blends, teas and homemade cakes to boot!
Oh, and make sure to check out their walls, they’re filled with art from local artists in the city.
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2.) Kaffeine
Located at 66 Great Titchfield St, Kaffeine is one spot to try some of the best coffee in London in the heart of the city. With a massive list of gourmet coffee concoctions, as well as the classics, it’s a great pit stop to sit back and relax.
For the true barista experience, be sure to take part in their group latte art classes! Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday 8:30 am- 6:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
3.) Attendant Fitzrovia
Located at 27A Foley St, Attendant is probably one of the most unique spots to sip on the best coffee in London.
This popular coffee ‘toilet’ is located in what was once a former Victorian-era public loo! They do not take reservations, serving on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to get there early for a seat. Better yet, visit at more off-peak times or avoid weekends.
Whilst here, try a cup of their own specialised espresso blend while enjoying a tasty ham and cheese croissant for a light but satisfying late morning snack! Hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
4.) Monmouth Coffee
Located at 27 Monmouth Street in Covent Garden or next to Borough Market, Monmouth Coffee is pretty well known in London.
Monmouth Coffee is a popular spot for some of the best coffee in London, and rightly so! It’s delicious. Once you’re here, make sure to ask the baristas about their signature and seasonal blends that often change.
Hours are Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm.
5.) Coffee Island
Located at 5 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, Coffee Island that feels like a European coffee shop experience! I’m not sure what it is, but it just feels like I’ve been whisked over to Milan for an espresso.
Here, you can enjoy a mountain of classic and unique coffee blends that’ll provide any coffee craving you have. Oh, and be sure to stop by the grinding station to create your own custom coffee blend! Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.
6.) Ozone Coffee Roasters
Located at 11 Leonard Street, Ozone Coffee Roasters is a pretty popular coffee shop also has an onsite bakery for the freshest bread, muffins and other tasty treats. I’m not sure if it’s the smell of baked goods or the coffee but I swear I always eat far too much when visiting.
Plus, I love how knowledgeable the baristas are about the coffee. They’re like coffee gods! Hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 am- 10:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.
7.) Prufrock Coffee
Located at 23-25 Leather Lane, Prufrock Coffee has some of the best coffee in London that’s for sure. Now, even though Prufrock Coffee won’t take reservations, don’t worry about not being able to find a spot to enjoy your coffee; they have a relatively big space to try all their blends and food.
For the true coffee aficionado, be sure to attend one of their coffee tastings, where you will be the first to try some of the newest flavours and blends. Open Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
8.) The Association
Located at 10-12 Creechurch Lane, this is a trendy espresso bar that offers a changing selection of other coffee blends depending upon the season. And to be honest, that’s what I love most… the fact that they introduce you to new brews you’d never have thought of.
It’s one of the best places for coffee in London, especially if you want to try a new blend. Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
9.) Catalyst
Located at 48 Grey’s Inn Road, Catalyst is a pretty epic place for coffee.
Catalyst is one of the best places for coffee where you can actually chill out with friends. It’s not the kind of place that pressures you to leave the second you finish your brew.
As an added bonus, all of the coffee served here is roasted on site in the building’s basement with the 12kg Diedrich Roaster, and it is possible to come down and observe the process (if you ask nicely).
Hours are Monday – Wednesday 7:00 am- 7:00 pm. Thursday and Friday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
10.) Curator’s Coffee Studio
Located at 9A Cullum Street, the Curator’s Coffee Studio is an intimate place that is truly passionate about serving the best coffee in London.
They also serve some delicious food that is all freshly made from locally sourced ingredients. Go for lunch, you won’t be disappointed. Pair their most famous espresso blend, Exhibition with a hearty and healthy breakfast bowl or a piece of biscotti that will literally melt in your mouth.
Hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
11.) Department of Coffee and Social Affairs
There are a number of the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs spread all across London, yet one of the most popular and visually appealing is their mother location at 14-16 Leather Lane.
With a red brick interior and fashionable decoration, this is a wonderful spot to relax with friends while sipping on some amazing coffee blends. The staff here is friendly (which is always a bonus), and will happily help you with any questions you may have. Hours are Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.
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