A former Victorian loo in the middle of Fitzrovia, this quirky
building has been significantly upgraded from its past life into a
cool design-led café, replete with an impressive menu of seasonal,
sustainable and ethically sourced food. Grab an espresso (and a
photo) at this historically significant caffeine joint before
meandering around Fitzrovia’s manicured streets, coffee in
hand.

The brainchild of the team behind famed London outposts The
Palomar and The Barbary, this small but perfectly formed 10-seater
coffee house slots in exquisitely among the colourful shops lining
Neal’s Yard. Pick up a coffee and one of its signature
coconut-cream pies, then wander through Covent Garden’s dainty
cobbled alleyways at a leisurely pace. Although this spot has shut
shop for 2021, it’ll be opening in a new location in 2022 and,
quite frankly, we can’t wait to be first in when it opens its
doors.

The perfect place for a mid-shop pit stop, this
Australian-inspired café situated between Marylebone and Fitzrovia
is known among locals for its flawless coffee and chilled
atmosphere – a rarity in this busy part of the capital. Pop in for
a carefully crafted cuppa and some soothing respite from the
crowds.

A mecca for coffee aficionados, this Clerkenwell caffeine
hotspot and in-store barista school is headed up by two winners of
the World Barista Championships, so you’ll be served (and taught)
by the very best in the industry. There’s a daily changing coffee
and tea menu, with bespoke brews including a caffeinated
(alcohol-free) ale and a wonderfully wintery pumpkin spiced
latte.

A well-known place to get a good cup of joe among Hampstead Heath strollers, this hip café serves artisan coffees poured by stylish baristas (who’ll happily help you choose from its daily changing menu of food, even if there’s a queue). Stock up on a flat white and fresh sourdough sandwich, then head to the heath to enjoy a picnic lunch.

A hole-in-the-wall-style café, The Coffee Jar is a hero among Camden hang-outs. Decked out with rustic wooden furnishings and serving up a fine menu of baked goodies, the snug north London establishment may have a laid-back feel, but don’t be fooled – it takes its coffee very seriously.

Known for its one-of-a kind bespoke blend, Federation Coffee’s
house espresso changes with the seasons to cater to the tastes of
its many returning customers. The local community is at the heart
of everything this speciality coffee shop does, and it regularly
teams up with several other independents in Brixton Village,
including the Little Bread Pedlar. Insider tip: whatever you do,
don’t leave without a grilled-cheese sandwich in hand.

You might have seen pictures of this spot’s flower-blossom decor and fairy-light-strewn ceiling plastered across Instagram and wondered if all the hype was to be believed. Well, we’re here to confirm that this café-come-restaurant does, refreshingly, live up to its reputation. Make your selections from an all-day menu of healthy snacks, pastries and artisan roasted coffee, then head over to Parsons Green to enjoy it in the fresh air.

Tucked into a cosy corner of Tooting Market, amid busy stalls
selling food, wine, vintage clothes and knick-knacks, you’ll find
Brickwood Coffee & Bread. This is by no means your
run-of-the-mill coffee shop. Select a cup of Brickwood blend, then
make a beeline for the gargantuan signature burrito or get stuck
into a sweet, toasted brioche with caramelised bananas and berry
compote.

Aside from the queue, which often snakes out from this Hackney
establishment’s front door, there’s quite simply nothing to fault
about E5 Bakehouse and its epic selection of homemade breads, baked
specialities and small-batch roasted coffee. Hang a right on your
stroll through London Fields and you’ll find this east London gem
nestled beneath the railway arches.

The original Grind, this Shoreditch superstar originally set up
camp at Old Street’s famed roundabout to service the caffeine needs
of the area. Now open 18 hours a day, it’s a magnet for all manner
of customers who come to enjoy everything from morning coffees to
after-work cocktails. Fancy a music hit? Pay a visit to the
recording studio upstairs for the full Shoreditch Grind
experience.

Hanging plants, neon signs and faux-fur chairs dress up this
Portobello Road hang-out for its fanbase of west London yoga
enthusiasts and discerning foodies. Priding itself on its
above-average, nutritionally sound ingredients, the café is a
popular spot for breakfast, brunch and takeaway coffees. Arrive
early to avoid long queues.

Joining the legions of caffeine joints that line Ravenscourt Park’s surrounding streets, Coffeeology gets our vote for its artisan roasted coffee beans, which might just make the best brew we’ve sipped in London. There, we’ve called it. Grab an espresso and walk on over to the park for a refreshing screen break in the great outdoors.

Keeping loyal to its Aussie roots, Milk Beach is a classic west
London brunch spot through and through. Expect simple, pared-back
wooden furnishings, rattan lampshades and strong coffee roasted to
perfection. Top of our menu hit list? Granny Elly’s banana bread,
served with espresso cream cheese on the side.