Best Cafés in London

A cafe visited frequently by the author since childhood, known for its high-quality food and strong tea.

A British-Italian caff opposite Putney Bridge station, distinguished from the more famous River Cafe.

A reliable Chinatown option, known for its beef flank curry.

A caff in Parsons Green, run by one person, with a terrible action film from the 1980s always playing.

A cafe, gallery, and hangout spot in Shoreditch reminiscent of Berlin, offering a mix of characters, edgy photography, and an escape from modernity.

A café near Kennington Park that serves as a gateway to a lesser-known London, offering home cooking, live music, and a sense of community.

A cafe in Waterloo serving generous and reasonably priced dishes, catering to bus workers and the public.

A popular cafe on Railton Road in Herne Hill that thrives on weekends with market stalls and a lively local atmosphere.

A highly-regarded coffee vendor in Borough Market, known for its quality coffee and charming market ambiance.

Brigit's Bakery offers a unique afternoon tea experience on a classic double-decker bus, touring through central London.

A cosy café near Temple Station, where literature, art, and chess collide; it’s a bookshop, a bar, and a chess haven, hosting casual chess nights on Wednesday evenings.

A café where the author has never been pressured to buy anything, making it a great place to sit with a friend and devise plans.

A café in Bermondsey, recommended for afternoon visits, with a DIY space vibe, industrial but cosy, and cheap drinks.

A café at the Phoenix Theatre that offers £2 coffee in Leicester Square and implies the possibility of using it as a coworking space.

A popular spot in De Beauvoir, known for its house-made blueberry muffins, chicken mayo sandwich, scones, and discounted treats.

A smaller and quieter alternative to The De Beauvoir Deli.

Day Trip in Beauvoir Town is highlighted for its excellent coffee quality, appealing to those seeking a top-tier caffeine experience.

A tiny local favorite in Dalston, located in the Rose Lipman Building, known for its rotating roaster 'themes,' orange cafeteria-style trays, vintage mugs, and baked goods like banana bread.

An Aussie brunch spot with lots of outdoor seating and a fresh, seasonal menu.

A coffee shop that roasts its own coffee in-house and offers fresh bakes, good for working out of.

A quiet, refined brunch café known for its considered food, ceramics, and playlist.

Known for its Hammersmith location that feels like a solid option out west and its great açaí bowl.

A little sandwich café in Camberwell, known for its turkey caesar sub.

A peaceful café in the Garden Museum with a view of the Thames, known for its excellent food.

The Poetry Café is hosting a Poetry Review Reading Group, the launch of Yearbook Signing by Leatrice, The Poetry Review Winter 2025 launch, Stanza Bonanza: Folkestone & Margate (plus open mic), and Launch: Homography by Nathan Evans.

A cafe in Camden that always has something interesting going on.

A cafe with lovely people that run Arabic classes.

A bakery where you should try the miso-chive swirl pastry.

A coffee shop recommended for its excellent house filter coffee and consistently spot-on homemade brioche rolls.

A soft play cafe in North London offering a play frame with a slide and ball pit.

A soft play area located in Parkside Gardens, with a soft play frame that is free on weekdays.

A play cafe featuring a soft play frame equipped with a mini trampoline.

This cafe in Muswell Hill has a children's playhouse located outside.

A cafe with a play area situated inside what was formerly a bank vault.

This cafe offers a play garden with toys and a sandpit, situated in a large park.

A cafe with a soft play frame and seating available downstairs for adults.

This spot serves coffee and cakes and features a soft play area with toys.

North London's first role-play cafe, offering imaginative play opportunities for children.

A dessert shop that includes a soft play frame for children alongside its pastries.

A play cafe that provides both a soft play frame and cafe facilities.

Features a soft play area and a distinct toy room for children's entertainment.

More than just a soft play, this place offers a play garden and quality food.

A cafe situated in Mill Hill East Church offering a toddler soft play area.

A cafe near London with a Montessori play area, perfect for early childhood development.

This cafe provides a play garden with a toy area for children's enjoyment.

A garden centre with a cafe that features a soft play frame and slide.

A cafe with a distinct play area that is visible from the seating area.

Peggy Porschen is an incredibly Instagrammable cake shop known for its picturesque design, offering delicious cupcakes and sweets perfect for afternoon tea.

Saint Aymes, located near Marble Arch, is another very popular and colorful location, perfect for enjoying a cup of hot tea and a suggestive Christmas afternoon tea.

TWG Tea in Leicester Square is a busy attraction offering a vast selection of teas to purchase and enjoy delicious English tea on the first floor.

A global coffeehouse chain where you can find city-themed mugs, a common and practical souvenir for coffee lovers.

Sketch is a fancy and pink-themed venue offering a delicious Christmas afternoon tea menu, known for its highly 'Instagrammable' interior.

A delightful food spot located in Clissold Park, renowned for its exceptional sandwiches, including a standout fried chicken and cheese creation, and a beautifully decorated interior.

The Roasting Shed is a highly-rated coffee shop praised for its excellent coffee, welcoming atmosphere, and industrial-chic space, making it a top choice for both coffee enthusiasts and remote workers.

Morr is a relatively new but already popular coffee shop on Upper Street, known for its great coffee, food selection, and ample space, making it a good spot for both socializing and working.

Jolene's Essex Road branch, though relatively new and small, maintains the brand's reputation for good coffee and pastries, making it a reliable spot for quality takeaway.

Gibson's is a small, easily missed cafe in Barnsbury that has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its exceptional coffee quality and friendly service.

Common Ground in Finsbury Park offers a cozy atmosphere with a surprisingly spacious interior, known for its friendly staff, baked goods, excellent vegetarian menu, and a lovely courtyard perfect for brunch.

Profile Highbury is a cozy cafe with a minimalist Scandinavian design, offering a welcoming atmosphere that balances quiet work with social interaction, and is known for its friendly staff and great coffee.

Vagabond N7, located near Highbury & Islington station, features a spacious interior with an exposed-brick aesthetic, offering good food and coffee, and is a popular weekend brunch destination with a garden space.

Rua Coffee Bar, situated under the arches of Holloway Road station, offers a surprisingly spacious interior with various seating options catering to different needs, from work to intimate chats, and is known for its curated guest coffees.

Vertige Café, a bustling local favorite on Highbury Corner, is loved for its great coffee, delicious pastries and sandwiches, and the friendly service provided by the owner.

Brood Roasters is noted for its high coffee quality, making it a prime destination for those prioritizing a superior caffeine fix.

Devotion, situated on Essex Road, is recognized for its commitment to high-quality coffee, making it a notable spot for coffee aficionados.

Jerry's on Upper Street is recognized for its high coffee quality, making it a go-to spot for those who prioritize a superior coffee experience.

Sourdough Sophia on Essex Road is a local favorite, highly regarded for its excellent coffee and great pastries.