As one of the world’s most multicultural and diverse cities, there is a melting pot of unique cafes in London, from quirky independents to much-loved chains, both of which are equally favored among city slickers.
I spend a fair amount of time in London and always search for a good cafe or coffee shop to work from. So, to make things easier for you, here are some of the best cafes in London – some I’ve visited already, others are on my ‘must-visit’ list.
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in London
After spending much time in London for both personal and professional reasons, I’ve come to gather a list of my favorite cafes and coffee shops in the city. With so many things to see and do in London, you’ll want to make sure you’re well caffeinated!
This list compiles some of my top picks based on how digital-nomad-friendly they are, their location, menu variety, reviews, and location.
1. Monmouth Coffee Company
(Best cafe in London Overall)
If you’re looking to grab a quick coffee in a traditional British setting, Monmouth Coffee Company is the best coffee shop in London. Serving up delicious coffees alongside a range of tasty baked goods produced by local artisans, it’s a popular cafe for good reason.
While the company now has three shops across London, I’d recommend going to the original store on Monmouth Street in Covent Garden. Here, you’ll experience the coziness, excellent service, and brilliant coffee that Monmouth Coffee Company is known for in a grade II listed 18th-century house.
This isn’t a spot to sit and work – there’s very limited seating – but you can take away ground coffee beans to experience the cafe’s famed coffee from the comfort of your home.
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Monmouth Coffee Company Information
Address: 27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442072323010
Operating Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Mon-Sat, closed on Sundays.
Must-Try Items: filter coffee, iced latte, almond croissant
Average Cost: $4-$6 per coffee, $3-$4 for baked goods
Website: https://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk/
2. How Matcha!
(Best for matcha)
If you’re not a coffee drinker but need a caffeine hit with a side of antioxidants, How Matcha! is for you. Shipped in from Japan, the magic green matcha powder is concocted into a range of delicious drinks for you to enjoy.
Sip on your latte or bubble tea as you soak up the pastel-pink and green decor and walls adorned with quirky neon lights, as this beautifully decorated eaterie is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in London. With everything from matcha lattes to matcha-infused lemonade, choosing a drink is a delight and a dilemma.
As a matcha lover, this is one of my favorite quirky cafes in London, but it’s worth noting that they sell coffee too, alongside a couple of all-day brunch meal options. My go-to is an iced matcha latte with oat milk – try it.
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How Matcha! Information
Address: 47 Blandford St, London W1U 7HJ. Click here for directions.
Phone: +447471383178
Operating Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Sun.
Must-Try Items: iced matcha latte with oat milk, ‘Glow’ (Matcha + white chocolate + Matcha whipped cream + milk), smoked salmon bagel
Average Cost: $4-$6 per matcha, $4-6 per coffee, $8-11 per main
Website: howmatcha.com
3. Prufrock Coffee
(Best for remote working)
Based in the city’s heart, Prufrock Coffee boasts a staff of expertly trained baristas and an extensive food menu. Cozy booths and the open-plan space make it one of the best cafes to work from in London.
A coffee will undoubtedly be your first pick – and I’ve heard they’re very good – but the food steals the show here. My favorite dish is their ‘Prufrock Benny’, a take on the classic Eggs Benedict but with a unique espresso-infused Hollandaise sauce.
There’s a warm, buzzy atmosphere in Prufrock Coffee, one that makes for a great working environment. Bring your laptop, fuel up on tasty brunch food, and enjoy the ambiance of this London gem.
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Prufrock Coffee Information
Address: 23-25 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TE. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442072420467
Operating Hours: 7:30 am- 4:30 pm Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun
Must-Try Items: Prufrock Benny, Fruit Waffles (available only on weekends), Mocha
Average Cost: $4-$6 per latte, $9-14 per main, $2-7 per side
Website: https://prufrockcoffee.com/
4. Ozone Coffee Roasters
(Best for specialty coffee in London)
Originating in New Zealand, Ozone Coffee company is one of the best coffee roasters in London and has incredible, sustainable food options to elevate your coffee shop experience. The city has four cafes, but the Shoreditch store is my go-to coffee shop in London.
Customers go crazy for their incredible range of coffees, while their expertly crafted menu of seasonal delights means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. Their braised Essex beef mince on wholemeal brioche with lemon cress and Laganory cheese is one of my favorite breakfasts ever.
Their single-origin filter coffee options change weekly, meaning you can regularly taste a new brew. You can also join their coffee club to get freshly roasted coffee sent to your home! Plus, you can rest assured that their coffee beans are sustainably grown and produced. It’s also another of the more laptop-friendly cafes in London.
Ozone Coffee Information
Address: 11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442074901039
Operating Hours: 7:30 am- 4:30 pm Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun
Must-Try Items: Essex beef mince on wholemeal brioche, single-origin filter coffee of the week, long macchiato
Average Cost: $4-$6 per coffee, $9-18 per breakfast dish, $10-22 per lunch dish
Website: https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/
5. Pavilion Cafe Victoria Park
(Best for views)
After starting up in Victoria Park in 2004, Pavilion went on to open a further six cafes across London. Their flagship store in the park is undoubtedly the best cafe in London with a view.
Their sheltered outdoor seating area is the perfect place to take in picturesque views of Victoria Park Lake with a house chai in hand (potentially their most popular menu item), or a yummy Sri Lankan-inspired meal in front of you. You can also grab an ice cream from their takeaway hatch.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly cafes in London, this is one of them; the Pavilion’s outdoor setting and convenient proximity to a nearby park are perfect for your canine companions.
Pavilion Victoria Park Information
Address: Victoria Park, Old Ford Rd., London E9 7DE. Click here for directions.
Phone: Not contactable via phone – use their ‘Contact Us’ form here instead.
Operating Hours: 7 am-5 pm Mon – Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun
Must-Try Items: fresh bread, house chai, seasonal toasties
Average Cost: $4-$5 per coffee, $8-16 per main, $3-4 for pastries
Website: https://www.pavilionbread.com/
6. Host Cafe
(Best for quiet atmosphere)
Are you looking for quirky coffee shops in London? Host Cafe might beat them all, as it’s within a Gothic church building. Sip specialty coffees paired with home-baked cakes in a quiet atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful stained glass windows and interesting architecture.
The friendly, attentive staff makes Host Cafe a standout for me, other than its location. Plus, if the sun is shining and you’d like to soak up the rays, their outdoor seating area is the place to be.
It’s another excellent option for digital nomads – if you’d like to work longer than 90 minutes, book a time slot. Of all the London cafes, this has to be one of the coolest.
Host Cafe Information
Address: St Mary Aldermary, Watling St, London EC4M 9BW. Click here for directions.
Phone: +447873438774
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri, closed on weekends.
Must-Try Items: pastel de nata, latte, seasonal soups
Average Cost: $3.50-$5 per coffee, $3-$5 for baked goods, $5-$10 for lunch items.
Website: https://hostcafelondon.com/
7. C A Japanese Pancakes
(Best for cool vibes)
C A Japanese Pancakes is the place to go if you want to visit cool cafes in London. Their bright pink exterior makes it easy to spot in their popular location in Victoria – and it’ll make a great addition to your Instagram feed.
The cafe serves up all-day brunch alongside an extensive coffee and latte menu, but the show’s real star is its Japanese-style souffle pancakes. These soft and fluffy pancakes have proved to be a hit following their virality on TikTok!
If you’re more into savory flavors, their Pink Eggs Royale or Avo Burrata dishes should be your go-to. C A Japanese Pancakes are extremely popular, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
C A Japanese Pancakes Information
Address: 324 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1P 1NH. Click here for directions.
Phone: +447495968260
Operating Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Mon, 9 am – 8 pm Tue – Sun
Must-Try Items: Classic souffle pancakes, Avo Burrata, Hot White Chocolate.
Average Cost: $3-$7 for coffees/drinks, $9-17 for souffle pancakes, $9-17 for savory items.
Website: https://www.cajapanesepancakes.com/
8. Kaffeine
(Best for an espresso)
Independently owned and operated, Kaffeine takes inspiration from the coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand. Their two locations in Fitzrovia, Central London, are where you’ll find a range of specialty coffees and an especially highly-revered espresso.
A range of home-cooked food, such as salads, quiches, and savory-filled croissants, are available too, but the menu is likely to change seasonally. Their sweet treats go down a storm, too.
The friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you choose which coffee is right for you – you’ll have the pick of their usual favorites plus a rotational showcase of star roasts from across the globe.
Kaffeine Information
Address: 66 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7QJ. Click here for directions.
Phone: No phone number, contact them on Instagram for more info.
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 5 pm Sat, 9 am – 5pm Sun
Must-Try Items: Espresso, filled croissants, seasonal salads
Average Cost: $4-$6 for coffees, $3-4 for baked goods, $5-9 for ‘main’ dishes.
Website: https://kaffeine.co.uk/
9. Monocle Cafe
(Best for cozy comfort)
The first time I visited Monocle Cafe was for a business meeting, but this compact spot quickly became one of my favorite cozy cafes in London. This hipster hideout is my favorite, featuring an extensive coffee menu with specialty offerings (think matcha and mint teas). It’s also arguably one of the most famous cafes in London.
The intimate atmosphere makes it a great workplace, and their sandwiches always hit the spot when I’m looking for a midday refuel. Besides How Matcha!, it’s also my favorite spot for matcha in London.
Monocle Cafe is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive striped awning. The French-esque exterior makes it a much-admired cafe that often makes its way onto people’s Instagram feeds.
Monocle Cafe Information
Address: 18 Chiltern St, London W1U 7QA. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442071352040
Operating Hours: 7 am- 7 pm Mon – Fri, 8 am – 7 pm Sat & Sun
Must-Try Items: matcha latte, egg mayo sandwich, pastries
Average Cost: $4-6 for coffee/drinks, $10-17 per main, $4-5 for pastries
Website: https://cafe.monocle.com/
10. Attendant Coffee Roasters
(Best for a cool coffee shop atmosphere)
Of all the excellent coffee shops in London, Attendant Coffee Roasters is up there. This tiny coffee shop sits in a beautifully restored Victorian public convenience… that’s a toilet to me and you.
Attendant Coffee Roasters has multiple locations across London, but this one is my favorite owing to the unique setting and the Victorian decor integrated into today’s design. The men’s loo is now a specialty coffee shop serving tasty drinks and brunch dishes.
As it’s such a small store, you’ll often find queues, and there’s no booking available, meaning you’ll be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to experience this unique part of London’s history.
Attendant Coffee Roasters Information
Address: 27A Foley St, London W1W 6DY. Click here for directions.
Phone: No phone number – contact them via email instead.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Mon – Fri, 9 am – 4 pm Sat & Sun
Must-Try Items: seasonal drinks (e.g. pumpkin spiced latte), Build-A-Brunch, Banana Toast.
Average Cost: $4-$6 for coffee/drinks, $6-10 for breakfast dishes, $2-4 for sides
Website: https://www.the-attendant.com/pages/fitzrovia
11. Kahaila
(Best for giving back)
Kahaila is another of my favorite cute cafes in London, particularly as a charity that runs it and features a range of ethically sourced menu items in a fun setting. Self-titled as a ‘coffee shop with a conscience,’ it’s a place centered around community.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life with a range of sweet and savory treats provided by local small businesses. Pair it with a hot or cold drink, and soak up the eclectic art-filled walls as you work or refuel after a day of exploration.
The first time I visited Kahaila, I tried their red velvet cake and have craved it ever since. Every time I return, it’s the foremost thing on my order.
Kahaila Information
Address: 135 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442079981388
Operating Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Mon – Sun
Must-Try Items: red velvet cake, cappuccino, sausage brioche roll
Average Cost: $4-$5 per coffee, $6 per main, $5 for cakes
Website: https://kahaila.com/
12. EL&N London
(Best for latte art)
Dubbed ‘the most Instagrammable cafe in the world,’ EL&N brags a considerable portfolio of stores across London, the UK, and the rest of the world. The outlandish decor makes it so famous – bright pink interiors and substantial floral arrangements on the exterior make it hard to miss.
Their latte art makes it to people’s Instagrams – you can even have a bear’s face drawn into your pink-hued latte. My favorite is the warmed Lotus Biscoff milk, which I’ve had a lot recently thanks to EL&N opening a store in my hometown of Manchester.
Breakfast treats such as french toast should be on your must-try list, or if you’re visiting for lunch, the pistachio pesto pasta is a great choice. There are many London EL&N locations, but I’d recommend Park Lane for your first visit.
EL&N London Information
Address: 48 Park Ln, London W1K 1PR. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442074918880
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 12am Mon – Sun
Must-Try Items: Biscoff and banana french toast, pistachio pesto pasta, warmed lotus Biscoff milk
Average Cost: $5-11 for coffees/drinks, $10-15 per brunch dish, $19 for main dishes
Website: https://elnlondon.com/pages/park-lane
13. GAIL’S Bakery
(Best for tried and tested)
Long loved among Londoners, GAIL’s has expanded beyond the Big Smoke and into locations across the UK. The first store opened in Hampstead Heath in 2005, serving delicious bakes and their house blend coffees.
Grab a morning coffee and an almond croissant and watch the stream of London commuters pass through. The bakery’s sandwiches using freshly baked bread produced in-house are famed among GAIL’S regulars, too.
Park up with your laptop and work away, or head out to explore the city with some takeaway goodies. I, too, am part of the GAIL’S ‘cult’ – once you try it, you’re sure to return.
GAIL’S Bakery Information
Address: 64 Hampstead High St, London NW3 1QH. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442074338546
Operating Hours: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm Mon – Fri, 6:30 am – 7 pm Sat, 7 am – 6:30 pm Sun
Must-Try Items: house blend coffee, almond croissant, mozzarella, tomato & pesto Foccacia
Average Cost: $4-$6 for coffees, $5-6 for pastries, $10-15 for sandwiches
Website: https://gailsbread.co.uk/
14. Terry’s Cafe
(Best for old-school British vibes)
Want to experience an excellent ol’ ‘caf’ at its best? Terry’s Cafe London is the place to go. This family-owned and operated cafe is a British institution bringing the age-old recipes of Terry’s family to hungry customers.
Expect no-frills, hearty grub for great value. They’re famed among locals for their classic fry-ups, featuring produce and all the ingredients you can expect on an English breakfast – for those of you that don’t know, that’s sausage, fried egg, bacon, black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.
Coffee is provided by number 1 on this list – Monmouth Coffee Company – so you know you’ll have a good brew in hand to wash down your breakfast. You can also feed on all-day brunch dishes, sandwiches, and snacks.
Terry’s Cafe Information
Address: 158 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0DT. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442074079358
Operating Hours: 7:30 am – 3 pm Mon – Sun.
Must-Try Items: ‘The Works’ full English breakfast, steak & eggs, pink dragon fruit latte
Average Cost: $4 for coffee, $14-23 for breakfast/brunch dishes, $7 for dessert.
Website: https://terryscafe.co.uk/
15. Notes Coffee Roasters & Bar
(Best for variety)
With 14 – yes, 14! – venues across London, it’s safe to say that Notes Coffee Roasters is well-loved in the city. More often than not, I find myself in the Bank store thanks to its proximity to some of my work meetings.
The beautiful stores are some of London’s most cute coffee shops, serving everything from specialty coffee to craft beers and carefully selected wines. In the morning, fill up on breakfast favorites such as poached eggs or share small plates with friends in the evening.
Notes have venues in some of the most iconic spots in London, including in the Gherkin, Trafalgar Square, and Canary Wharf, so you’ll never be far from picking up one of their delicious coffees.
Notes Coffee Roasters Information
Address: 1A Angel Ct, London EC2R 7HJ. Click here for directions.
Phone: +442072566151
Operating Hours: 7 am- 6 pm Mon, 7 am – 5 pm Tue-Thu, 7 am – 2 pm Fri, closed Sat & Sun
Must-Try Items: goat cheese, walnuts & honey on toast, mezze sharing board, coffee flight (double espresso, piccolo and filter of the day)
Average Cost: $4-$6 for coffees, $9-12 per all-day brunch dish, $7.50-$12 per small plate
Website: https://notescoffee.com/
London Cafes and Coffee Shops FAQs
Here are answers to popular questions about the best cafes in London.
There are an endless amount of cafes and coffee shops in London, I could be here all day listing them all! This article gives a good overview of my top 15 favorites. Personally, I regard Monocle Cafe as one of the best cafes in London (if not the best… but that’s my opinion).
Tipping is not expected in the UK, but 10-15% would suffice if you feel the service was good.
London is a HUGE place, and there is no one specific area with a concentration of the best cafes in the city. However, Fitzrovia is generally a popular area for good cafes and coffee shops.
Yes! London is blessed with numerous excellent coffee roasters that stock some of the best coffee beans from across the globe. You’re never far from a good coffee in the city.
This entirely depends on the quality and quantity of the coffee you’re drinking. You can expect to pay between $4-6, though.
Yes. London has an ever-growing coffee scene, allowing for more excellent coffee joints to pop up in every neighborhood.
In Conclusion
Are you feeling ready to take on the London coffee scene? Whether it’s a rainy day in the city, or you need a caffeine hit after exploring London, there’s a coffee shop for you.
If you’re unsure where to start, my top three favorites are Monocle Cafe, How Matcha!, and Ozone Coffee Roasters. Remember, you don’t have to be a coffee connoisseur to enjoy London’s coffee shops – get out and try the variety of tasty treats they offer.
