London is approaching four centuries since its first coffeehouse opened doors to the capital’s discerning public, so it comes as no surprise that one doesn’t have to go far to find a great cup of coffee in the city.
The small-batch, single-origin delights that today’s artisan outlets serve up are a far cry from the bitter brews that first hit the London streets. However, the spirit of social and intellectual exchange that earned the early coffee shops their nickname “penny universities” is still very much alive today in the best coffee spots the capital has to offer.
Whether it’s a commuter coffee to go, a leisurely catch-up with a friend, or a couple of rich espressos whilst you work, we pick out the cream of the crop from Central London’s excellent coffee scene.
Monmouth Coffee Company (Covent Garden)
Established in 1978, Monmouth Coffee Company is nothing short of legendary. Now expanded to several other sites across the city, it’s converted Convent Garden terraced property is its spiritual home and has been serving London’s coffee-lovers for almost half a century.
An early pioneer of the speciality coffee movement that now dominates the independent coffee scene, it was one of the first cafes in London to place its focus on the provenance of the bean, with Monmouth’s supply sourced directly from farms and meticulously roasted.
Inside, whilst compact, its Covent Garden branch buzzes with energy and good humour. Quality comes with every cup, with their perfectly-balanced flat-white a real favourite with its regulars and their homemade pastries not to be missed.
If its original base isn’t immediately accessible, Monmouth’s other sites are more than a suitable alternative, with its Borough Market branch in particular, well worth a visit.
Kaffeine (Fitzrovia)
Kaffeine channels the relaxed antipodean energy and thriving coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand right into the heart of Fitzrovia. Since opening in 2009, it has consistently impressed with its precision-focused espresso concoctions. For those with a strong caffeine tolerance and penchant for a powerful coffee hit, its cortado is sublime, leaving tantalising taste notes that will guarantee a return visit – as will its delicious banana bread and range of pastries.
With two convenient central locations, both in Fitzrovia, its clean, minimalist interior is very much in keeping with its slick and quietly confident coffee offering.
Kaffeine’s repertoire doesn’t just stop at its excellent coffee and sweet treats. Its coffee courses offer budding enthusiasts the chance to hone their home-barista skills and knowledge whilst sampling some of their wonderful specialities.
Prufrock Coffee (Clerkenwell/Farringdon)
Named after T.S. Eliot’s introspective alter ego, Prufrock is part café, part training academy. Under the leadership of former World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies, this venue is a speciality coffee connoisseur’s dream.
To say this Leather Lane institution is serious about its coffee would be an understatement. Its house espresso blends are a real highlight, as are its impressive menu offering top quality sweet and savoury options from expertly sourced suppliers, that make a deserving partner for your brew.
As one would expect with the tutelage of such pedigree, Prufrock’s staff are highly trained, which only serves to add to the flawless service on offer in this laid-back yet polished establishment.
The Attendant (Fitzrovia)
The old adage of never judging a book by its cover (or in this case, a café by its front door) has never felt more apt than The Attendant in Fitzrovia. Tucked inside a restored Victorian-era public bathroom, this gem on Foley Street belies its questionable origins and delivers top-tier brews in unique surroundings.
With an in-house roastery, warm, friendly service and regularly changing menu, this quirky, character-filled location delivers in every possible way.
Algerian Coffee Stores (Soho)
No list of top coffee spots in London would be complete without the irrepressible Algerian Coffee Stores. Located on Old Compton Street in Soho, it is now London’s oldest remaining coffee shop, having first opened its doors in 1887. This intoxicating blend of history and rich blends makes it a must‑visit for connoisseurs and history buffs alike.
Currently managed by sisters Daniela and Marisa Crocetta, their great-grandfather purchased the shop in 1946 and it has remained in their family ever since. It is known for serving rare beans from around the world, including its now iconic espresso (available for a barely unbelievable £1.50).
Its décor is charming and nostalgic, which, rather than feeling novel or twee, adds to its authenticity, which is amply backed up with quality goods, steeped in unchanged traditions. This combination keeps this Soho institution a favourite for those in the know after a great coffee.
From Monmouth’s pioneering efforts that helped set the trend for speciality coffee some 50 years ago and Kaffeine’s laid-back Aussie flair, to Prufrock’s expertise, The Attendant’s idiosyncratic charm and Algerian Coffee Stores' timeless legacy, Central London offers a rich, multifaceted coffee journey.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting flat white or have a coffee obsessive yearning for a single‑origin revelation, this curated list of five must‑visit coffee shops is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings and your appetite if you’re a little peckish.
So next time you find yourself in Central London and are in need of a coffee, don’t feel you need to stop at the first café you might see. Seek out one of these establishments and enjoy all they have to offer.
