London may be famous for its pubs and high teas, but its coffee scene is also experiencing a boom.
From London institutions like Monmouth to cutting-edge new spots like Workshop, from epic church environs like The Wren to re-purposed underground toilet settings like The Attendant, your choices for finding the perfect cup of coffee in London are endless.
Here are five of the best cafes in London.
Quick tip:
After sipping your way through the below cafes, get out and explore the rest of the country. This 5-day England itinerary from London to Carlisle by train introduces you to history, nature, culture and, you guessed it, coffee.
The Wren
In the shadow of Saint Paul’s cathedral, housed in the atmospheric surrounds of the re-purposed Saint Nicholas Cole Abbey, newcomer The Wren boasts some of the most unique surrounds — and best coffee — in London.
The space is large and airy, but the ambiance is still somehow quaint and comfy.
Workshop
Workshop is quickly earning itself a reputation as one of London’s finest purveyors of coffee. The quirky décor and relaxed vibe, not to mention the exquisite coffee, make it the perfect spot to unwind over an espresso.
Spending time here is also one of the top things to do in London alone if you’re traveling solo and want a taste of local culture, literally.
Fernandez & Wells
Fernandez & Wells has a number of locations in fashionable parts of the city, including near Leicester Square and in the courtyard of Kings College London and the Courtauld Gallery, but my favorite is tucked away down a little Soho street.
Espressos and milky coffees alike reign here, and they serve patisseries worthy of France.
Monmouth Coffee
When it comes to coffee, Monmouth is a veritable London institution.
The shopfront right near the Borough Market, just south of London Bridge, tends to draw the most visitors; however, I’m a fan of the Monmouth Street, Covent Garden branch, if only for its location in the midst of some of the city’s best shopping streets, Seven Dials.
The Attendant
Subterranean Fitzrovia café The Attendant is set in one of the most bizarre spaces in all of Europe:
A re-purposed Victorian men’s bathroom. Porcelain urinal stalls have been transformed into surprisingly fitting personalized benches, reading lamps and old hand dryers alike sit side-by-side on the walls, and the floor alternates between original tiling and bright new astroturf.
If it sounds just a little distasteful, believe me, it’s not. With top-notch coffee, sparkling clean spaces, quirky decorations, and delicious snacks, The Attendant is all charm and definitely no grime.
Do you have a favorite London cafe? Please share in the comments below.
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