The Best Coffee in London – Find The Perfect Cappuccino or Strongest Espresso!

Welcome to Bon Vivant’s guide to the best coffee in London from independent shops across the capital. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cappuccino, a strong espresso or a simple brew in a great setting, we’ve compiled a list of London’s best coffee shops to help you discover some hidden gems.

Lantana – Fitzrovia

This delightful coffee house is nestled down a lane in Fitzrovia. Lantana’s Australian ownership is reflected in the brunch style dishes, flat whites and relaxed atmosphere. It runs an In and Out operation with the premise being split into two; one for takeaways and the other half for sit down meals.

The cakes are particularly good and breakfast dishes always delight. Coffee is sourced from Monmouth Coffee (see below) and the benches outside also mean this is a great spot in summer.

Kaffeine – Fitzrovia

The people at Kaffeine know how to make a seriously good cup of coffee, maybe even the best coffee in London. Whether you want a smooth cappuccino or a perfectly blended flat white, the accommodating and knowledgeable staff always deliver.

Kaffeine - the best coffee in London

The selection of food is very good with an emphasis on healthy, seasonal food alongside their regular baked treats. The space itself is small but perfectly formed with a good vibe. This is a great spot near busy Oxford Street if you’re looking for a caffeine fix.

Caravan – Clerkenwell

Caravan, run by the former chef of The Providores, is located on Exmouth Market. This establishment serves a variety of international inspired dishes with all food being sourced seasonally.

It also boasts its very own coffee roastery in the basement, which supplies some of the best coffee shops in London. The open plan layout and double facing glassed front make this an ideal location for enjoying a vibrant part of London.

Caravan has a second outpost on Granary Square behind King’s Cross station, Caravan King’s Cross, both of which serves some of the best brunch in London.

Fleet River Bakery – Holborn

Fleet River Bakery, sitting neatly between Holborn and Lincoln’s Inn Fields, offers a fine combination of baked goods, well made coffee and great food made on site. The space is split over two floors with photography adorning most of the walls.

Fleet River Bakery

The result means it’s as welcoming as it is spacious. The lunchtime rush can be a bit overwhelming so this is best enjoyed in the morning with some of the best coffee in London.

Workshop Coffee – Clerkenwell

Placed on a busy corner of Clerkenwell, this bare bricked coffee shop knows a lot about coffee. If the impressive roastery at the back isn’t convincing enough then the above the norm coffee machine will quell any further doubt.

Workshop Coffee Co

Each cup at the Workshop Coffee Co. is brewed to perfection by baristas who take pride in their work. The space with its communal tables, rough finish and well lit vaulted ceiling offers a good example of London at its trendy best.

Look Mum No Hands! – Shoreditch

The unique quirk of this coffee shop is that alongside its serious approach to coffee is an equally serious interest in all things two wheeled. The warehouse style space, serving up Square Mile Coffee, is a good retreat from the hectic buzz of the city.

There is a good selection of baked goods and oodles of space to sit down in. If you’re in a rush there is a perfectly placed coffee van outside Look Mum No Hands! serving up coffee to the commuter crowd.

Fernandez & Wells – Soho

This popular establishment, with various cafes dotted around central London, is inspired by the growth of farmers’ markets. This approach to food means that their hot and cold offerings are both delicious and inventive.

When paired with a great cup of coffee from the people at Hasbean its easy to see why Fernandez & Wells always has a buzz inside their well designed premises.

Monmouth Coffee – Covent Garden

Having started roasting coffee from a basement in Monmouth Street in the seventies, Monmouth Coffee can be considered the original independent coffee shop.

They now have two new branches, one in amongst the stalls of Borough Market and another in a warehouse space in Bermondsey.

There is always a lovely atmosphere in each shop and the communal nature of the tables only adds to the experience. It is easy to see why this has remained such a popular coffee destination that serves some of the best coffee in London.

The Best Coffee Shops in London

If you liked our guide to the best coffee in London, you should check out our guide to London’s best brunch or our guide to the best gastrooubs in London.

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