Drawing influence from Australia and New Zealand, London’s coffee culture is undoubtedly booming. Londoners are spoilt for choice with a selection of independently roasted coffee beans, brew methods, workspaces and places to chew the fat with friends. Say goodbye to your local Starbucks, these are just a few of the many independent coffee shops that will treat you good and proper.
The Association
Situated next to the Gherkin in Bank, The Association is a space for the working professional. The elegant space is perfect for getting your head down and stuck into some work, or for those out-of-office meetings. Founded in part by an Australian, this shop is the perfect example of cross culture in London, bringing a piece of the Melbourne coffee movement to your doorstep. The baristas here are friendly and talkative and can recommend a latte/shortbread combo to see you through until dinner. Be wary of the time you attend however, the lunch rush can leave you waiting and without a seat.
Address: 10-12 Creechurch Ln, London, +44 20 7283 1155
Monmouth Coffee
Monmouth is the most respected name in coffee at the moment. With a prime location in London Bridge at Borough Market, a Monmouth cup of coffee makes for the perfect companion to any food you pick up from the market itself. Although this spot has very limited seating and large queues, the wait is more than worth it. The baristas recommend a flat white complemented by a pain au raisin for ultimate flavor satisfaction. Their most impressive accomplishment is definitely the selection of coffee they display, making this the ideal place to pick up some whole beans for home. Be sure to take a tour of the world by sampling beans from Africa, the Americas and Asia.
Address: 2 Park Street, London, +44 20 7232 3010
Ozone
Hailing from New Zealand, Ozone Coffee lies just around the corner from Old Street Station. The food here is undeniably exquisite and makes for the perfect brunch spot. Be sure to try their eggs benedict and take note of the various coffee brewing methods they have on offer. Ozone’s main feat is its impressive in-house roaster on display, and you can get involved after hours too by attending evening coffee cupping sessions, open to all. The staff exude true passion for the craft and recommend a chocolate brownie with a V60 filter, which may leave a slight hole in your pocket, be warned.
Address: 11 Leonard St, London, +44 20 7490 1039
Look Mum No Hands
A café perfect for the London cyclist, Look Mum No Hands is home to one of the best spaces across London. This all-in-one café and bike repair shop hosts coffee beans from one of London’s most famous independent roasters, Square Mile, and has an extensive mix of cakes always on the go. The baristas recommend the lemon rosemary traybake, complete with a creamy cappuccino to contrast the lemon zest. If you’re not up for coffee, they also have a liquor licence so be sure to drop by mid-afternoon for a refresher of sorts. Timing is crucial here, peak times can be very busy.
Address 49 Old St, London, +44 20 7253 1025
Prufrock
Set up by Gwilym Davies, the 2009 World Barista Champion, Prufrock is the centre for coffee training in the capital. The large community space is ideal for work and leisure alike and the welcoming staff are more than capable of creating what can be argued as the best cup of coffee in London. Prices are reasonable and the coffee is varied, so be sure to experiment with your choice of bean and brew method. The baristas recommend a 6oz alongside a chocolate brownie. Spacious, modern and friendly.
Address: 23-25 Leather Ln, London, +44 20 7242 0467
Store Street Espresso
Store Street’s bright, minimalist feel is any freelancer’s dream café, offering large work spaces and an abundance of inspirational fuel for hustling creative types. Located near the British Museum, Store Street is a café that caters for all, offering an array of gluten free cakes, dairy free coffees and an eclectic range of sandwiches. The baristas recommend a matcha latté with a brownie, offering the ideal balance between sweet and savory.
Address: 40 Store Street, London, +44 20 7636 3011
Workshop
Workshop is a definite frontrunner in London’s coffee scene, having previously been voted as the best independent café at the Café Society Awards. The busy feel of the place contrasts with the ample space available, meaning you’ll never be short of a seat. The coffee quality is as good as you can find, and their Clerkenwell café (pictured) is home to the main roaster, which supplies the likes of The Association. The baristas recommend a cappuccino/lemon tart combo as the perfect midday pick-me-up.
Address: 27 Clerkenwell Rd, London, +44 20 7253 5754