London’s coffee shop scene can be a beast to navigate. With a quality café on almost every corner, it’s easy to stumble into the wrong spot when you’re seeking something specific. 
Don’t panic - we’ve asked our favourite influencers to break it down.

 

... THAT NEW CAFE SMELL

According to Jeffrey Young, founder of the London Coffee Festival and editor of the London Coffee Guide.

 “It’s great to see thriving innovation of new concepts in the London coffee scene. These are just a few of the new openings that we have now added to this year’s London Coffee Guide.”
 

 1. VISIONS CANTEEN 

31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch 
The younger sister of Lanark Coffee + Sandwiches, Visions Canteen is a great spot to enjoy a well-brewed Dark Arts coffee alongside one of their famous ‘sandos’. Park up next to their giant window and watch the cool Shoreditch crowd go by.
 

 2. OMOTESANDO KOFFEE 

Rathbone Square, Fitzrovia 
Located just off Oxford Street, this is Japanese mini-chain Omotesando’s first European opening, and they’re already impressing with their high-quality handling of the Assembly beans.
 

 3. ROASTING PLANT COFFEE 

4 Borough High St, Borough 
Like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but for coffee. Roasting Plant has just crossed the pond from the US and has brought an exciting coffee experience to London Bridge.
 

 4. KISS THE HIPPO COFFEE 

50 George St, Richmond 
Sleek and modern, Kiss the Hippo Coffee is a place any coffeelover will enjoy. Head to the back of the shop and watch their dab-handed roaster in action.
 

 5. COFFEE STUDIO 7GR. 

139 Clapham Rd, Clapham 
Originating from Italy, 7Gr. brings exceptional brewing skills and attentive service to South London. This is a great space to work or socialise with friends over a well-extracted coffee.
 

(image: Kiss The Hippo) 
 

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 … A LOOMING DEADLINE 

According to Giulia Mulè, Food & travel writer/photographer. Instagram: @mondomulia

 

“As a freelancer, coffee shops are my second home, so I know what to look out for: reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, ample plug sockets, a great playlist, friendly staff and - last but not least - exceptional coffee. Here are my favourites.” 
 

1. TIMBERYARD SEVEN DIALS 

7 Upper St Martin’s Ln, Covent Garden 
Timberyard Seven Dials is without a doubt one of the best cafés for freelancers in London - it even has a boardroom. All your food and drink needs are taken care of with their locally roasted (by Climpson & Sons) Timberyard coffee, great bakes and sandwiches from local suppliers. 
 

2. DEPARTMENT OF COFFEE AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS 

7 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf 
From one small Aussie café, Department of Coffee and Social Affairs has turned into one of the biggest speciality coffee chains in London. I love their original store in Leather Lane, but for working remotely the new space in Canary Wharf is perfect. 
 

3. PRUFROCK COFFEE 

23-25 Leather Ln, Clerkenwell 
This Leather Lane coffee shop and barista training space, serving Square Mile Coffee, is a mecca for coffee enthusiasts and worker bees alike. You’ll find an army of Macbook nomads tapping away at all hour of the day. 
 

4. THE HOXTON 

199-206 High Holborn, Holborn 
The lobby at The Hoxton in Holborn has the style and vibe of a trendy co-working space, except it is completely free for anyone to use. There are large tables and comfy sofas to share and great food prepared by on-site restaurant Hubbard & Bell. 
 

5. ORIGIN COFFEE 

84 Scoresby St, Southwark 
Origin Coffee in Scoresby Street is one of four London outposts of the popular Cornish roastery. Housed in a railway arch near Southwark station, this airy and bright coffee shop is one of my favourite places to work from.
 

(Image: Origin Coffee - Southwark) 
 

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... Neighbourhood Vibes 

 According to Milly Kenny-Ryder, Editor and founder of Thoroughly Modern Milly. Instagram: @millykr

“The transformation of the neighbourhood café scene in the last decade has been dramatic and exciting. These cafés are run or owned by passionate individuals who care about the provenance and sustainability of their coffee and serve it with style and expertise.” 
 

1. OZONE 

11 Leonard St, Shoreditch 
Behind the buzzing hub of Old Street roundabout, Ozone was founded in New Zealand in 1998 before opening in London in 2012. The industrial style roastery and café serves irresistible brunch dishes throughout the day alongside their unbeatable coffee. 

2. STORY COFFEE 

115 St John’s Hill, Clapham 
Story Coffee is conveniently close to chaotic Clapham Junction, but far enough away to feel calm and laid-back. The charming spot is run by a lovely husband and wife team, who serve Square Mile Coffee and a short all-day brunch menu. 
 

3. COLEMAN COFFEE ROASTERS 

20 Lower Marsh, Waterloo 
Waterloo commuters have landed all the luck with this coffee stop. The South-American beans are roasted in-house and have a lovely velvety rich flavour. Best paired with their unusual, but delicious, Iranian nougat. 
 

4. POPHAMS BAKERY 

19 Prebend St, Islington 
Pophams, a tiny Islington bakery, are best known for their unrivalled selection of artisan pastries. Alongside the delicious array of baked goods Pophams provide guests with a perfectly-poured cup using Ozone coffee. 
 

5. MILK 

18-20 Bedford Hill, Balham 
This Antipodean-style, retro café is always busy, often with a queue out the door. If you can’t get a seat, order a coffee to go, made with beans from a range of rotating specialist artisan roasters.
 

(Image: Story Coffee)
 

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... A LITTLE PLANT-SPIRATION 

According to Jessica Prupas, Editor of London Coffee Festival Magazine  and former editor at Dojo app. Twitter: @jessprupas 

“These leafy coffee spots will inspire a serious case of green envy. I love taking shade under the outstretched fronds of a friendly palm as I sip a steamy oat milk latte.” 
 

1. PALM VAULTS 

411 Mare St, Hackney 
A classic for a reason — this pink-tinted, plant-crammed café is favoured amongst the Insta set for their colourful food and drink offerings. Try their lavender latte for a botanical kick with your coffee. 

2. PETERSHAM NURSERIES CAFE 

Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Richmond 
Set in Petersham Nurseries’ greenhouse, this fairytale café is a hodgepodge of vintage furniture and abundant flora. Go for afternoon tea or take advantage of their sumptuous set menu. 
 

3. TWIGS 

12 Broadway Market Mews, Hackney 
TWIGS is a combination plant shop and café that ticks all the East London boxes. I love doing a bit of window shopping over one of their hearty, healthy lunch bowls. 
 

4. QUEEN’S WOOD CAFE 

42 Muswell Hill Rd, Highgate 
This pretty little café — tucked deep in Highgate Wood — is the perfect setting for a bucolic escape within the M25. Take a perch on the porch and eye up the 360° view of Mother Nature. 
 

5. QUINCE TREE CAFE 

5A Clifton Villas, Paddington 
Another greenhouse café at Clifton Nurseries, this Little Venice gem is the perfect place for a post-canal walk breather. Their lunch offerings are tasty too. 
 

(Image: Twigs)