The best coffee shops in London: an opinionated guide

Coffee is big business now and there’s a real hierarchy when it comes to getting a good Americano, cappuccino or macchiato. Good coffee isn’t cheap and cheap coffee isn’t good, so where do you go to get the best coffee in London? These are our tried and tested favourites.

The best coffee shops in London, by area

Central London

There’s a lot on offer at L’ETO, a bright and breezy café in Soho that offers all day dining, delicious cakes and some of the best coffee you could possibly find. The menu is exciting; as well as impeccably made classic drinks, think such delights as iced or hot lavender matcha or a banana bread latte. Paired with their impeccable honey cake or the incomparable burnt basque cheesecake, you’re in pure heaven. That’s the thing about L’ETO, you might pop in for a perfect coffee in a cute spot, but you’ll probably end up staying at least for cake, if not a whole brunch because it really is that good. If Soho isn’t your area, fret not as L’ETO’s popularity has meant they’ve expanded to nine locations across the capital.

This is where all the coffee nerds go – and apologies for branding anyone a nerd but coffee really has moved in that direction of late. Kaffeine was opened by an Australian, and as such, it was one of the first places in London to do a proper flat white. They really have some of the best coffee and absolutely delicious food which changes every week.

There’s a lot more than just good coffee going for The Delaunay’s little sister Counter Bar and Café next door, but the coffee really is worth a mention. It is excellent, strong, with a wonderful crema and aroma. Not just that, but the café also serves delicious food all day long and the most tempting array of Viennoiserie, from pastries to luscious gateaux. There’s simply a reason to stop by at any time of day.

This little coffee place in Bloomsbury has excellent coffee, is just generally a delightful spot to while away the time and also deals in a really delicious brunch. As with pretty much everywhere on this list, they are passionate about specialty coffee so you can find some interesting roasts and guest coffees. The original – and still best – is on Store Street itself, but they now have four locations in total.

Step outside Embankment tube station onto Villiers Street and Blues and Royals is pretty much the first thing to greet you. This friendly blue-painted hut always has a long line of devoted customers (mostly Condé Nast staffers on a weekday) who know that it is one of the best places to get coffee in London. It’s family-run, incredibly jolly and worth the often lengthy queue to get your coffee. There are four bar stools to sit at and china cups available, or you can grab a takeaway cup and wander into the neighbouring Victoria Embankment gardens.

There are a clutch of places that claim to have brought the flat white to London and Flat White, well named to do so, is one of them. They opened on Berwick Street in 2005 and have been flat out ever since, with a more than steady stream of fans who know it’s simply the best in London. Grab a table inside or one of the rare seats outside and enjoy.

South London

Beckenham Place is the lovely park in London that relatively few people know about and this little cafe does amazing coffee, knockout breakfast sandwiches and sourdough pizzas. It has no inside seats but in the summer, after a swim in the lake in the park, there is nothing better than a coffee and a sandwich in the walled garden – it’s honestly heaven.

This Crystal Palace local deals in unbelievably good coffee, fermented things and wine – what’s not to like? Easily one of the best coffee shops in London.

There are a few locations for this charitably-minded coffee spot but Peckham is the original and our favourite. Beyond amazing coffee, Old Spike is the first speciality coffee roastery operating as a social enterprise and 65% of their profits go back into supporting their mission, which is to give homeless people opportunities within the business, in partnership with sister organisation Change Please.

East London

At Prufrock, coffee is a science – but once you get your head around what all the measurements (all listed in oz) you get a cracking cup of coffee! Their beans are mostly from Square Mile, with some exciting guest roasts coming in from all around Europe too. All their suppliers, including those on the tea and food menus, are top notch so whatever you order, it’s flawless.