Special Edition: The Islington Coffee Shop Guide 2025
This curated list highlights Islington's vibrant coffee scene, featuring top spots for overall experience, exceptional coffee quality, and productive work environments. From industrial-chic cafes to charming bakeries, these crowd-sourced selections offer a taste of London's specialty coffee culture.
The Roasting Shed
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
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.
Pophams
Pophams is renowned as a bakery that also serves excellent coffee, offering some of the best pastries in Islington, making it a popular breakfast spot, though be prepared for queues on weekend mornings.
Jolene
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brood Roasters is noted for its high coffee quality, making it a prime destination for those prioritizing a superior caffeine fix.
Day Trip
Day Trip in Beauvoir Town is highlighted for its excellent coffee quality, appealing to those seeking a top-tier caffeine experience.
Devotion
Devotion, situated on Essex Road, is recognized for its commitment to high-quality coffee, making it a notable spot for coffee aficionados.
Jerry’s
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
Sourdough Sophia on Essex Road is a local favorite, highly regarded for its excellent coffee and great pastries.