Get your caffeine kick – the expert’s guide to London’s coffee shop
A mug of instant Nescafe is one thing, but a real cup of coffee created by a dedicated and experienced barista is quite another. There are cafes and coffee shops aplenty, with one on almost every street corner in the city but if you want to find the best brews in London, you might want to travel outside the city centre and explore areas like Clerkenwell or Shoreditch which have a surprising number of superb coffee shops. For those staying in the centre of the city, check out the Fitzrovia offerings which are well-situated for a quick caffeine infusion or a long leisurely latte, depending on your agenda and preference.
Association Coffee, Aldgate
Situated in Aldgate, Association Coffee is more than just a café – it’s a state of the art coffee shop offering the best brews and beans from leading local suppliers. The subdued ambience of Association is coupled with great service and an extensive range of delicious, seasonal coffees. If you fall in love with a specific roast, you can buy a bag of beans or ground coffee so you can enjoy the experience over and over again in the comfort of your own home.
Prufrock Coffee, Clerkenwell
Of the top shops in Clerkenwell is Prufrock Coffee where talented baristas will share the minutiae of how to create the perfect brew. Renown for their top-class espressos, Prufrock also offer a range of courses and tailor-made training opportunities for those looking to perfect latte art or reach professional barista level. You can be certain the service will be as excellent as the coffee, but without any pretension or pomposity.
Workshop, Old Street
With a number of outlets dotted around the city, whichever of the London 5-star hotels you’re staying in, you’ll be within easy reach of one of the Workshop coffee stores. Their Old Street store is situated on the ground floor of the White Collar Factory, an innovative building that is home to numerous entrepreneurs and even has a running track on the roof! A six-metre-long bar dominates the coffee shop and the espressos are lovingly made with a La Marzocco Linea PB machine to ensure perfection in every cup.
Caravan Roasters, Clerkenwell
Another Clerkenwell offering, Caravan Roasters is located in a listed building that was once a Victorian Grain Store. The open-plan design means you can see every step that goes into creating their superior brews. As one of the leading lights of the country’s speciality coffee scene, the Caravan Roasters are committed to nurturing the unique flavours and profiles of each bean, all of which are carefully sourced from sustainable farms across the globe. With the emphasis on fairness and freshness, you’ll love the style as much as you’ll love the coffee.
Kaffeine, Fitzrovia
Situated in the city centre, with two outlets both a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, Kaffeine has won a number of awards from the likes of the Café Society and the Beverage Standards Association. It’s not just famous for its beverages either, and many local Londoners enjoy their homemade brioche and delicious salads. This independently owned café was inspired by the speciality coffee scene of Australia and enjoys considerable popularity. If you’re not watching your waistline, pop in and sample their well-liked banana bread or delicious chocolate and espresso cookies.
Bar Termini, Soho
In the heart of London’s trendy and eclectic Soho district, Bar Termini is famous for two things – coffee and cocktails. The caffeine side of the business is taken care of by Illy’s head of quality, Marco Arrigo while alco-alchemist, Tony Conigliaro, looks after the alcoholic concoctions. Choose between the unusual but delicious espresso al tavola or the marsala martini, depending on the time of day and the kind of kick you’re looking for. It’s a tiny space, with room for just 25 people, so it’s no wonder you have to book if you want to spend the evening there.
Leila’s Shop, Shoreditch
This is a fabulous combination of general store and coffee shop where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a kitchen somewhere deep in the countryside. The coffee is as impressive as the atmosphere and it’s worth working up an appetite before you go so you can sample some of their delicious cakes and gooey brownies. Once you’ve had your fill, pop next door and fill your basket with a selection of cheese, bread and jams – perfect for a spring picnic in the park.
Timberyard UK, Seven Dials
This public workspace is a great place to indulge in some of the best drip coffee in the city. If you’re in London for business purposes, it’s also an ideal location for catching up with emails, with iPads on every counter. This versatile coffee shop serves Has Bean’s Jabberwocky blend as well as Costa Rican Finca de Licho, making it a must for caffeine addicts and aficionados alike. Designed to accommodate the needs of both London residents and visitors to the city, this is a unique space where business and pleasure seamlessly combine in a creative, comfortable corner.
Dose Espresso, Barbican
If you’re enjoying the luxury of a suite at the Montcalm Hotel London City, then this is the perfect place to sample some of the city’s most delicious coffees. Situated a 10-minute walk from the hotel, Dose Espresso offers excellent teas as well as coffees from Square Mile. Tiny and immensely popular, its better to get there long before the mid-morning rush starts. In addition to their top-of-the-range beverages, Dose serves some unusual yet mouth-watering meals, such as grilled halloumi, bacon and avocado in an organic ciabatta. Trendy yet friendly, Dose also has a great range of vegan meals and other options for those with specific dietary requirements.