Like most major modern cities, London has a strong cafe culture. Locals and visitors will find no shortage of locations for sipping their favourite barista-made drinks, enjoying perfect pastries, or treating themselves to a hearty breakfast.
Cafe culture has exploded in popularity in recent years. There is a growing appreciation for quality coffee, as well as food menus with a greater variety than ever before. As one of the English capital’s most affluent districts with a huge variety of local attractions, it’s no surprise Kensington has an abundance of great cafes.
While this area is perhaps best known for its extraordinary museums and the royal residence Kensington Palace, its coffee and dining options are also worthy of closer attention.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax after soaking up some culture at the local museums, or looking for a spot to catch up with friends, this vibrant district has everything to offer.
In this article, we’ve pulled together a selection of the very best cafes and coffee shops in Kensington. As you take a stroll past Kensington’s Victorian buildings, unique boutiques, and leafy green spaces, you can soak up the atmosphere of this iconic neighbourhood at one of these local cafes.
Hjem Kensington
This Scandinavian-inspired cafe on Launceston Place is the perfect place to spend part of the morning. ‘Hjem’ means ‘home’ in Danish, and visitors are certainly made to feel that way by the staff in this cosy spot, which features excellent coffee and mouth-watering pastries. Those wanting something a little more substantial to eat will find delicious Danish sourdough rye bread sandwiches available on the all-day menu. These feature tasty fillings like wild smoked salmon with avocado and pesto, and prosciutto, avocado, and cheese. With outdoor and indoor seating, plus some seriously stylish Scandinavian interior design, this venue is well worth making the trip to Kensington for.
Italian Gardens Cafe
This counter-serve coffee house in Kensington Gardens is great for those who prefer their food and drink with a view. The Italian Gardens, an ornamental water garden dating back to 1860, are found on the north side of the park and are one of the highlights for many visitors.
As well as offering a uniquely picturesque setting from its front deck, the cafe serves delicious coffee and pastries. There are also more substantial offerings like smashed avocado on toast and eggs royale for breakfast, mini pizzas at lunch, plus a mix of Italian-inspired deli options. Grab a table and choose from baguettes, ciabattas, focaccias, sourdough toasties, and seasonal salads. On a good weather day, there are few better places in this part of London to sit and watch the world go by.
Coco Momo
This all-day cafe, bar, and brasserie is a stylish venue that is open seven days a week. Located on Gloucester Road, it is a great spot to grab a bite to eat or something to drink before or after you’ve visited the nearby museums.
The menu is extensive, but breakfast favourites including eggs benedict, the full English breakfast, and pancakes, make it worth a morning visit. Coco Momo is also an ideal spot for socialising throughout the day. It has tasty lunch options and evening meals and is also popular for drinks in the evening. There’s even a dedicated children’s menu, so little ones will love it here too.
Cafe Jumo
The family-owned Cafe Jumo on Kensington Church Street, just off Kensington High Street, serves up specialty coffee and a delicious all-day brunch menu using only the finest quality ingredients. Expect options like avocado toast with poached eggs, bagels, pastries, and a selection of wraps on the menu.
As well as a great selection of food and drink, there’s a welcoming atmosphere and cosy seating areas. An al fresco morning meal is always a rare treat in this city and there aren’t many better places to enjoy one than here. Cafe Jumo is also dog-friendly, so feel free to take along your four-legged friends or enjoy meeting some new ones.
Cafe Nouvelle
This classic cafe is the kind of place locals return to each day, and it’s easy to understand why. It serves up a fantastic selection of breakfast options, from light bites like porridge, toasted ciabatta with jam and butter, and yoghurt granola to more filling dishes like poached eggs with a selection of sides.
There’s a Mediterranean flavour to much of the menu, with plenty of filling, healthy lunch options for those visiting later in the day. Whether you’re looking for coffee and cake or a tasty salad, it's worth the very slight detour away from Kensington High Street to find this lovely local cafe.
These cool Kensington venues will surely get you excited for your next visit to this ever-popular part of London and will serve as the best coffee spots to return to, time and time again.
