If you live and work in London, or even if you visit, you need to know where you can get your caffeine fix around the city. This list avoids big chain coffee shops, because not only do we know that these coffee shops brew a better cup than the big chains, we are also massive advocates of supporting local businesses. 

Also, as well as serving amazing coffee, these coffee shops are pleasant places to spend time in with their beautiful spaces and passionate staff.

1. Association Coffee

Association, located down Creechurch lane, is loved by fans due to their progressive ideals surrounding coffee. They focus on making their coffee attentively and will only serve it when it meets their high standards. They create seasonal beverages so have a constantly evolving menu. 

Association Coffee is just a few minutes walk from 30 St Mary Axe (AKA The Gherkin) and Aldgate tube station.

2. Monmouth Coffee

Monmouth Coffee opened back in 1978. This institute has been serving coffee to the people of London without falter for decades. Now they have three incredible branches and their most famous one at Borough Market. They are known to have queues around the block with the demand for their amazing coffee. Their baristas will help you with any tips and suggestions on making the perfect cup to suit your taste. They are very knowledgeable on the different tastes of the different beans they sell.

They are located down Monmouth Street, Seven Dials. Covent Garden Station is just a 4 minute walk away. 

3. Host Cafe 

Host Cafe is a beautiful, one of a kind, quiet historical church. Run by a new monastic community who love sharing love, hospitality and inclusiveness. They are very well known for creating an atmosphere that is welcoming for everybody. Inclusiveness is at the heart of their Cafe. 

Situated in the St Mary Aldermary Church, Walting Street. This Cafe is only a 2 minute walk from Mansion House Station.

4. Bar Italia, Soho

Bar Italia is a family-run coffee shop. They have been serving refreshments since 1949.  They serve high quality espresso and Mediterranean favourites. It has long opening hours operating from 7am to 3am, which has allowed the small shop to attain somewhat of a cult status, and allowing late night workers to grab their coffee fix on those long nights.

Bar Italia is down Frith Street, and is situated at an almost equal distance between Piccadilly Circus Station and Tottenham Court Road.

5. Rosslyn, Mansion House

Rosslyn is an incredibly welcoming and friendly spot that serves super tasteful coffee. These guys are quite big on being coffee geeks. Which is pretty exciting if you’re trying to find one of the best spots in London. They also sell coffee beans, with detailed instructions on how to make the perfect cup from the comfort of your own home. 

As the title suggests, Rosslyn is around the corner from Mansion House on Queen Victoria Street.

6. Kaffeine, Fitzrovia

Kaffeine is a really close imitation of the New Zealand coffee shops, with red brick walls and box crate tables. They have a delicious collection of sandwiches, salads and freshly baked sweet treats. One of the most recommended treats is their toasted banana bread served with butter. 

Kaffeine is on Great Titchfield Street between Goodge Street and Oxford Circus Underground.

7. Allpress Espresso

Allpress Espresso is highly recommended not just for their chilled and relaxing vibe but also for great food and service. Aside from their delicious coffee they have amazing baked meals and tasty sandwiches.

You will find them just off of Bethnal Green Road. Allpress’s closest station is Shoreditch High Street.

8. Benk + Bo Bakery

Benk + Bo Bakery is more than just a Cafe. It is a creative space filled with art, and beautiful furniture, and a team of staff that are very multifaceted in their roles. In the evenings they offer a range of different workshops, chess nights, a design library, and the space is often used as event space.  

Situated down Gravel Lane, this cafe is just a few minutes away from Aldgate East station.

9. Algerian Coffee stores, Soho

One of the most historic Coffee Shops in London, Algerian Coffee stores have been serving the people of London since 1887. They only operate on a takeaway basis and, true to their heritage, have tried to keep their prices as low as possible. A single syrupy espresso starts at £1 and their double espresso costs just £1.20. Their strong latte and cappuccinos will keep you fueled. 

Walk down Old Compton Street, and the shop front is unmissable. Not much has changed since the late 1800’s with this shop. The nearest station is Piccadilly Circus Station.

10. Antipode

Antipode is a coffee shop in the daytime and a cocktail lounge by night. Serving natural wine, espresso martinis and great beers, alongside some beautiful coffee of course. If you want to have a snack they have a wide range of classics that have been given a more contemporary spin.

Antipode is a few seconds walk from Hammersmith Station and situated on Fulham Palace Road.

We highly recommend you pop down and support a couple of these wonderful coffee shops when you’re next in London and looking for a good coffee. Getting it from somewhere independent means you are supporting a local business and you are guaranteed to get an amazing cup of coffee. These businesses are run by people who are really passionate about providing outstanding coffee, and with great service too.

And if you love London like we do, why not make it the new home for your business. We have access to Every London Office, so check out our guide to renting London office space or get in touch today for a chat about your options in this wonderful city.