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Aromatic and flavoursome with the perfect harmony of sweetness and acidity, nothing beats a great cup of coffee, especially on International Coffee Day on 1 October. London is home to some of the UK’s best coffee shops, from quirky cafés to artisan espresso bars – so if you’re a coffee connoisseur, then where better to visit?
Here are some of the best coffee shops in London, all of which are easily accessible by public transport. Once you’re nicely fuelled for the day, why not check out London’s most unique afternoon teas?
Best artisan coffee shops in London
What is artisan coffee?
Self-confessed coffee-fanatics will be able to taste the difference between standard coffee and artisan coffee; it’s all about the quality. Artisan coffee is produced and prepared to a higher standard. Unlike standard coffee, it has to go through a rigorous selection process as well as precise milling, drying and careful roasting. Artisan coffee shops are prepared to pay more for their coffee since it’s fuller in flavour, so expect to pay more for a cup than in your average coffee shop.
With its minimalistic décor and clean yet cosy feel, Omotesando Koffee is always on the ball when it comes to the perfect cuppa. So much so, that this Japanese-style coffee shop continuously search the market to make sure they’re producing the area’s favourite roasts.
What to try: The coffee shop’s legendary iced Omotesando Koffee will go down a treat. Sweeten things up with an exciting selection of Japanese snacks and desserts.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: It takes just 12 minutes to get from London Waterloo to Omotesando Koffee. Take the Northern Line northbound and get off at Tottenham Court Road, then walk for five minutes to your destination.
With its beans sourced from one of the best suppliers in Sweden – Drop Coffee Roasters – Flat White is well known for its high-quality cuppas. Artisan coffee culture has always been a big deal in Australia and New Zealand, and the Australian influence is evident in everything from the décor to the drinks. Whether you’re an Aussie expat or a Brit on the hunt for the perfect cup of coffee, you can find everything you need at this artisan coffee shop.
What to try: Try the coffee shop’s namesake flat white to taste the delicious notes of its signature roast. There’s also an in-house baker to provide you with sweet treats, or you can opt for an Aussie-style brunch if you’re feeling extra hungry.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, ride the Bakerloo Line northbound and get off at Piccadilly Circus. It’s just a seven-minute walk from there.
Enjoy your daily dose of caffeine at one of London’s best coffee shops, another which has been inspired by Australia and New Zealand’s coffee-loving culture. With its artisan coffee beans sourced from quality suppliers, Square Mile Roasters, Kaffeine is known for its delicious beverages and alternative brewing methods. Fancy yourself as a barista? You can work on your skills with one of Kaffeine’s coffee-making workshops.
What to try: With a menu that changes every week, Kaffeine is a place that you’ll want to visit time and time again. From cappuccinos to espresso shots, you can easily satisfy your caffeine cravings. There’s also a range of pastries and baked treats to choose from.
Price range: ££
How to get there: London Waterloo is the closest station to Kaffeine. From there, hop on the Northern Line service northbound and get off at Goodge Street, then it’s around seven minutes’ walk.
At Abuelo Coffee, the Australian and South American coffee worlds collide to form one beautifully bohemian café. The coffee at Abuelo is bought directly from the farmers themselves, so if you’re in search of an ethical coffee shop, you’re in the right place. With its cosy décor and explosion of brightly-coloured dishes and desserts, Abuelo Coffee is just about as quirky as you can get.
What to try: Tuck into a warming pulled pork croque monsieur or flavoursome peanut salsa chicken salad, then water the whole thing down with one of Abuelo Coffee’s delicious, iced coffees.
Price range: ££-£££
How to get there: Abuelo Coffee is just a 15-minute stroll away from London Waterloo.
Located within restored public toilets, Attendant Coffee Roasters is a coffee shop like no other. This quirky and quaint café promises a great atmosphere and service, not to mention delicious cups of the good stuff.
What to try: If you like a cold brew, there’s loads to choose from—including iced Americanos, iced lattes and iced mochas. More out-there flavours include iced chocolate, iced turmeric lattes, iced mint matcha lattes and iced chai lattes.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Attendant Coffee Roasters has six branches: Mayfair, Clerkenwell and Fitzrovia. To get to the Mayfair branch, catch the train to London Waterloo before switching to the Tube via the westbound Jubilee Line. Get off at Bond Street and then walk for just two minutes.
Searching for a spot where you can have your bike fixed while enjoying a delicious cuppa? Look mum no hands! may be niche, but this café/bar/bicycle workshop has been drawing in crowds for that exact reason. And the best news is, you don’t have to have a bike (broken or otherwise) to be a guest here.
What to try: The café’s Smashed avocado with chilli flakes and sumac on sourdough always goes down a treat. If you have more of a sweet tooth in the mornings, the apple and coconut bircher museli is highly rated.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, get on the 243 bus towards Wood Green. Ride for half an hour and get off at the Central Street Old Street stop. If you’d rather take the tube, hop on the Jubilee line (eastbound) to London Bridge, then switch to the Northern line (northbound) and get off at Old Street.
Best coffee shops in London near stations
Do you enjoy stopping off for a cuppa as part of your commute to work? If you can’t live without your morning coffee on the go, finding a coffee shop near a train station can make life just that bit easier.
If you’re in search of a quality coffee shop near London Waterloo station, then look no further than Cafe del Marsh. Serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, this modern café is the ideal spot for popping in for a quick cuppa. In the warmer months, the coffee shop’s charming courtyard is a great place to soak up the sun.
What to try: Cafe del Marsh’s café mocha is the perfect drink to nurse as you continue your commute. If you’re eating in, tuck into a mouth-watering grilled panini.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Just three-minutes’ stroll, Café del Marsh is situated within walking distance of London Waterloo.
If your commute is taking you to Clapham Junction, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s a fantastic coffee spot just a two minutes’ walk away. As well as coffees galore, this café serves up a vast selection of breakfast and brunch options, from pasta pots and paninis to salads and wraps.
What to try: You can find all the regulars in Café Ole’s extensive list of hot drinks, as well as delicious flavoured lattes including caramel, hazelnut, vanilla and cinnamon.
Price range: £
How to get there: Café Ole is just a two minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction.
With so many delicious coffee spots to try in London, why not plan your journey today? Search our ticket types to discover the right train tickets for your trip. Don’t forget to see if you could save money with a Railcard or receive a discount with SWR Rewards.
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