There is a wonderful quiet distinction in the area of Bayswater that makes the most of its position between the serene greenery of Hyde Park and the unmistakable energy of Notting Hill. The recent resurgence of the neighbourhood has been driven by the cosmopolitan residents and businesses that want to deliver high-end services without the fuss and pretention that can often blight such city centre developments.
This philosophy is well demonstrated in the abundance of superb quality options for where to get your daily cup of coffee. Of course, in the 21st century, particularly for a capital such as London, the once humble hot drink means so much more than a quick pick-me-up to keep one going through the day. It has been shaped by the decades of artisan offerings and establishments that play with interior design elements, new hospitality ideas and repurposed spaces to make coffee a big business and a key signifier in the social status of a location.
Our guide to the best coffee in Bayswater presents a collection of the very best options available in and around the area.
Fluffy Fluffy
The playful name and reputation as a dessert haven should not deter serious coffee aficionados from a visit to this wonderful place on the Queensway Corridor. In a setting of pale timber furniture and sleek brass lighting, there is a minimalist calm here that definitely fulfils the criteria for solo working or a quiet moment with a hot cup. With commendable sustainability credentials and ethically grown products, the Ethiopian-grown varietals offer a brightness and floral complexity that is hard to match in most of the bigger chains. Their house ‘Fluffy Blend’ is a highlight with great balance and clarity that leads to notes of honey, almond and black tea.
Once here, it is difficult to ignore the treats that they also have on offer. However, such is the attention to detail at Fluffy Fluffy that it is possible to create some incredible pairings for a neat synergy with the coffee options. The matcha tiramisu pancake is a good companion for their flat white and the burnt cheesecake is clearly a fine match for a quick espresso. This place is a considered and indulgent little gem.
Arro Coffee
The Italian craft involved in coffee culture has long been the standard bearer for the perfect cup. Arro Coffee on Bishop’s Bridge Road was created by Pierino Sassone in 2016 when he wanted to bring his passion for the drink to London in a faithful recreation of the Italian Espresso bars of his home country. It quickly earned a fantastic reputation in the area and is often referred to as The Temple of Coffee by enthusiastic locals and patrons.
The skilled baristas at Arro have been trained in the meticulous arts of Italian espresso techniques that were handed down through generations. Using organic beans that are ethically sourced – and Rainforest Alliance certified – guarantees that the product matches the process for some simple drinks done remarkably well. The Espresso and Ristretto at Arro are great examples of this tradition, with rich and aromatic flavour profiles on show. The interior design works well to evoke a classic Mediterranean atmosphere with plush leather banquettes, and the al fresco seating is well placed for a mid-morning seat to watch this part of the world go by.
Guillam Coffee House
Guillam Coffee House blends the artistry of its Georgian townhouse setting at Petersburgh Place with the muted and exacting aesthetic standards of the design firm Shed and Rowan that took care of the interior here. A subtle palette of soft pastels and light drapery accentuates the natural feel of herringbone timber floors and clay-plaster wall finishes that allow the coffee bar to draw focus. And quite rightly so, as its almost geological structure and showcased coffee beans set the tone for a refined and sensorial experience all round.
Guillam’s reputation for a speciality of single-origin beans with impeccable sustainability credentials helps deliver excellent coffee from Ethiopia, Kenya, Honduras, Yemen and Indonesia. This is something that has rightly been recognised through awards from the World Coffee Summit in 2023 and the UK Coffee Awards of 2022. This is a place that can take their guests on a journey from the casual drinker to the connoisseur, with trained staff always happy to discuss their methods of brewing, extraction and water quality. As a result, the nooks and cosy tables at Guillam’s have been the beginning of many love affairs with coffee and even in one visit, it is easy to see why.
TAB x TAB
Westbourne Grove on the border of Bayswater and Notting Hill, is a fascinating hub of boutiques and lifestyle businesses that represent exactly what the two neighbourhoods are becoming well known for. TAB x TAB was created by husband and wife partnership Mat and Lucie Bicknell with an uncomplicated brief to provide specialty coffee in a serene setting with beautiful design. There is a Scandinavian feel that stretches across mid-century modernity and minimalism, where attention to detail is king. The custom ceramic tableware from KANA London of handmade cups and plates lends an intimate feel to the Terrazzo countertops and bold oak furniture that surrounds them.
TAB x TAB works hard to elevate its offering beyond the grab-and-go culture that has grown around coffee in London. Their V60 manual pour-over product is testament to this philosophy. It ensures a clean, bright and clear flavour with minimal sediment and precise control over temperature, pouring speed and brewing time.
The carefully curated menu here also includes rotating seasonal options with lavender honey latte and iced orange espresso, delivering something completely different amongst the classics. Much like the place itself, they are definitely worth a try.
As our guide demonstrates, there is a strength and depth to the coffee scene in this area of London, with Bayswater actively playing its part, with a collection of options that appeal to all coffee lovers across the scale. Similar to every element of food and drink, the levels of detail and elevated quality that are present at the higher end are always worth taking the time to consider. Ultimately, the best brews are the ones that are best for you.
