Cafes and Coffee in London Guide
Welcome to our guide to Cafes and Coffee in London
London’s café culture is thriving - from independent roasters and artisan bakeries to elegant tearooms and vibrant brunch spots.
Whether you’re starting your morning in Covent Garden, catching up with friends in Shoreditch, or working remotely in a cosy Notting Hill café, the capital offers endless ways to enjoy great coffee and relaxed dining. From flat whites and pour-overs to afternoon tea and pastries, London’s cafés combine creativity, comfort, and community spirit in every cup.
About Cafés and Coffee in London
London’s love affair with coffee stretches back to the 17th century, when the city’s first coffee houses became meeting places for writers, politicians and traders. Today, that same social energy continues — only with better beans, sustainable practices, and global influences.
Independent cafés now outnumber chains in many areas, with roasteries championing traceable sourcing and expert baristas crafting the perfect espresso. The city also boasts elegant tearooms and brunch destinations that make coffee a full-day ritual.
Types of Cafés in London
Speciality Coffee Shops – Coffee lovers can find world-class roasters like Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market, Kaffeine in Fitzrovia, and Origin Coffee in Southwark, all known for their single-origin beans and precision brewing.
Brunch & All-Day Cafés – Enjoy relaxed, social dining at London favourites such as Granger & Co (Chelsea), Caravan (King’s Cross), and Riding House Café (Fitzrovia), where exceptional coffee meets seasonal brunch menus.
Artisan Bakeries & Patisseries – Combine your coffee with a buttery croissant or freshly baked sourdough at Gail’s, Ottolenghi, or Pophams, each blending bakery craftsmanship with warm, modern interiors.
Historic & Traditional Tearooms – Indulge in a classic afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason or The Wolseley, where silver teapots, scones, and delicate sandwiches recall London’s timeless elegance.
Work-Friendly & Community Cafés – Cafés such as Timberyard in Seven Dials and Ozone Coffee in Shoreditch offer coworking-friendly spaces with Wi-Fi, open tables, and sustainably sourced menus.
Our Guides to London’s Best Coffee
Top Café Districts in London
Soho & Covent Garden – Central London’s creative hub, filled with espresso bars, dessert cafés, and independent roasters.
Shoreditch & Hoxton – The heart of the city’s coffee revolution, packed with innovative cafés and stylish workspaces.
Notting Hill & Kensington – Elegant brunch spots and boutique bakeries with a relaxed, local feel.
King’s Cross & Bloomsbury – Ideal for work-friendly coffee shops and roasteries serving premium blends.
South Bank & Borough – Riverside cafés offering scenic views alongside top-tier coffee and pastries.
Sustainability and London’s Coffee Culture
London’s café scene leads the UK in sustainability, with compostable cups, reusable incentives, and ethically traded beans becoming standard. Many cafés partner with social enterprises or direct-trade farmers, ensuring every cup supports both people and the planet.
Planning Your Visit
A coffee tour of London can take you from roasteries in East London to elegant tearooms in the West End. Combine café visits with market strolls, art galleries, or scenic parks — and discover why London’s café culture is among the most creative and inclusive in Europe.
For more inspiration, explore our related guides:
Best Coffee Shops in London
Top Brunch Spots in London
Afternoon Tea in London
Sustainable Cafés in London
Work-Friendly Cafés in London