London is a city bursting with rich culture, famous landmarks, and an incredible food scene—and when it comes to coffee shops in London, the capital city doesn’t fail. From coffee aficionados to those who simply love the snug, Insta-friendly cafés, coffee shops in London offer the perfect blend of taste and style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 of the best coffee shops in London—places where the beans are well-sourced, the baristas are skilled, and the vibe is just right.
1. Monmouth Coffee Company – Covent Garden & Borough Market
Why it’s special:
A pioneer in London’s specialty coffee revolution, Monmouth has been roasting and sourcing high-quality beans since 1978. Its dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship means it’s an absolute must-visit.
Best for: Espresso fans, specialty coffee, beans to pack away
Addresses:
27 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden
2 Park Street, Borough Market
2. Kaffeine – Fitzrovia
Why it’s special:
Influenced by the cultures of coffee in Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine serves carefully crafted espresso-based beverages in a chic, uncluttered environment. Their food is no less impressive—fresh pastry and filling brunch items come to mind.
Best for: Flat whites, speedy service, innovative seasonally changing menus
Address:
66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia
3. Prufrock Coffee – Clerkenwell
Why it’s special:
Co-founded by a former UK Barista Champion, Prufrock is a training hub and coffee shop in one. You’ll find meticulously brewed coffee, single-origin beans, and staff who really know their stuff.
Best for: Coffee education, pour-overs, specialty beans
Location:
23–25 Leather Lane, Clerkenwell
4. WatchHouse – Multiple Locations
Why it’s special:
WatchHouse presents itself as a “modern coffee” brand, with elegantly designed environments and attention to quality and innovation. Each of its branches is individual in character, and the menu features everything from espresso to batch brew.
Best for: Good-looking interiors, consistency, brunch and bakery
Popular locations:
Bermondsey Street
Somerset House
Spitalfields
5. Ozone Coffee Roasters – Shoreditch & London Fields
Why it’s special:
This Kiwi import is both a roastery and café, with an edgy, industrial atmosphere and a reputation for incredible brunch. Their focus on sustainability and direct-trade sourcing is impressive.
Best for: Industrial café atmosphere, all-day brunch, house-roasted coffee
Locations:
11 Leonard Street, Shoreditch
Emma Street, London Fields
6. Flat White – Soho
Why it’s special:
As the name implies, this place is renowned for its ideal flat whites and powerful antipodean presence. Hidden away in bustling Soho, it’s been a local favorite since 2005.
Best for: Espresso beverages, hip crowd, swift coffee on the run
Location:
17 Berwick Street, Soho
7. The Attendant – Fitzrovia & Shoreditch
Why it’s special
Maybe London’s most offbeat cafe, The Attendant Fitzrovia is in a refurbished Victorian public loo—properly restored and remade into a warm underground den. They have ethically sourced coffee and a tasty brunch menu.
Recommended for: Unconventional setting, cold brew, conversation pieces
Locations:
27a Foley Street, Fitzrovia
74 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch
8. Gail’s Bakery – Various Locations
Why it’s special:
While technically a bakery chain, Gail’s consistently delivers excellent coffee alongside their famous sourdough loaves, cinnamon buns, and breakfast boxes. With many branches across London, you’re never far from a quality coffee break.
Best for: Convenience, coffee + pastry combo, takeaway
Notable locations:
Notting Hill
Battersea
Bloomsbury
9. Notes Coffee – King’s Cross, Canary Wharf & More
Why it’s special:
A coffee roastery, wine bar, and restaurant in one, Notes serves specialty coffee by day and becomes a wine bar at night. Their light, sophisticated interiors are perfect for informal work or social meetups.
Best for: Remote working, after-work drinks, pour-over coffee
Locations include:
King’s Cross
Canary Wharf
Trafalgar Square
10. Department of Coffee and Social Affairs – Various Locations
Why it’s special:
A socially-responsible brand that gives back to the community, DOCSA combines clean design with excellent coffee. Direct trade focus guarantees high-quality beans, and the service is welcoming and professional.
Best for: Espresso, informal meetings, social responsibility
Locations:
- Leather Lane
- Norton Folgate
- Carnaby Street
- Honourable Mentions
Although these 10 are among the most popular, London’s coffee culture is vast and constantly changing. Here are a few more worth visiting:
- Grind – Flashy pink interior and coffeehouse drinks with your brew
- Caravan – Amazing eats and great coffee with a laid-back atmosphere
- Timberyard – Great place for freelancers and artists to work and eat
- Redemption Roasters – Coffee for a cause (ex-prisoner rehabilitation)
Insights for Experiencing London’s Coffee Scene
Bring a keep-cup: Most of them give discounts when you do.
Have the batch brew: Often smoother and tastier than espresso.
Get recommendations: Specialty shop baristas are generally eager to discuss beans and brews.
Follow them on Instagram: Most coffee shops share seasonal offerings, pop-ups, and limited-time collaborations.
From old-school roasters to cool hangouts today, London ranks as one of the globe’s premier coffee towns. Whether grabbing a flat white on the move, meeting mates over brunch, or delving into single-origin pour-overs, the city provides a flavor to suit every coffee enthusiast.
The next time you’re strolling around the city, skip the chain cafés and explore the top coffee shops in London. Your taste buds—and your Instagram feed—will thank you.