London Coffee Guide

Coffee nerds are sure to feel like a kid in a sweetshop at this % Arabica outpost. Chemexes line the walls, while a varied selection of green beans dominates the counter - you can pick your coffee and have it custom roasted for you there and then.

% Arabica, a sleek coffee concept hailing from Kyoto, feels right at home at its King Street location in Covent Garden. Customers queue, sometimes out the door, for coffee which is poured with care and expert-level latte art.

Scandinavian in look and feel, as well as in menu, this tiny, attractive place goes very big on grain-based cooking (hence the name). It’s the perfect spot if you want to relax while enjoying Assembly coffee or the popular milky drinks.

Hailing originally from Germany, this café has hit Soho with an impressive offering of both coffee and food. Stepping inside has the feel of a bustling European street café, yet the syphon on the counter and the nitro cold brew highlight how serious they are about their coffee.

While space is small, the size of the welcome - and the quality of the coffee - is monumental. Square Mile’s invigorating single-origins come through the Synesso in perfect condition. Mouth-watering toasted sandwiches complete the picture of this perfect East London local.

A true neighbourhood coffee shop, where there is something for everyone: delicious coffee, the large communal table, a gigantic chalkboard for children, and cakes handmade by the owner’s mum. This café also has a penchant for pineapple themed art.

The first UK branch of a Singapore-based roaster and café operator, A Wanted Man has a Wild West theme, with wanted posters and such-like. The high espresso roast is best suited to milky treatments, and the short menu has some imaginative dishes.

Spanish name, Australian spirit. You’ll see it in the skilled blending of ideas and ingredients from across the whole globe. Most people come here to eat. You should come even if it’s just for a coffee. Beans from Bristol’s Wogan Coffee are of high class and the location, one-minute walk from Covent Garden market, is hard to beat.

Alchemy's much-anticipated second café opened up shop in late 2019 in a gorgeous Victorian warehouse conversion. While the location is supreme, the real star of the show is the coffee. Alchemy roasts their own beans locally and their team of passionate baristas prepare them with TLC in the shop.

A buzzy atmosphere, exquisite beans roasted and brewed to perfection and a small but high-quality food offering makes a trip to Alchemy worthwhile. If you are a coffee geek, the people behind the bar can talk tech with you all day long. The food offering is small but high-quality, like the place itself. And don't ignore the filter brews, which perfectly showcase Alchemy's roasting skills.

Allpress Espresso’s Dalston roastery and café stands out among the East London crowd. Coffee nerds will light up at the sight of the roasting room which has a Hot Air Roaster on display and love the fact that you can watch the roasters in action while sipping your coffee.

It may no longer be the flagship, but this branch is still cruising at full speed. Allpress wrote the book on bracing espresso blends and it always performs best with milk. The seating provides a chance to look out the window or engage in serious coffee chat with the friendly, knowledgeable baristas.

Just three blocks away from their Redchurch Espresso Bar, Allpress has set up shop in the old Lipton tea warehouse. While the addresses may be similar, this new venue has been designed with a different purpose at heart. The TEA Building’s vast and recently fixed-up space offers plenty of opportunity for interaction, and Allpress plans to host coffee workshops, panels, and much more once it’s safe to do so. For now, stop by their counter for a signature Good Brew flat white.

Let’s be honest, no one uses telephone boxes anymore. But the red structures are an iconic part of London’s landscape, so Amar’s idea is a great one - transforming old phone boxes into cafés allows them to once again serve a purpose to the local community. Their Chiswick outpost was the first, selling organic, freshly-roasted Colombian coffee on Turnham Green, always with big smiles.

Antipode embodies the Australian café culture: velvety flatties, delicious smashed avocado on sourdough, and disarmingly casual service. In the evening it whips out Australian craft beers and wines, with negronis thrown in for good measure.

Despite a wealth of competition, Artisan's Ealing venue seems to be permanently bustling. With Curious Roo beans, ultra-competent baristas and homey décor, we can see why.

The Sheen branch of Artisan is a dream of a local. Everything about it is just right, from the big-windowed corner location to the focussed menu of bowls, sandwiches, and baked goods. It's a true community hub, the age range covering everything from 80 days to 80 years.

Artisan Putney has a natural, effortless rapport with the local community, including families with children, who are made more than welcome. The high quality of the food and drink offer is the main attraction - beans from Curious Roo go into making wonderful cups every time.

Artisan's Curious Roo roastery is a minute away, so the beans have to make just a short hop to get here. And hop they do: this branch of Artisan seems to be constantly busy, but smiling, efficient staff maintain the chill factor with attentive service and sky-high barista skills.

For a big venue in the heart of the City, this branch of Association has a surprisingly local feel. There isn't much in the way of food, but who needs it with coffee this good - Square Mile beans crafted with real skill and served with friendly efficiency.

This second branch of Association boasts not only two three-group Black Eagles but two Marco SP9 single-serve filter brewers to speed up service when things get busy. Espresso is as well made here as at the original in Creechurch Lane, plus a small but curated food offering.

London’s only coffee shop located in a former underground public lav still has plenty of shock value for first-time visitors. Veterans know it for the superb quality of its coffee - Attendant roasts its own beans. Sandwiches and baked goods are fresh and well made.

This Shoreditch venue set out to become a space where people could detach from the outside world - a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. And boy, have they delivered.

Right in the centre of Victoria Park village, Balcone sees a steady stream of local regulars trooping in for coffee, sandwiches and baked goodies. The real star of the place, however, is the back garden; a truly lovely space which will be paradise in good weather.

Ballucci's success owes a lot to what the owner calls 'the fine details' in three essential areas - ambience, product, and customer service. It's great to look at, the seating is comfortable, the welcome warm. And the coffee is excellent - their own bespoke roast skilfully brewed in a La Spaziale machine.

Bar Termini is a true one-off. The location alone makes it distinctive - a tiny room in the heart of soho - but the drinks menu is the winner. Illy coffee coexists happily with negronis and martinis, offering some indulgence for everyone.

Amid the historical ruins of London Wall Place, Barbie Green is a tropical destination with colourful, beach-themed decor and upbeat tunes. While it may be tempting to order a cocktail, don't pass up the opportunity to order from their speciality coffee menu first — they're known for their flat whites.

When you enter Bare Brew, be prepared to stay for a while. The owners came from outside the hospitality industry, but they know just how to do it: good food, reasonable prices, and well executed coffee from their Black Eagle.

Barino is magic - it somehow allows you to forget you're sitting in the middle of London's busiest shopping centre. The coffee is served with care and quiet professionalism, and the food is taken seriously, with a menu elevated beyond the usual italian clichés.

After nearly 20 years on the west side of Finchley Road, Barista moved to a nearby space on the east side – hence the name. The coffee quality has remained the same, with Allpress beans recieving the royal treatment.

The owner of Batch designed her café to be a relaxing place for anyone in the local community, but there's a lot more to Batch than good intentions. From the food to the bespoke Caravan espresso blend, Batch ticks all the boxes.

The original outpost of Beam has catered for the Crouch End population brilliantly. The Mediterranean inspired brunch menu has something for everyone - the Turkish Eggs are a highlight - and pairs perfectly with Allpress coffee. A true local gem.

After roaring success in Crouch End and Highbury, Beam has taken on West London with a warm and welcoming space in Notting Hill. Mid-century furniture makes it feel like you’ve stepped into an episode of Mad Men, while the menu is Beam’s usual winning mix of British and Mediterranean influences. The coffee comes via a custom, burnt-orange La Marzocco, with Allpress beans serving as the foundation for some excellent cups.

The queues are a testament to the virtues of this outpost of the Daisy Green empire. Food is classic Oz-style, a perfect combination of healthy pursuits and sweet treats. Huge windows bathe the place in light, and coffee from The Roasting Party is made with consistent skill.

When it comes to family-friendly cafés, Bear + Wolf is the leader of the pack. From the dedicated playroom - known as the Cubroom - to the expansive kid-friendly menu, it’s a welcoming place for the entire family.

Birdhouse has changed little since it opened in 2011, and that's because it was perfect right from the start. They take exceptional care with every detail of their small, focussed offering, making Climpson espresso perfectly.

Black Sheep is on a mission to spread the gospel of specialty robusta - on this occasion to the commuters of Victoria station. But it's bustling location doesn't mean it lacks character, and stepping inside is a breath of fresh air from the suited nature of west London.

Black Truffle is one of a few excellent coffee spots on England's Lane. With a well-stocked deli, imaginative salads and coffee from Climpson & Sons, it's the perfect spot to stop after taking a walk up Primrose Hill.

Blend is a true gem that Harringay residents hold near and dear to their coffee-loving hearts. On the bar, they serve terrific beverages using Climpson & Sons beans, as well as an assortment of teas, smoothies and tasty eats. It’s a one-stop shop that’s worth checking out.

Bluebelles has built up a dedicated loyal following in W10 for its warm welcome, soul-satisfying brunch dishes and outstanding coffee. A bespoke espresso blend from Campbell & Syme serves as the base for an excellent array of milky drinks.

'Probably’ London’s first specialty pour-over and filter only shop, Born Drippy is a refreshingly simple space offering just two drinks - pour-over or batch brew. No milk, no sugar, just filter. The owners are on a mission to convert Londoners to the joy of black coffee and provide an alternative to the increasingly complex menus appearing throughout the city. Beans come from a rotating range of guest roasters, always from female farmers or cooperatives to help reduce the gender pay gap.

Locals have been in love with Boxcar Baker & Deli since it appeared on a Marylebone corner in 2018. Every single thing at Boxcar is made on premises, and their espresso blend is made specially for them by Reads Coffee in Dorset.

Brew is a Clapham institution, evident from the constant crowds on weekends. Folded eggs, sweetcorn fritters and vegemite-slathered pide are highlights in an exceedingly Aussie brunch menu - and it would be wrong not to order a flat white alongside.

Balham’s iteration of this south London coffee chain is a memorable one. Tucked away on a quiet street off the High Road, it’s a welcoming space with a rustic feel. But it’s not the décor that draws the crowd, it’s the coffee, poured with care using Origin beans, the food, made fresh in their downstairs kitchen, and the exceptional service.

The Clapham Brickwood benefits from a perfect location near the Common, but it would do well anywhere. A standard battery of brunch fare is done to a very high quality with a lot of flair, and beans from Caravan are prepared flawlessly for the coffee-loving locals.

Nestled in a corner of the vibrant Tooting Market, this local favourite is a go-to spot to refuel and people watch. It draws a lively crowd, from friends who come to catch up over a carefully crafted cappuccino to mums and their kids who meet for an Aussie-style brunch in the form of grilled sourdough toasties, wraps, salads and the like.

Exmouth Market is one of London's most coffee-crowded streets, but Briki has stood its own since 2015. Greek influences dominate the menu and the coffee, which rivals that of Grind and Caravan down the road.

Brixton Blend sits bang opposite the David Bowie mural, and it's a welcome indie in an area dominated by chains. Expect three things here: a nice-looking space, friendly service, and excellent coffee - whether you sit in or take it with you, you'll be on to a winner.

We all wish Browns was in our neighbourhood. The food is simple but superb quality, with some excellent sandwiches and baked goods. The coffee is similarly high-class: if you want to see Square Mile's espresso blend rendered perfectly, this is the place.

Opened by two Australian sisters in 2015, Brunswick East has become a favourite among the East London coffee-drinking, brunch-devouring crowd. Situated in the courtyard of a creative complex, it feels like a serene escape from Dalston’s bustling high street.

Sisters Meg and Rosie Bühler created their café with the view that it needed to have good coffee, good food, good service, and a good environment. They're four out of four. This attractive Walthamstow local does everything right, from the warm smiles, through unusually ambitious and imaginative food to beautifully brewed coffee from Climpson beans.

With a startlingly vibrant décor of pink, purple and turquoise, and a menu dominated by equally colourful lattes, you could be forgiven for thinking Busi is another instagram-trap masquerading as a café. But behind the millennial façade is an attentive and knowledgeable approach to coffee, with quality roasts from Copenhagen’s April in the hopper, alongside a rotating range of guest roasts. All show, all substance.

Cable has the Kensal Rise speciality coffee market pretty much to itself. It would be busy even if the coffee were merely OK, but it's outstanding: Climpson beans handled with care and skill, whether as espresso, batch brew or a pour-over.

Many of London's cafés buy in at least part of the food they serve, especially baked stuff, but everything at Café Fleur is 100% home-made. However, for the coffee, they wisely turn to the experts at Volcano for their beans. Friendly baristas then serve it up with care and some particularly good latte art.

Café Kitsuné has finally landed in London. The cult coffee shop from fashion brand Maison Kitsuné seamlessly blends French café culture with Japanese influences to create a unique experience, with viennoiserie and sandos coexisting happily on the menu. You can find it in the new Pantechnicon building in Belgravia, a collective space celebrating Nordic and Japanese craftmanship. Fitting.

If you find yourself in East Finchley, do yourself a favour and stop by Campbell & Syme. The café started with a mission to serve great coffee, provide exceptional service and create an environment that makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

The coffee alone would make Canada Water Cafe worth visiting. Union's espresso blend is brewed precisely and latte art is outstanding. But the coffee's just part of the appeal of this successful venue, a combination of café, bar, and restaurant.

Caravan's Bankside site is big and bustling, with the group's usual emphasis on small plates, good drinks and excellent coffee. Whether it's date night or brunch with friends, this the ultimate all-day all-rounder.

The original, and many still would say the best. Caravan's roasting and brewing skills need no special mention: they've become an integral part of London's coffee scene. The charms of this place lie in its location at the bottom of Exmouth Market, and its ample outdoor seating - on a sunny day, there are few better places to sit in London.

Caravan was already the master of the eatery-slash-coffee shop, but their Fitzrovia location takes it to a new level. A dedicated to-go counter at the entrance offers quick caffeine and creative croissants, or pass through to the light-filled restaurant for Caravan's signature all-day dining.

Vast and ultra-modern looking, with an expansive view onto Granary Square, Caravan's Kings Cross spot is a unique experience. Sit on the terrace and order a single origin filter to appreciate Caravan's roasting skills.

London’s pied-à-terre for the rich and famous, it doesn’t get much more prestigious than The Savoy. In serving a new generation of well-heeled guests, the hallowed hotel has shrewdly turned to the New Zealand trio behind Caravan to update its coffee offer for the 21st century.

This pretty corner space in residential Hammersmith may be inspired by New Zealand, but its coffee is London through and through. Beans come from East London’s Square Mile and are treated with the utmost respect whether in an espresso, V60, or Chemex.

Part-retail, part-espresso bar, Carhartt WIP's London concept store is a beautifully designed space. Grab an expertly made Allpress flat white to sip while you browse some of the brand's iconic streetwear .

Located on one of the narrowest streets in London, this minute place can barely accomodate a dozen drinkers, but everything is first-rate, especially their treatment of Climpson & Sons' beans. Good things do come in small packages.

Catalyst is a coffee oasis in the desert that is Grey's Inn Road. The Middle Eastern-inspired menu goes from day to night, and you can swap your house-roasted coffee for a house-crafted cocktail accordingly.

Set away from the centre of Brixton's lively scene, CAYA is an attractive place to enjoy an Ozone blend. With a café at the front and a workspace at the back, there's something for everyone.

As well as the ever-impressive coffee, Chancery Press is a really pretty, quiet space, with high windows and a few places to perch in the pedestrian walkway running off Chancery Lane. Whether you choose a milky espresso, or opt for a slow drip, the Press beans perform beautifully.

The owner took over this space from her mother, who ran it as a Laundrette until she retired. The Laundrette sign still hangs proudly outside, and while the interior may have drastically changed, hand-crocheted table runners and machine covers pay homage to the past. The beans are roasted with care on-site, and the love shines through in every cup.

Specialty coffee shop and pinball emporium is not a combination you hear often, but it works for Chief. Coffee comes from Allpress and Workshop, with guests featuring as pour overs - keep an eye out for one from Berlin's best, The Barn.

Southgate locals are lucky to have Chunk of Green to themselves. The owner's Turkish roots may influence the food menu, but the coffee is London through and through, with beans from Allpress performing as usual.

If anywhere proves that size doesn’t matter, it’s this dinky and reliably packed café and roastery that has been pleasing East Londoners with their brown paper bags of beans and locally-sourced lunches since 2005.

Open The Coffee Boxx and you'll find a lot of surprises. A a gleaming Black Eagle (used to produce single-origin brews from Caravan), an all-vegetarian menu with a lively Indian twist, and an 'outdoor' room at the back. Between this great place and Dudley's a few minutes away, Wood Street is spoiled for coffee choice.

Upper Holloway Road rail station may be just a few steps away, but 607 is more than a commuter pit-stop. It's a real neighbhourhood hangout, with beautiful baked goods and Workshop coffee served with a smile.

Even though this coffee chain has locations across the globe, its Covent Garden locale still manages to give off the vibe of an independent. The shop has become part of the everyday routines of many who work and live in the area and it’s known and loved for the variety of coffee.

If you want to see a Slayer Steam in its natural habitat, stop by 7Gr.'s Coffee Studio Clapham. The barista team use it artfully to prepare exceptional coffee in a light-filled space, declared to be 'for espresso lovers only.' We made the cut.

Coleman's no-frills approach - in design and menu - is what differentiates it from the rest. Order a filter, the baristas can make a recommendation based on what you feel like, and take it to the back patio, a quaint little space open year-round, to enjoy.

Communion opened their doors just one month before the first London lockdown. Still, this Tooting local has not only survived, but thrived. They shifted their offering to retail local wines, beers and beans, but takeaway coffee and pastries are still the highlight. Espresso comes from Assembly and is 20p cheaper if you choose to drink it with an alt milk, while the filter showcases a variety of guest roasters.

With the signature neon pink Espresso Bar sign in the window, you could recognise this Covent Garden spot as Grind from a mile away. Snag a flat white and a window seat - this is an excellent spot to watch the world go by.

While Craving may seem to have an unpromising location, it’s worth the journey. Coffee comes from Climpson - or a guest roaster if you opt for the filter - and is expertly poured during the day, while beer and wine take over during the evening on weekends.

Cricks Corner is full of good vibes. Dark Arts coffee, bacon baps and St. John doughnuts all contribute, but the humans behind the counter really make this corner spot in Archway. Super-friendly and super-competent, the welcome is always warm.

Curators is not much bigger than a matchbox, but it's been a firm favourite since it opened in 2012. If you can find a spot to stand, it's an ideal respite from the City crowds, with a curated offering of different roasters to suit all tastes.

Curious Roo finally took the leap and opened a brick-and-mortar shop, and you couldn't ask for a nicer local. The space is lovely, but as expected, the coffee prevails - specialty grade beans are sourced from all around the world and roasted with care.

Daisy Green is all about excellent coffee, friendly service, and Australian-style food with equal emphasis on good health and self indulgence. The downstairs garden is one of London's most beautiful outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying The Roasting Party beans in a flat white.

Dark Habit is a bright light in the Queen's Park coffee scene. The best specialist in the area, it pursues excellence in every cup with a quiet fanaticism - and in fitting surroundings, understated but lovely.

Department of Coffee's prime location in the heart of Carnaby makes for a bustling scene, but good things come to those who wait - simple food, great beans, and barista skills of the highest order.

District is continuing its good work, bringing fresh, Aussie-inspired food and exceptional coffee to the people of Mayfair. Nestled in a quiet, cobbled street, what this venue may lack in size, it makes up for in warmth. With Origin’s Resolute blend in the hopper, chatty baristas work the La Marzocco KB90 with ease, pouring perfect flat whites with a smile. Uptight neighbourhood, laid-back coffee shop.

Inspired by the owner's upbringing on the Gold Coast, District is everything you want an Aussie café to be. Complete with a laid-back atmosphere, an uncomplicated but quality food menu, and a bespoke coffee blend from Origin.

If you find yourself exploring the Barbican, you should consider stopping at Dose for some Square Mile coffee. It makes up for its below-average size with above-average dishes, and continues to deliver year after year.

A stone's throw from Wimbledon, DropShot is always bustling - with or without tennis. Friendly service, Origin beans, and an extensive brunch menu full of tennis puns? Game, set, match.

Dudley's is a perfect local. Come 'parched or peckish' and they've got you covered, perhaps with a silky Assembly flat white, or a glorious three-cheese toastie. The people of Walthamstow are a lucky bunch.

Don't be dissuaded by the queue out the door at EL&N. Those who persist are rewarded with a café unlike you've ever exeprienced. Complete with a pink wall of flowers, and an equally pretty coffee menu, EL&N is a real treasure.

You could place this attractive café down anywhere in London and it would be one of the best hangouts in the area. Coffee from their own roastery produces brews of excellent quality, and it's served with smiling efficiency. Lucky Ealing.

England's Lane is an exemplary local in every way. With seating over two floors, and large, dual aspect windows that let in plenty of light, you’d be happy to settle in and stay a while. The Antipodean-inspired menu features a perfect mix of brunch classics and more unique offerings, and the coffee quality is equally high, with beans from Caravan receiving expert treatment.

Estate Office Coffee’s original Streatham Hill outpost had everything you could want from a coffee shop - except enough seating for the hordes of loyal locals. They fixed that by choosing a light, bright, and airy space for their second opening in Streatham Common, with plenty of tables for sitting & sipping. Judging from the decadent display of house-baked goods that greets you on arrival, they’ve put the extra kitchen space to good use, too.

After driving to Balham every day to get his Allpress coffee fix, owner Joe decided to do Streatham residents a favour by providing specialty coffee a little closer to home. The name Estate Office Coffee pays homage to the building’s original purpose as sales office for the adjacent flats over a century ago. It may be an old building, but the coffee is thoroughly modern.

Esters gets everything right. A local hangout with a creatively thoughtful menu, coffee from Has Bean, and a quaint outdoor terrace - worth seeking out if you're doing some Stokey exploration.

Exmouth has it all. Good beans from its own roaster, generously portioned sanwiches, and amusingly eclectic décor are all part of the draw. But the best thing about Exmouth is the people, skilled, smiling, and genuinely warm.

Grind's beautiful corner spot in Exmouth Market is a real winner. With large windows on two sides, and light yet rustic interior, the numerous tables in the long room have a spacious and charming aesthetic. Make sure to bag yourself a seat at the high bar if you like to watch the skilled baristas demonstrate latte art.

Locals come to F.Mondays come for the Alchemy espresso-based brews, but they stay for the exceptionally attractive garden in back. It's a hidden haven that will make you forget that the Brixton Hill traffic is just a stone's throw away.

Fade to Black makes very, very good coffee with beans from Ozone and careful brewing - but there are so many other reasons to visit. Low-price food and extracurical offerings (including yoga and pop up dinner) top the list.

Farm Girl first appeared in 2015 on the iconic Portobello Road. An Australian outpost with an emphasis on healthy living - talk about the right place at the right time.

Location, location, location! FCB sits literally on top of a busy commuter rail station and is a lively, humming place even outside of peak times. Horsham coffee is handled with care and speed, alongside some superb rotating guests.

For a decade, this beloved Brixton Village joint has been a staple in the South London caffeine scene. Federation, in all its grungy glory, takes up a prime corner of the market, making it the perfect spot to sip a coffee and people watch.

Walk in to Fee & Brown at lunchtime and you'll see a lively mix of families, solitary workers, friends catching up and young parents with snoozing toddlers. This is primarily a place for eating fine breakfasts, sandwiches or baked things, but the coffee also merits a visit.

Fink's is a shop, deli, café, and restaurant - but above all else, it's an exemplary local. Mealtimes can be mental, but outside of peak hours it's great for mums with babies, laptop users, and friends catching up over coffee. Locals know a good thing when they see it.

This Shoreditch café is reminiscent of Central Perk from Friends in the best way possible, from the comfy leather seating to the strong community vibe. They serve up an exclusive Climpson & Sons blend with delightful notes of maple syrup, pecan and hot chocolate.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This simple location ticks all the Shoreditch boxes with consummate skill. The food offering is small but of high quality, service is similing and swift and the raw brick and wood décor is done beautifully. Most people opt for something out of the gleaming La Marzocco, but don't pass up the chance to savour the batch brew.

If you remember when Flat White opened on Berwick Street, you're forgiven for feeling your age. This was one of the pioneers of Aussie-style coffee in London, and the first place where many of us heard of the drink that gives it its now-famous name.

Few coffee destinations occupy a space as lovely as this one - a Grade II listed interior that has not changed much in a century. But the coffee offering is totally up to date - their beans make a superbly balanced espresso, and the milky adornments are laid on with love.

Despite being a few minutes away from the Tower of London, Flock lies off the beaten tourist track. Square Mile beans are served in a nicely-eccentric interior, alongside a major emphasis on good food. Well worth flocking to!

Friendly baristas make delicious cups of coffee using Allpress Espresso beans and Bristol’s Estate Dairy milk, which is also used as the base for flavoured lattes including chai, beetroot, turmeric and matcha. The food is a must-try, with seasonal specials, soups, salads and the like that are a step-up from traditional café fare.

A stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, Formative Coffee is cut from decidedly contemporary cloth. Polished concrete and diagonal tiling are combined with a streamlined menu to create an exceptional, but unfussy modern cafe experience.

With travel books and memorabilia all over the floow, Four Corners fosters an intensely casual feeling. What's not casual is their attitude to quality: milk-loving Ozone beans come through the La Marzocco in fine condition.

As far as we know, Fowlds is London's only coffee spot with an upholstery workshop at the back. With just a few tables and stools squeezed in, this is a mega-friendly place serving great Climpson coffee.

Frequency does the multiple-concept coffee shop right. An excellent coffee menu that gives way to cocktails in the evening, flexible workspaces, and evening events all contribute to the hustle.

Hoxton's coffee and brunch scene wouldn't be complete without this popular hangout. Not only is the coffee good, the brunch is noteworthy — they describe it as Australasian, it's served all day and draws quite the crowd on the weekends.

Proving that increasingly well-heeled Bermondsey still has grit, this provocatively named coffee shop dances to its own beat. Enjoy your flat white under the gaze of a gun-toting Vladimir Putin or kick back with a batch-brew on a vintage Chesterfield sofa – this café was born to grab your attention.

General Store isn't just any old deli. Minute in size, it sells a small range of products that have one thing in common: outstanding provenance and high quality. You'll walk away with a happy caffeine buzz and a few hundred grams of some of the best salami this side of Siena.

Perrin's Court is one of the loveliest streets in Hampstead - and that's saying something. It's not a surprise then that Ginger & White is almost always busy, but arrive outside of mealtimes to enjoy your coffee at one of London's nicest window seats.

Gitane serves great Ozone coffee alongside a café menu during the day, while more serious fare takes over at night - this lovely Fitzrovia spot is a showcase for Persian influenced cooking.

After a short but sweet residency in Fitzrovia, Good as Gold picked up and moved to Brockley, opening their first permanent shop in March 2021. Owners Anthony and Tom have a fine pedigree from their days at The Gentlemen Baristas, and their experience shines in this new venture. Caravan coffee is served in their signature Kanye takeaway cups, and Fitzrovia favourites are still fixtures on the menu - the truffle mushroom melt really is as good as gold.

Find good vibes all day long at this pristine spot opposite leafy Nunhead Green. Inside you’ll find Allpress coffee treated with deft care and dedication by Goodcup’s expert barista team, and ample seating to sample the Aussie-inspired brunch menu.

Granger Clerkenwell is a stunner. Huge and sprawling over two floors of a corner spot, this is the ultimate place to indulge in the brands' signature ricotta hotcakes. Pair it with a cold drip over ice, or a cocktail if you like your brunch boozy.

Granger & Co is deservedly popular - with huge windows that give an ample view of the throngs passing by. Most people come for a meal from their Australia-derived all-day menus.

Bill Granger's Australia-style approach to eating and drinking makes a perfect fit with this posh patch of Notting Hill, which has taken to it enthusiastically. It's not Granger's biggest site, but the sweetcorn fritters are worth queueing for.

Grind has been as much a restaurant group as a coffee group for some time now, and Greenwich continues to roll in that groove. The menus offer considerable variety, from a light snack or breakfast through a serious dinner list, and the group's signature coffee cocktails are front and centre as always.

Putney residents have held Ground Coffee Society near and dear to their coffee-loving hearts since 2009. Coffee is their claim to fame and they roast their own beans - the house blend, called Caveman, dominates the bar and is the key ingredient in their famous flat white.

Ground Control is a one-off: London's only coffee shop roasting and serving 100 per cent Ethiopian beans. Put through a Kees van der Westen Mirage (or a filter), these beans can produce some of the most exciting and distinctive coffees on earth.

Kensington isn’t exactly known for its thriving coffee scene, and Guillam is using that to its advantage. The space is equal parts cosy and polished, taking the concept of a ‘local’ and adapting it to the royal borough. Exhaustive attention to detail is visible throughout, from the custom white La Marzocco Strada, to the perfectly plaited cinnamon buns, and the coffee is no exception.

Guy Gold Coffee Bar & Treatment Rooms brings together brilliant coffee and expert osteopathy under one roof. Treatments rooms occupy the back, while the front café is tiny and light-filled, ideal for enjoying a perfectly made Climpson macchiato.

Housed in a former brewery, Hackney Coffee Company uses its space incredibly well. Exposed brick, skylights, and high ceilings are balanced with clever seating division to create an intimate yet aesthetic environment. A perfect spot to sip an espresso.

There are certainly no half measures when it comes to coffee, brunch and cocktails at Half Cup’s second location. Devour a hearty full English breakfast or cleanse with a saintly bowl of pickled beetroot, butternut squash, brown rice, and hummus. There’s a cure for all appetites at this elegant boutique café.

You know how you sometimes walk into an unfamiliar coffee place and think, 'I wish I lived around the corner'? Half Cup is that sort of place. It looks great, you get a big smile and hello when you set foot inside the door, and Nude beans from the Linea turn into excellent coffee whether milky or black.

Hally’s recently underwent a facelift, resulting in an even lighter, brighter and more welcoming space. The Californian-inspired menu never misses, nor does the coffee when Dark Arts beans are dialed in.

Stratford is lucky to have this coolly laid-back café in its midst, an indie alternative to the chains in nearby Westfield. A second project from the owner of 46b Espresso Hut in Hackney, Hand has the same Greek-accented menu, and the same excellent coffee.

You’d be hard pressed to find a time of day where Harris + Hoole isn’t busy – it attracts people around the clock with its delicious coffee, tasty eats and comfortable atmosphere. Serving up a host of caffeinated beverages, from filter to seasonal specials, their menu will satisfy every type of customer.

Hjem means 'home' in Danish, and the Danish owner set out to make the place as warmly welcoming as it can possibly be. She succeeded. The coffee comes from Climpson & Sons, but everything else is 'hjemmade' - including their famous cardamom buns.

A cosy, Antipodean-inspired coffee shop, a stone's throw from Columbia Flower Market - sounds good already right? But Holy Shot goes above and beyond with a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced produce. Even better.

London’s newly built neighbourhood, London City Island has been nicknamed ‘Mini Manhattan’. As Londoners moved to the area, it became desperately in need of a community hub - enter Homestead. Currently operating as a takeaway kitchen, deli, and coffee shop, Homestead will soon offer an all-day dining experience using quality local produce to feed its ever-growing group of neighbours.

Hopper is a tiny place with just a few seats off Gray's Inn Road. But it's memorable nonetheless, simply because the coffee is exceptionally good and the food exceptionally inexpensive. Locals love the place, and it's easy to see why.

Host is a true haven. Occupying the nave of one of London's most beautiful churches, it puts that extraordinary space to good use. Food is inexpensive, service is warm, and beans from Mission are treated well.

With a self-declared mission ‘to change the rhythm of the world’, Intermission is a sustainable refuge in West Hampstead. Pastries come from fortitude bakehouse, filter from a rotating roster of UK roasters, and oat milk comes for free - just one of the many conscious decisions Intermission has taken to reduce its environmental footprint. They recently started roasting their own coffee, and if their first blend ‘One Hot Minute’ is anything to go on, Intermission is only in its first act.

Despite its Victoria location, the vibe of Iris & June is more Shoreditch than SW1. The look is industrial-lite, and the team make maximum use of an awkward space - leaving plenty of room to enjoy excellent Ozone coffee.

Equal parts eatery, bakery, and coffee shop, Jacob the Angel is the brainchild of the team behind Palomar and Barbary. Tucked in Neal's Yard, it boasts a deli-style counter of colourful salads, soups, and signature borekas, served alongside Square Mile's Red Brick blend.

JOLT has been open since spring 2019 and it’s already gained a large and loyal following. The Saudi-based concept has become known for the flavoured lattes, in particular the Pistachio Latte, a colourful layered drink made of pistachio syrup, milk, and a shot of espresso.

Tooting’s ascendance to one of south London’s hottest food and drink destinations wouldn’t have been complete without this top-notch coffee and brunch spot. Coffee-wise, Juliets serves espresso and filter favourites from esteemed roasters The Barn and Koppi.

Kaffeine continues to follow the same path that's made it such a success all these years: excellent food, incredibly friendly service even when the room is a scrum, and close attention to detail in its espresso-based drinks.

Kaffeine is a London institution. Often credited as one of the leaders of London's coffee revolution, they brought Antipodean-style, third-wave coffee to the lucky people of Fitzrovia. Ten years later, Kaffeine is still serving up one of the best flat whites in London.

Kahaila began life in 2012 as a café and local gathering place for events. Since then it has become very popular, usually crowded with groups, couples, and Brick Lane creatives. Coffee is a big part of the draw: very well made using beans from Climpson.

Kapihan is a breath of fresh air, bringing Filipino café culture to the lucky people of Battersea. Unusual South East Asian coffees are beautifully poured and served alongside creative crossiants and homemade pastries - try the pandesal for a taste of The Philippines.

You no longer need to travel to Richmond to experience all that Kiss the Hippo has to offer – the world-class coffee brand opened their second location in the heart of Fitzrovia in autumn 2019.

Kiss the Hippo set out to create something special with their first café/roastery in Richmond, and they succeeded. A glass wall at the back showcases the gleaming Loring S15, while a Kees van der Westen does the heavy lifting in the café space. Flawless coffees are pulled and poured with smiles.

Kiss the Koala may be new to the scene but it’s already a hit among North London locals. The interior is cut from millennial cloth, with teal velvet banquettes, pink plates, and a custom white La Marzocco pouring shots of Allpress espresso. The Aussie-inspired brunch menu is beautifully presented, with colourful plates of sweetcorn fritters, waffles, and the like arriving camera-ready for eager patrons. 

Knockbox Coffee proves that a ‘less is more’ approach can still pack a punch. The no-frills menu consists of coffee in various forms (the flat white is a popular choice), fresh-made smoothies, toasties and other baked goods. With one of the most affordable coffee menus in the area, it’s no wonder why it has such a steady stream of customers day in and day out.

If you're looking for a laidback, unfussy café in East London, look no further. The coffee offering is simple, but solid - the beans come from Dark Arts - and they make a mean, not to mention affordable, sandwich.

This location of Lantana is particularly attractive. On a pedestrianised street in Fitzrovia, the wooden outdoor tables are a great place to enjoy the Australian menu. If it's just coffee you're after, order from the dedicated space next door.

At lunchtime, you'll find a queue outside the door of Lantana pretty much every day of the week. They come for the corn fritters, the star of an exceedingly Aussie brunch menu, and flat whites, expertly made from Alchemy beans.

With its crisp, white façade and window stickers advertising ‘organic’, Lavelle fits right in on Rathbone Place. The interior doesn’t disappoint - a gleaming blue Victoria Arduino Eagle One sits upon an artfully tiled bar, with scandi-style tables peppering the perimeter. The coffee from PLOT Roasting is brewed with care, but the food is the focus here, with a glass case of colourful salads and delicate viennoiserie ready to tempt anyone popping in for a coffee.

Get a taste of Paris at this sophisticated King’s Cross café, owned by renowned Michelin-starred chef, Alain Ducasse. They source excellent coffee beans, make their almond and hazelnut milk in-house and pair their beverages with chocolate.

Leafy Bean is community spirit at its best. A lime-green La Marzocco runs on beans from Curious Roo, and is kept busy. More than just a commuter grab-and-go, its a meeting place for locals and you'll sometimes find the small space fully occupied by a single group.

What happens when you cross coffee with vinyl? Level Crossing Records happens. A minute away from Mortlake station, this coffee shop-slash-record store serves up a flawless Dark Arts flat white, best enjoyed to music. A haven for audiophiles and caffeine hounds alike.

Little Bread Pedlar has been supplying London’s coffee shops and restaurants with first-class bread and pastries for over 10 years. The wholesale bakers would only open their doors to the general public for one day of the week - until now. Witnessing the popularity of their Saturday counter, LBP finally opened a cozy space in the heart of Pimlico - where you can get your almond croissant fix seven days a week.

The Balham iteration of Brother Marcus is a lively local. The Eastern Med inspired brunch and all-day menus can be paired with Caravan coffees or house-made cocktails, whatever your mood.

Loft is one of London's smallest sources for fine coffee, with space for just a hanful of people. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in coffee fanaticism. The quality is sky-high, with perfectly brewed, velvety-sweet espresso.

Three things you can always expect at Grind: good coffee, good cocktails, and good atmosphere. London Grind excels in all the above. When it comes to ordering, you can’t go wrong with a filter of their house blend which boasts notes of chocolate, hazelnut and cream. Delicious!

Look mum no hands! is far more than a bicycle workshop. Sure, you can bring in your fixie for repair or even pick up a new cycling cap, but you can also sit down at one of its many tables and enjoy top-tier coffee from Square Mile, a pint of craft beer or a slap-up meal.

Lumberjack puts emphasis on what it calls the three Cs: coffee, craftmanship, and community. With a mission to support young people stepping into employment, you can enjoy your perfectly brewed coffee knowing it's helping a great cause.

Whoever said restaurants don’t serve good coffee has clearly never been to Lyle’s. This Shoreditch eatery specialises in modern, British fare, but has a seriously impressive coffee programme, which says a lot given it’s in one of London’s most heavily caffeinated neighbourhoods.

Located on a quiet street in the picturesque Primrose Hill, this hybrid café-grocery store is truly delightful. The front of the shop is a well-curated grocer where artisanal food items line the shelves. The rest of the space is occupied by a café and kitchen, offering Allpress Espresso coffee and freshly made food.

Milk is one of Balham's most popular brunch and lunch spots, winning hearts and stomachs with its creative menu featuring some of the best dishes south of the Thames. Name a better duo than The Barn coffee and grilled banana bread. We'll wait.

Despite a lot of competition, MILK BEACH is a standout on Lonsdale Road. Virtuous breakfasts and bowls sit alongside eggs and pastries by day, while four evenings a week are given over to small plates and a 100 per cent organic wine list.

The name Monmouth is legendary in the London coffee scene, so be prepared to queue at this Borough Market location. The espresso drinks are well worth the wait, but filter is the real glory here. Or buy some beans to skip the queue and take the experience home.

This is where the Monmouth phenomenon began, back in 1978 - long before any talk of 'Antipodean influence' or coffee 'waves'. But Monmouth shows no signs of ageing - it's Covent Garden site is still one of London's best, with its simple interior allowing focus to stay on the coffee.

If you've read Monocle magazine, you'll know what to expect from this café - über slick and in the best possible taste. Warm staff prepare Allpress beans and a creative yet simple menu inspired by Japan and Scandivania.

Morena is a vibrant all-day restaurant bringing Colombian coffee and flavours of Latin America to Victoria. Parlour palms, pink plates, and tropical prints capture the warmth and diversity of the continent, as does the menu. Twists on brunch classics like smoked salmon with matcha hollandaise are listed alongside fish tacos and other Latin street food items - and they all pair perfectly with a house-roasted Colombian flat white.

Occupying a tiny, irregular space, what Mouse Tail lacks in size it makes up for in the warmth of the welcome and coffee quality. But be prepared to allow queue jumping - the coffee is popular among the local hospital staff, and their need is greater than yours.

MUGHEAD is a short distance from Goldsmiths College, and you don't need a first-class degree to see why the students pack it out during the week. Well-priced and well-filled sandwiches, friendly service, and Square Mile coffee all contribute to the appeal.

N4 Coffee Fruit occupies a prime Stroud Green spot. This is a true neighbourhood hangout, with tasty sandwiches and baked goods supplementing well-made and beautifully decorated coffees.

This little charmer is a staple in the Shoreditch coffee scene. It’s named after a region in Rwanda, but they serve coffee from a variety of origins and roasters. Only steps away from Columbia Road, come on a Sunday morning and order a coffee to-go to enjoy as you stroll through the flower market.

After their 2020 music tour was cancelled, couple Anthony and Josephine seized the opportunity to start a coffee shop for their neighbourhood. Bravely opening their doors in the midst of a pandemic, the popularity of the thoughtful space they've created is a testament to how local communities have rallied together during hard times. Although, the waffled cinnamon buns and Mexican batch filter probably helped too. Nola’s motto is ‘coffee for everyone’, and they practice what they preach.

In a sea of ‘Antipodean-inspired’ coffee shops, Norman’s take on the typical British caff is a breath of fresh air. The team have elevated the greasy spoon experience - checkerboard floors and all - to appeal to modern Londoners, without turning it into something unrecognizable. Formica tables are decorated with HP sauce and vinegar, ready for plates of ham, egg & chips, bangers and mash, and breakfast butties. Most importantly - not an avocado in sight.

This iteration of Notes has a lot going for it. From carefully crafted coffee, roasted at their East London roastery and pulled through a trusty La Marzocco Linea PB, to tasty cakes and pastries, it will satisfy all.

Notes has a knack for turning small, quirky spaces into distinctive dining and drinking destinations. This one at the base of the Gherkin is no exception. Notes is a seriously good roaster, and coffee is top quality whether from the La Marzocco, or in a filter.

Notes always has good crowds - not surprising for a place that's minutes from Trafalgar Square. But what brings them is not just location but incredibly high quality. The coffee is terrific, and it transforms into a wine bar in the evening, popular with theatre-goers.

Notes' Victoria branch - one of numerous eating and drinking places on the ground floor of the Nova Building - is yet another example of the roaster's success. The company has a reliable formula: good, simple food and beautifully made coffee from their own beans.

You can't get much more local than this: Nude's beans are roasted across the street. Nude has been here for over a decade, and its populary shows no sign of waning - it's rare to find anything less than a mob scene here.

Nude's outpost on the south side of Spitalfields Market may have a lot of competition, but it's always packed. Unsurprising given the quality of the coffee and the brunch/lunch menu. Don't neglect the pour-over, or the outside seating.

Old Spike was the UK's first specialty coffee roaster to operate as a social enterprise, committed to reducing homelessness by offering training in the coffee industry. This tiny Peckham café showcases their sourcing and roasting prowess, with a range of quality coffees for every taste.

Omotesando is the first European opening for this Japanese mini-chain, bringing a piece of Tokyo coffee culture to Fitzrovia. Minimalist décor allows the open brew counter to take centre stage - order their signature iced cappuccino and enjoy your front row seat.

The trend of mixing retail and coffee in one space is still going strong, and this particular outlet mingles beans with mid-century furniture and homeware. Not the most obvious choice perhaps, but On Friendship and Chairs has blended the two so naturally that you wonder how you ever drank a coffee without perusing 1970s shelving units.

The original Origin is still going strong, even in the crowded Shoreditch marketplace. Plenty of space, simple but attractive furnishings, and a laid-back vibe make it a great place to spend a while. Order a single-origin pour-over to experience one of the UK's greatest roasters at its best.

A variety of brew methods? Check. A delicious brunch menu? Check. A cool, chilled out vibe? Check. Origin’s Scoresby Street location ticks all the boxes, and then some. Tucked away in a railway arch, it’s one of those cafés that will please coffee lovers of all levels.

Full marks to the British Library for inviting Origin into this great learning institution. Whether you choose to visit the pop-up espresso counter in the Front Hall, or the light and bright shop on Euston Road, you'll be satisfied with Origin's expert baristas and signature blends.

Over Under has continued its South London expansion, this time a stone’s throw from Clapham Common station. The fifth outfit captures Over Under’s usual laid-back culture and aesthetic design - complete with a black and pink paint job that would make Avril Lavigne jealous. Come for the flat whites, stay for the reuben toasties.

What makes Over Under so completely lovable is the happy vibe, the ultra-chilled atmosphere, and the feeling that you're a welcome guest. The coffee comes from Assembly by way of a La Marzocco Strada, and it is expertly made.

Coffee by day, cocktails by night. Over Under are the masters at the all-day venue. Their Ladbroke Grove location takes this new level with their biggest space yet, transitioning from brunch spot to speakeasy with ease, in a move they call the ‘flip’. Whether you take your espresso with milk or with vodka, Over Under has you covered.

Ozone Coffee Roasters caused a stir at the end of summer 2019 with its new Bethnal Green opening. The coffee is just as spectacular as you’d expect, but what really wows is the extended food menu. With a nod to its New Zealand roots, it blends Antipodean classics with a heightened focus on veggie options.

Ozone made a splash when it opened in 2012, with its two-storey space(s) creating a dramatic spectacle out of the roasting and serving of coffee beans. The ground floor is bright and airy, the basement (where the roasting happens) has a cooler character with industrial décor. Pour-overs are the prefered option here, and pair well with anything from the Aussie menu.

This new East London independent takes coffee and creativity to a new dimension. The founding duo are well known in the world of coffee, having created the hugely popular latte art dice and card games used at the Coffee Masters tournament. Choose from a full range of espressos, batch brew, filter, and seasonal cold brew, or boost your creative prowess with an impeccable pastry.

You couldn't ask for a lovelier location than this: Victoria Park, with a view of the pond from inside the glass-domed building or outside on the deck. Pavilion would be good even without the view, with Origin coffee and a creative menu with Sri Lankan influences.

Pophams serves up Ozone coffee with a tantalising array of baked treats, from classic croissants and pains au chocolat to more intriguing offerings such as Marmite, Schlossberger & Spring Onion. Their trademark Bacon & Maple swirl is an absolute must for first-time visitors, though.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Prufrock Coffee has something of a cult-like following within London’s specialty coffee scene. It's long been recognised as the premier destination to see unusual brew methods and sample rare coffees. After undergoing a facelift in late 2020, the interior is (almost) as good as the coffee.

Queens of Mayfair was opened in 2020 by sister duo Victoria and Grace, combining the former’s hospitality experience with the latter’s eye for interior design to create a unique artisan coffee experience. Their coffee comes via an exclusive partnership with Difference Coffee - the roaster of choice for Michelin starred restaurants - and is treated with the respect it deserves.

From Hotel Chocolat comes this chocolate-lovers paradise. If you can resist ordering a hot chocolate or a cocoa-infused gin & tonic, the espresso is expertly made by friendly baristas. Whichever bean you opt for, cocoa or coffee, take it to-go and sip while you explore Borough Market.

The original Rapha remains a haven of calm and quiet for anyone seeking the highest quality in either gear or coffee. It makes sense, in a way: to get perfection in either espresso or cycling, you have to have human skill and precision machinery working together. That's what happens here.

You don't need to be a cycle-maniac to enjoy spending time with Rapha. They bring the same dedication to coffee and cooking as they bring to two-wheeled matters, hiring outstanding baristas and serving up top-quality beans from the La Marzocco machine or in filters.

This Redemption location is a thing of beauty. Residing in a corner building with huge windows on two sides, this venue is awash with natural light, even on a cloudy day. But the focus here is on the coffee, and it shows. The espresso-based drinks are stunning, but the real heroes are the filter brews.

From their feel-good story — they train and employ local offenders with roaster and barista skills to help them integrate back into society — to their excellent service and delicious coffee, there’s a lot to love about Redemption.

Amidst all the trendy shops and restaurants that Primrose Hill has to offer lies Ripe Kitchen, a charming café to kick back and relax in. Coffee is poured with care by skilful baristas while the kitchen team whips up fresh eats - don't pass up the opportunity to try the weekend brunch menu, which features specials like halloumi fritters and blueberry French toast. Yum!

Roasting Plant is a unique coffee experience in London. It is the home of the 'Javabot', a roasting machine which shoots coffee beans through a variety of perspex tubes overhead, allowing you to watch their journey from green, to roasted, and into your cup via Eversys machines.

Any cafe that springs from a team of former Caravan members is almost certain to live up to its fine pedigree, but Rosslyn goes above and beyond. The space is light and bright, with minimalist décor that shifts focus onto the coffee. Options are divided into black, white, or filter - choose the latter to taste some exceptional coffees from roasters around the world.

No two Grinds are alike, but there's something particularly special about this little branch in the Royal Exchange. You'll find crowds of caffeinistas coming for takeaways throughout the day, but come 5pm on a Friday and you're likely to find city Gents, ties undone, sipping down espresso martinis.

Rude Health is anything but rude: the welcome here is about as warm and smiley as you could ask for. Branching out with its first café, the Rude Health company (makers of healthy food and drink products) has created a space that embodies their mission. Healthy, tasty food made with quality ingredients, and Caravan coffee poured with whatever milk you'd like.

SACRED has been commited to bringing the New Zealand café experience to London for quite some time now. Coffee and sandwiches dominate during the day, while cheese and charcuterie platters are paired with cocktails, beer and wine in the evenings. There's plenty of Antipodean coffee in London, but SACRED retains a devout group of customers.

Kentish Town has come up massively in the food and drink world, but top-notch coffee isn't always as easy to find. All the more reason to welcome Saint Espresso to the scene. They've exploited the large café space to offer a thoughtful brunch and lunch menu, and the proof is in the pudding (or, in the Shakshuka).

High ceilings, exposed brick and an impressive range of home brewing equipment for sale are all stand-out features of this café, but it’s the excellent cup of coffee that makes Saint Espresso in Angel so noteworthy. The standards here are high — the beans come from their roastery and café in Here East, where they are sorted, prepared, roasted and packed by award-winning Head Roaster, Ollie Futcher.

With Sherlock Holme's house across the road and Madame Tussaud around the corner, this Baker Street outpost caters mainly to tourists, but the quality surpasses any Londoner's expectations. Saint Espresso makes maximum use of a small space, serving single-origin specialty coffee alongside toasties, pastries, and cakes.

Leyas, the beloved Camden coffee shop, underwent a bit of a face lift and a name change in late 2019 and the result is a sleek Saint Espresso. Come here for the superb coffee and great food offering and stay for the good vibes and company.

You have to be brave to open a coffee shop in Southwark, with the likes of Monmouth, Gentlemen Baristas and WatchHouse at every corner, but Saint Nine Coffee has risen to the challenge. The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the extraordinary mural that stretches along the wall and ceiling of the small space - but there’s more to Saint Nine than meets the eye. Coffee comes from Bath’s Round Hill, and is some of the best in the borough.

Saucer & Cup, just outside Wimbledon Park station, aims for huge quality in everything it does. Beans come from Workshop and you can have them from the La Marzocco or in batch brew form. The counter is loaded throughout the day with great-looking food, from sandwiches and salads to indulgent cakes and small bakes.

Cosy vibes in the heart of Islington can be found at this quaint café. Friendly, steady-handed baristas prepare the Origin coffee, and the weekend brunch offering is a must-try, with hearty, comfort-food options that will satisfy any craving.

Second Shot is small in size, but big in heart - and in quality. This dinky coffee shop in Bethnal Green is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting and training people affected by homelessness. They also offer a pay it forward scheme, so that everyone can enjoy their 'From the Ground Up' blend.

Second Shot has brought its good work – providing training in coffee skills for people affected by homelessness – from the original shop in Bethnal Green to this venue in Church Street market. Kiss the Hippo beans are accompanied by a regular rotation of guests, and the barista skills are high.

Grinds have been popping up regularly around London, but the original Old Street roundabout espresso bar remains unique. There's plenty to love about this Shoreditch landmark, from the early space-age exterior to the buzz generated by fast-moving baristas. But of course, Grind shines most through its espresso - whether in flat white or martini form.

This Lavender Hill café is part of a catering company, so it's no surprise that everything here, from the food through the plates to the décor, is designed to be easy on the eye. Luckily, the quality equals the presentation, from the light bites, filling brunches, lovely cakes and biscuits, to the skilfully brewed coffee from Redemption Roasters.

One of the smaller outfits in the Grind empire, on first impression Soho Grind appears as a tiny espresso bar, where coffee is made with the usual geeky attention to detail and served with a smile. But follow the neon sign announcing 'french lessons downstairs' to find a hidden basement cocktail bar selling Grind's signature concoctions.

St Clements has pretty much everything you would expect from a coffee-and-brunch spot in this well-heeled area. Food is the central proposition here, made almost entirely on premises with a sharp focus on seasonality and provenance, and catering to every dietary need, whether virtuous or self-indulgent.

St David is a treasure. A short distance from the local rail station, this is a charmingly decked-out place in a beautiful old terrace. The kitchen offers great treats from the in-house bakery as well as breakfast and brunch dishes of impeccable quality, while coffee comes from Square Mile and is brewed with skill.

Stir is the perfect setting to escape the outside world - set on a corner site with big windows and plenty of light. The coffee is made with care using a variety of roasters, and it's impossible to avoid the mouth-watering array of sandwiches and baked goods. Friendly and eager service completes the picture at this Brixton local.

Any coffee place with a vast catchment area of university students is likely to do pretty well. Store Street does better than most because its quality is right through the skylight roof. Simple sandwiches and top-notch baked goods make for a good light lunch, and the laid-back staff never seem to object when customers dawdle over flat whites or laptops.

There’s something quite serene about this St. John’s Hill cafe. Maybe it’s the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the place with light, or the strict no-laptop policy at the main dining tables — whatever it is, Story feels like a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The coffee is delicious, made using their house espresso and filter beans, roasted by Modern Standard Coffee Roasters, as well as Square Mile.

Writing a new chapter in Wandsworth’s regeneration, Story Coffee take a top corner spot at the magnificent Ram Quarter development. Start your day with a coffee from their alternating menu of popular and more adventurous varieties, or finish it with their corking menu of wines available in the evening.

The TAB ethos is 'to make everything as perfect as we can.' The food is breakfast, brunch and lunch, with healthy fare and indulgent offers coexisting happily. Coffee comes from Bocca, accompanied by a rotating list of guest beans. The brewing skill is exceptional, the service a pleasure.

Despite an impressive food offering, coffee reigns supreme at Tamp. The Extract espresso blend is perfectly balanced, the service sweet, the vibe relaxed. All in all, a wonderful little local.

Is there a better way to end an afternoon at the gallery than reflecting over a cup of coffee? Likely not. And unlike most galleries and museums, Tate Modern’s coffee offering is seriously good. In fact, they roast their own beans and are the only gallery in the world to be a member of the SCA.

Laidback with delightful service, The Black Lab Coffee House is the spot for a coffee fix in Clapham. Situated moments from the Common, it’s a great choice of place if you’re looking for a warm drink pre- or post-walk through the park.

If you’re looking for a solid cup of coffee in the Covent Garden area, look no further than The Black Penny. With an assortment of drinks made with Allpress beans, you truly can’t go wrong. Two floors and the industrial-chic fixtures add to the all-round cool and laid-back atmosphere.

This attractive place, on a corner site in posh Marylebone, is all the more welcome because there isn't much competition in the area for low-key daytime dining with superior coffee.

There are lots of places to have a coffee around Brick Lane, but Canvas is a standout. This pleasantly shabby-looking place is part of a network of cafés aimed at promoting contentment through spiritual, artistic, and intellectual improvement.

The Coffee Jar has been trading in this minute Camden spot since 2013, and most people are regulars. It's easy to see why, with Monmouth beans, well-priced food, and the warmest welcome in NW1.

The Common was designed to be an open workspace for creative people from the local area & beyond, but don't let that intimidate you. All are welcome at this Bethnal Green hub.

Full of antiques collected by the owner for years, this astoundingly lovely place is simultaneously soothing and amusing. While the interior may be whimsical, the coffee is serious - beans come from The Barn and are brewed to maintain exceptional sweetness.

It's hard to come to The Elgin without ordering something to eat. This spacious former-pub has a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring small plates and big, and just reading it makes you hungry. But if you’re sticking to coffee, you won't suffer: Coleman beans are treated royally here.

The original Espresso Room retains its superstar status by virtue of the unchanging excellence of the coffee, shot after perfect shot of Caravan's finest pulled by baristas who rank at the top of their profession.

Not much bigger than their Bloomsbury branch, Espresso Room’s Covent Garden joint makes up for its shortage of space with hominess. The key feature, as always, is the group's fantastic coffee, which you can get here in filter form as well as espresso-based drinks.

Nestled in a railway arch directly beside the entrance to Kentish Town West station, The Fields Beneath is the ideal grab-and-go spot for morning commuters. Since 2017, the café has been proudly vegan, offering an assortment of food, baked goods and a plethora of dairy-free milk to compliment the delicious coffee.

Lords, ladies, barons, countesses and members of the general public can expect a cordial welcome at the splendid premises of 63 Union Street. The coffee here is really rather spiffing, but owners of particularly dashing moustaches should exercise caution when indulging in cappuccinos.

This buzzing café sits on the first floor of The Building Centre, an office that’s home to architects and designers, so it comes as no surprise that the clientele here is an eclectic mix. Order a pour-over and fresh pastry to go and check out what’s happening in the exhibition space opposite.

The Gentlemen Baristas seemingly won’t stop until they’ve brought their ‘well-mannered coffee’ to every neighbourhood in London. They recently turned their attention to Holborn, setting up shop on well trodden New Oxford Street. Like other locations, the space feels reminiscent of old school coffee houses - but the coffee is undeniably modern. A flat white made with their Deerstalker espresso and Estate Dairy milk is third-wave precision at its finest. 

Tucked around the corner from the vibrant Borough Market, this coffee shop offers a relaxing place to escape the crowds and refuel. The cosy and intimate space lends itself well to conversation with your neighbour or barista, giving it a strong community feel.

Two things set Grand Howl apart from most neighbourhood coffee spots. One is the Diedrich roaster at the back which produces all their beans. The other is the all-veggie (and mostly vegan) food menu, varied and enticing even for the non-flexitarian.

What do you get when you combine a specialty coffee shop with a wine bar with a vegetarian restaurant? You get The Hive, an East London gem that’s conveniently located steps away from Regents Canal, and right in the middle of London Fields and Victoria Park.

Nestled in a charming row of artisan and boutique traders, Roasting Party is an enclave of calm behind the bustle of the King’s Road. There's plenty of scope to indulge your inner coffee explorer, with a stellar range of micro and nano-lots on offer, or keep it simple with their suitably sweet Drake espresso blend.

Timmy Green is a radical departure from the other Beany Green venues; a gleaming modern box, set in a new building near Victoria, with huge windows and two floors. It's also much more a 'proper restaurant' - if you want a cocktail or a steak, you'll find it here. But coffee remains at the centre of what they do, whether from the canary-yellow La Marzocco or filter-fed by an SP9 brewer.

Tina started its journey on a side street in Dalston back in 2009. While it may have moved on to the greener pastures offered by East London Village E20, it has maintained the good vibes, great coffee, and even better pastries that Dalston locals held close to their hearts. The team has used the larger space to create an artistic environment, and build a full bar. Stop by and enjoy a coffee or a cocktail under the watchful eye of the Tina wall mural.

Tintico is just a two-minute walk from Finchley Central tube, so it's a perfect place to pitch up for the pre-commute pick-me-up. But those who stay a while get the full benefit of this lovely, lively local. It's on a corner site with big windows that let in lots of light even on a dull day.

'Coffee up please!' Come to Trade's Commercial Street venue at lunchtime and you'll be hearing those words a lot. It gets relentlessly busy during peak times, and with very good reason: there is some seriously good eating and drinking to be done here.

As table service becomes increasingly rare among London's coffee shops, it's one thing that makes a visit to Tried & True such a true pleasure. Add onto that some incredibly friendly service, a generous food offering, and the size of the outdoor seating space, and you see a model of a lovely local hangout. And then there's the coffee, Square Mile beans from an FB80 as well as pour-over.

Urban Baristas has been bringing a piece of Bondi Beach to London since 2016, and this Queensway branch is no exception. The décor majors on tasteful tiles and pale wood, while the Antipodean menu predictably emphasises colourful brunch dishes. Urban recently started roasting their own beans, and the baristas know how to get the best out of them.

If you find yourself in Kennington, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Urban Botanica. This specialty coffee shop-meets-plant store was opened in collaboration with Horsham Coffee Roaster, and prides itself on its filter - with good reason.

Vagabond is a bit of a chameleon in the North London coffee scene – it feels like a coffee shop, roastery, co-working space, art gallery, event space and training facility all at once, meaning there’s truly something for everyone.

The Crouch End coffee scene wouldn’t be the same without this café. Square Mile coffee is the bean of choice, but they regularly put the spotlight on roasters from the UK and beyond, making it the perfect place to discover something new.

Volcano Coffee Works has an unlikely location on a small industrial estate in otherwise strictly residential West Dulwich. The café is attached to Volcano's roastery, but it's far from being an afterthought - and it's become a valuable resource in an area that isn't exactly bursting with places to eat and drink.

WatchHouse's outpost on Bermondsey Street holds a special place as the brand's original House and namesake. The octagonal room recently underwent a refurbishment, breathing new life into a historic space, and creating an environment aligned with WatchHouse's commitment to 'Modern Coffee'.

WatchHouse's Fetter Lane espresso bar was designed with it's location in mind. Surrounded by corporate offices, the narrow room guides customers through with speed and ease, getting workers back to their desks in record time. If you're one of the lucky few who has time to spare, order a single-origin pour-over and settle into the cushioned booth.

This growing coffee chain is known for popping up in beautiful, historic buildings, and its latest location is no exception. Opened in early 2020 in the 16th century East Wing of Somerset House, it’s a truly unparalleled coffee experience with a state-of-the-art brew bar. Visit by night for small plates and a thoughtful wine list.

The historic Shad Thames is home to many quaint restaurants and cafes but one that sticks out for its superior quality and service is Watch House. You'll be greeted by a gorgeous display of fresh baked goods, sandwiches and the like - perfect to pair with a house-roasted flat white.

A stone’s throw from their original outpost on Bermondsey street, WatchHouse’s new roastery and training centre on Maltby Street is an altar to ‘Modern Coffee’. The space - a repurposed railway arch - is anchored by a central brew bar topped with state of the art equipment, while a floor-to-ceiling glass partition offers a glimpse backstage into the roasting operation.

White Mulberries is a few minutes from the Tower of London and sits right on the marina in St Katharine Dock. If the weather allows it, you can sit outside for an even better view of the bobbing yachts. Inside it's nicely cosy in the small, attractive space where a flat white and batch brew can be your companion for a quiet drink and a chat with friends.

Located in the expansive lobby of the White Chapel building, Whitechapel Grind boasts seating reminiscent of a cocktail bar in addition to more conventional dining-type tables and a big, gleaming bar. You can imagine spending a whole day here, from morning meetings through light lunch and then an afternoon on the laptop - finishing, of course, with an espresso martini when the clock strikes five.

Wired brings a bit of shoreditch cool to a patch of sedate West Hampstead, where cool is not exactly in ample supply. Climpson coffee is brewed expertly, and the food offering is simple but attractive. Its continuing success proves that the locals appreciate it, and we can see why.

Wood St is a hidden gem, tucked in the Blackhorse Workshop. The Antipodean menu is a cut above the rest, as are the coffee beans, roasted on-site. Quirky yet outstanding, Wood St is a testament to the diversity of London's coffee scene.

There's something soothing about this branch of Workshop. It looks quietly splendid, with its subdued pastel colour scheme and gleaming granite countertop, and its size means that it never gets too noisy. Plus, it's one of the best Workshops (or any other coffee venue, for that matter) for getting into some hot-and-heavy brew-talk with the barista on duty, if that's your thing.

There are a dozen or more places to get coffee within a five-minute walk of this Workshop outlet. While some of them may have fancier seating and more decorative frills, the brew here beats everything in the area. If you're settling in for a while, opt for a brewed-to-order filter from an AeroPress to appreciate Workshop's roasting prowess.

Yellow Warbler has gone from strength to strength since re-opening under new ownership in 2019. You can't help but feel cheerful when entering - the small space is light and bright, with canary-yellow accents and abundant plant life. Coffee comes from Dark Arts and is brewed flawlessly every day of the week, but come on weekends to pair your coffee with the all-day brunch menu.

There's little in the area that can compete with Zealand Café, but you get the sense that this place would thrive wherever it set up shop. An expanded menu and outdoor seating makes it a great place to perch when the weather allows. All-day breakfast and Origin beans - these are a few of our favourite things.