There may be days when you can’t resist the old-school, scalding coffee of the classic greasy spoon, or the ease of the ever-proliferating coffee chains like Starbucks, but ultimately nothing can beat expertly-created espresso made by an experienced barista at an indie coffee shop. Fortunately, in London it’s never hard to acquire. The capital’s independent coffee scene takes place over a diverse map of neighbourhoods, each one a haven of cafés that cater to every palate. Whether you’re a connoisseur seeking the perfect espresso or someone looking for a calm spot to unwind, London’s coffee shops provide a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary and mundane. Here’s a guide to some of the best areas in London to find exceptional independent coffee shops.
- Fitzrovia
- Hackney
- Islington/Clerkenwell/City
- Brixton
- Soho
- Richmond
- Stoke Newington
Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is a Mecca for coffee enthusiasts, where independent cafés blend quality brews in unique atmospheres, all within walking distance of the British Museum and the West End.
- Kaffeine (66 Great Titchfield Street): Inspired by Australian and New Zealand coffee culture, Kaffeine offers perfectly-brewed creations using beans from Square Mile Coffee Roasters. Their minimalist décor and in-house bakery make it an understandably popular choice.
- Attendant Coffee Roasters (27a Foley Street): Housed in a former Victorian public toilet (but don’t let that put you off), Attendant combines historical charm with modern coffee know-how. Their house espresso is Brazil-grown and notable for its creamy chocolate/caramel notes and there’s a selection of pastries.
- Omotesando Koffee (8 Newman Street): Originating in Tokyo, this chic, Japanese café brings its refined brewing techniques to Fitzrovia. From the clean, minimalist design to the meticulous preparation, Omotesando is a must-visit for anyone wanting a new coffee experience.
Hackney
Hackney seems to pulse with a ceaseless creative energy – and that sense of restless innovation is mirrored in its coffee offerings, making it a hotspot for caffeine enthusiasts.
- Climpson & Sons (Broadway Market): A pioneer in London’s specialty coffee scene, Climpson & Sons offers a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Their Broadway Market location has a bustling atmosphere that draws aficionados from far and wide.
- Dark Arts Coffee (1-5 Rosina Street): Located in a railway arch, Dark Arts Coffee (with outposts in Soho and Shoreditch) is known for its bold flavours and commitment to quality. The Homerton branch is the original and provides a unique setting in which to get your fix.
Islington/Clerkenwell/City
Islington, Clerkenwell and the City of London all blend of historic charm and modern living. No wonder they’ve got coffee culture down to such a fine art, with several standout independent cafés that draw both locals and people from other boroughs.
- Ground Control (61 Amwell Street): Ground Control, the café of the Ethiopian Coffee Company, offers a rotating selection of beans from, as you’d expect, various Ethiopian regions. Their knowledgeable staff provide detailed tasting notes to enhance your drinking experience.
- Prufrock Coffee (23-25 Leather Lane): Founded by former World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies, Prufrock Coffee is a beloved by enthusiasts. Located in Clerkenwell, this spacious café not only serves exceptional coffee but also offers barista training courses for those looking to take their home-brewing skills to the next level.
- Rosslyn Coffee (five City of London locations): Since its launch in 2018, the award-winning Rosslyn Coffee has quickly become a favourite among the caffeine-loving workers of the capital’s financial district. The minimalist interior of each venue allows the coffee to take centre stage.
- The Wren Coffee: Set within the St Nicholas Cole Abbey church near Blackfriars, the Wren Coffee has an appealing, laidback atmosphere. Its coffee is made by the celebrated Caravan brand and goes down extremely well with any of its made-on-site bakery, breakfast or lunch options, which include porridge, cinnamon buns and almond croissants.
Brixton
Brixton’s energetic atmosphere is complemented by its ever-improving coffee scene. You’ll find a variety of independent cafés, several of which are sure to cater to your tastes.
- Parissi (76 Atlantic Road): With its up-cycled tables and vines trailing from the ceiling, this cosy café has an inviting, community-minded ambience. Owner Spyros Parrisis grew up baking with his grandmother on the Greek island of Lesvos and makes all the pastries himself. The cinnamon buns – flaky, caramelised swirls of rapture – are among the best in London.
- Old Spike Roastery (Gastineau Yard): While this cool independent chain has its roastery and barista training centre in Brixton, you can enjoy its cafés in Peckham, Elephant & Castle, the City, the West End and beyond. Old Spike prides itself on its ethical credentials: not only does it offer job training for the homeless, it also plants a tree for every bag sold. The coffee is sourced directly from farmers and is consistently excellent, particularly when paired with one of the delicious pastel de nata.
Soho
Soho’s frenetic atmosphere is reflected in its buzzing coffee scene and several its its independent cafés really stand out and merit further investigation.
- Algerian Coffee Stores (Old Compton Street): Since 1887, Soho has been home to the Algerian Coffee Stores – it’s an institution to which no self-respecting Londoner should be a stranger. Indeed, if you come across a Londoner who looks at you blankly when you mention it, be sure to mark them down a peg or two in your estimation. The venue’s £1.50 espresso remains perhaps the best caffeine deal in the city. It’s managed by sisters Daniela and Marisa Crocetta, whose great-grandfather purchased the shop in 1946.
- Bar Italia: A landmark coffee bar in Soho since 1949, Bar Italia is known for its chic style and has long been a staple for Italian migrants and their admirers alike. A second branch has recently been opened at the Outernet event space near Tottenham Court Road.
Richmond
Desirable Richmond’s leafy streets and riverside views provide a picturesque backdrop for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee.
- Kiss The Hippo (21 Sheen Road): This sleek Scandinavian café (which also has branches in central London) is a real west London treasure. Its two floors are always abuzz with locals catching up over espresso, chocolate tarts and orange polenta cake. You can also take home Kiss The Hippo coffee in bean, ground or capsule form.
Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington, often referred to as “Stokey,” has the kind of bustling independent coffee shops you’d expect of an area known for its artiness and sense of occasion.
- Esters (55 Kynaston Road): Esters is a standout café with an imaginative menu and exceptional coffee. It’s a breakfast/brunch/lunch venue where the culinary delights go extremely well with the lovely array of caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks.
- The Good Egg (93 Stoke Newington Church Street): Known for its Middle Eastern-inspired brunch offerings, the convivial Good Egg also serves espresso and all the additional coffee drinks you’d expect (e.g. macchiato, cortado, iced coffee). It’s licensed for alcohol and also has a dinner menu.