The Journal

An iconic square mile overflowing with creative energy bang in the middle of central London: Soho is prime coffee shop territory. And while the mass homogenisation of coffee shops is something of a 21st century phenomenon, they are, in fact, a deeply embedded part of Soho’s cultural fabric. Soho has long been famous - especially as an epicentre of post-war bohemia and 20th-century subculture - and, alongside its diverse and dynamic cultural scene, its smoky Italian espresso bars of the 1950s became well-established social meccas, drawing in local creatives and enthralled tourists. The spirit of those bars largely remains, and today’s ‘third-wave cafés’ - whether they be global brands or independents - trade on Soho’s long-established reputation as a go-to location for an atmospheric caffeine experience. Here’s our guide to its best locations.