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Hidden Gems: 10 Specialty Coffee Shops in London Locals Love
A specialty coffee renaissance is underway across London. From espresso bars in churchyard courtyards to former Victorian toilets turned cafés, the city is filling up with spaces where quality meets personality. These cafés aren’t about placards and pretension. They bring single-origin beans, careful pour-over techniques, and a sense of neighbourhood pride that turns each cup into a mini ceremony. Expect matcha-infused vegan pastries in Brixton, pastel de nata with flat whites in Clerkenwell, espresso served à l’italiana in Bloomsbury gardens, and baristas trained to taste at cocktail‑bar levels of precision. Whether searching for a plug‑in workspace or a hidden green courtyard to escape the urban bustle, these ten favourite London coffee places deliver serious flavor and style—with enough character to keep locals returning.
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Azmarino Coffee
A cozy family-run spot in Brixton with vegan pastries, warm service, and Eritrean-inspired flair. Matcha lattes share counter space with himbasha bread and almond croissants, each vegan option earning its rave reviews. Staff blend fast hospitality with coffee authority, making iced coffee taste indulgent and soft pastries stand out. A perfect neighbourhood escape for those craving a coffee that feels personal and a vibe that relaxes even the most caffeinated morning.
FWD:Coffee
Spacious and light-filled, FWD:Coffee works like a living room for coffee lovers and laptop warriors alike. The café’s own signature blend delivers balanced espresso flavor across milky drinks, while pastel de nata is a standout sweet treat. Outlets placed near windows and easy Wi‑Fi setup attract remote workers and casual skimmers.
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4.7
of 5.0
(1,572)
Attendant Coffee Roasters (Fitzrovia)
A former Victorian men’s restroom repurposed into one of London’s quirkiest coffee destinations. Original tiles and marble counters line the space above the old urinal stalls, creating a compact café that feels clever rather than gimmicky. Coffee options are straightforward and well executed, simple breakfast sandwiches, and strong espresso balance the unusual setting.
Origin Coffee (Charlotte Road)
Shoreditch’s flagship coffee haven showcases seasonal single‑origin beans against a backdrop of minimalist design and mural art. A brew bar center stage makes pour-overs feel elevated, while rotating feature coffees keep regulars on their toes. Quiet corners for laptop sessions pair with a curated sandwich and pastry menu. The café doubles as Origin’s training center, so baristas pour with consistency and skill.
4.7
of 5.0
(589)
LIFT COFFEE - London
Industrial‑chic interiors and a calm, collected ambiance define LIFT Coffee. The café roasts beans in-house and pours excellent espresso and filter drinks, equally balanced in milky lattes or bold cardamom-infused options. The toasted banana bread and matcha-drizzled pastries complement robust V60 brews, while gluten-free baked goods cater to dietary variety.
Fair Shot Café
A Covent Garden café with purpose and personality, Fair Shot blends specialty coffee with social impact. Trainees with learning disabilities gain real-world hospitality experience here, and trained baristas deliver cups with care and empathy. The botanical-style interior provides a cozy backdrop to lattes and sandwiches made feel-good by the café’s mission.
EspressoBase Speciality Coffee
Known for Italian-style espresso and minimalist pastries, this tucked-away spot offers some of London’s most refined short black drinks. Coffee is served in simple cupware alongside pointed tasting notes and charming patience. The owner’s attention to detail shows in every shot pulled—staff insist on quality over sweetness and deliver a true specialty coffee experience in a peaceful courtyard space.
4.8
of 5.0
(943)
Hideaway Coffee House - Soho
Hidden in an arcade, Hideaway offers quiet seating inside and outside if you want some sun. It feels like finding a secret studio. Coffee is strong and friendly, with matcha, iced mocha, or espresso on tap. There’s even a community board and wall with photos of regulars. Staff know the regulars, which says a lot for Soho’s usually fast pace.
Formative Coffee
Formative is a hidden gem on a nearby side street. You can sample beans, choose from unique roasts, and grab a friendly chat with staff. They do a fun strawberry jam decaf espresso alongside baked goods like monkey bread. Prices are fair, and the atmosphere never feels rushed. Good coffee, good people, good chat, that’s what Formative brings to early mornings and calm breaks.
Kaffeine
A staple of Fitzrovia’s coffee scene, Kaffeine brings Australian polish to every drink. Using Square Mile beans, their espresso-driven menu pairs beautifully with brunch-level fare. Inside feels Scandinavian-influenced yet lived-in; benches outside suit people‑watchers and switchboard‑chats alike.
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
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