There’s a whole list of exciting things on your agenda, so make sure your body’s fuelled to make it through the day.
Here are 10 of London's best coffee shops for a caffeine fix when you're on the fly.
This branch of Grind was the first to offer a full restaurant on top of serving up great coffee. They're open late every day & have a great weekend brunch menu. Take a break from the chaos of Borough Market & find your caffeine fix or if you need something stronger ask for a Black Ice Manhattan.
2 London Bridge, London, SE1 9RA / www.grind.co.uk
Two things you need to know about Curators; it’s an art gallery and they focus on exceptional quality coffees, so no salt caramel cappuccino here. They’re talking our language. With two floors and a small gallery area, it’s the perfect spot to kill some time between whatever you have planned.
51 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SG / www.curatorscoffee.com
Voted ‘London’s Top Coffee House 2016’ by Harden’s, DoC&SA know how to keep each of their eight London locations unique and individual while serving coffee of an exceptionally high standard. The social affairs aspect isn’t only about being ideal for a meeting point, the staff and management also work with several charities, meaning everyone here is committed to great service.
3 Lowndes Court, Carnaby, London, W1F 7HD / www.departmentofcoffee.com
The location looks out over Golden Square. In the summer there are crowds of people sunbathing, playing table tennis, grabbing lunch. But on the south side of the square sits Nordic Bakery offering effortless calm and peace in a way only the Scandinavians can, along with excellent coffee and Nordic snacks like open rye sandwiches & salads. And of course cinnamon buns.
14a Golden Square, Soho, London, W1F 9JG / www.nordicbakery.com
TAP is another oasis of calm just out of the way of Oxford Street and the usual Soho chaos. The long room at the back means you can collect your thoughts away from the crowds, safe in the hands of the excellent staff. They take the drinks and snacks here to the next level, so you’ll be entirely satisfied if you pay a visit.
No.193, Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZF / www.tapcoffee.co.uk
One of the first Australian owned coffee shops in London, this gem is located in the heart of media focused Fitzrovia. Kaffeine doesn’t do things by halves, making sure all their baristas have a minimum of three years experience working an espresso machine before taking them on. They’ve even selected cup sizes based on how the coffee should taste, so you know these guys mean business.
66 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7QJ / www.kaffeine.co.uk
Store Street use Square Mile roasted coffee and various guest beans for their offering. Being slightly off the beaten path compared to the other places, it’s the most serene location on the list. You can hide away in the back enjoying the displayed art from local artists for inspiration. There are great pastries, cakes and sandwiches too, so you’ll always leave happy.
40 Store Street, London, WC1E 7DB / www.storestespresso.co.uk
It would be easy to walk past Ozone and not even realise it was a coffee shop. Yet alone large enough to occupy two floors, it’s own roastery, an open kitchen serving an all-day menu and some of the best coffee in town. This is an awesome place to hang out, so make sure you don’t pass by without at least taking a look inside.
11 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4AQ / www.ozonecoffee.co.uk
Much more than a coffee shop, but you'll be pleased to know the coffee is still great. Besides, if you want to upgrade they even serve a glass of wine or arguably the best Bloody Mary in London. The food and cakes are delicious (don’t leave without trying the carrot cake) with a menu of fresh and healthy food made daily on site. A popular meeting place for East London’s media industry.
101 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DL / www.franzeevans.com
Nude Espresso roast their own beans and supply to several of the best coffee shops around the country. With the bean roastery located on Hanbury Street just off Brick Lane, all you need to do is follow your nose as you approach and the smell of coffee will draw you in. In addition, Nude’s sister coffee shop opposite is bliss if you’re in the market for a spectacular coffee and a chance to hide away from the madness of Brick Lane.
26 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR / www.nudeespresso.com
Near Brick Lane and the Whitechapel Gallery is Exmouth Coffee Company. Their coffee beans are some of the best in the country, roasted nearby in East London to ensure they are super fresh. If you want more than coffee come in early or stay until late to enjoy the range of mouth-watering food & cakes, all made on site. Go grain free and try a mufflette - looks like a muffin but really it's an omelette!
83 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX / www.facebook.com/exmouthcoffeecompany
Updated 12 April 2018
