Notting Hill Carnival is one of the best weekends of the year, three days of music, dancing, and jerk chicken so good it will haunt your dreams. This year, the event takes place from August 23 to 25, with the steel band competition kicking things off on August 23. But in between parades and sound systems, you will need a break. Maybe it is a flat white before the festivities start, an iced matcha to cool down, or just a quiet corner with Wi-Fi and banana bread. Luckily, this part of London has more great coffee shops than feathers in a Carnival costume. From tiny roasters pouring perfect cortados to brunch spots that double as wellness retreats, these are the best places to caffeinate, recharge, and regroup. Save this list, you are going to need it between rounds of rum punch and basslines that shake your bones.
Lowry & Baker is one of those places where the coffee’s great, the brunch is better, and everything feels charmingly homemade. Think vintage crockery, mismatched tables, and cakes that look like they were baked by someone’s cool aunt. It’s cozy, intimate, and a welcome escape from the Carnival buzz. Come for the flat white, stay for the poached eggs and genuinely warm service.
This is where to go when you want excellent coffee without a side of attitude. Notting Hill Coffee Project serves precision-poured flat whites and smooth cold brews from a sleek, unfussy space. It’s the ideal pit stop for caffeine between sound systems, and you’ll probably overhear someone pitching a podcast while you wait. Expect strong beans, strong Wi-Fi, and very strong people-watching.
Blank Street is built for efficiency, and their Notting Hill shop delivers with clinical precision. The coffee’s smooth, the staff moves fast, and it’s one of the quickest grab-and-go options near the Carnival chaos. Get an iced oat latte in under three minutes, then head straight back to the music. This spot exists for one reason: to caffeinate you swiftly and well.
Jusu Brothers is where wellness meets West London cool. Inside, it’s all blond wood, leafy plants, and calm energy, perfect when you need a break from the parade. The matcha lattes are smooth, the juices are fresh, and everything looks exactly like what you’d want after dancing for three hours. Come here to reset, refuel, and recharge before your next Carnival lap.
Coffeeplant is a Portobello Road legend that’s been brewing organic, fair-trade coffee since the '90s. It’s the kind of place where regulars sip espressos while reading actual newspapers, and everything, from the beans to the baristas, feels unpretentiously solid. The vibe’s mellow, the coffee’s strong, and the window seats offer prime people-watching.
Behind a leafy pink door on Portobello Road, Farm Girl is serving rose lattes, rainbow bowls, and enough Instagrammable moments to max out your Stories. The coffee’s solid, the turmeric lattes are bright yellow, and the brunch crowd looks like a fashion shoot. If you need a stylish break from the noise, this is your wellness-forward, coconut-sugar-dusted escape hatch.
Bluebelles is a pastel dream of a café, filled with towering cakes, proper cappuccinos, and friendly locals who treat it like their second living room. Whether you’re after a warm scone, a breakfast roll, or just somewhere to rest your feet, this place delivers on all fronts. It’s pure comfort in café form, ideal for a mid-Carnival breather with good vibes.
You probably already know GAIL’s, but the Notting Hill location is especially useful during Carnival season. It’s quick, consistent, and stacked with golden pastries and crusty loaves. The flat whites are reliably smooth, and the almond croissant should be protected by the British Museum. Grab something to go, or snag a seat and let your feet recover over something flaky.
Amoret is a serious coffee operation run by people who love what they do. Their beans are roasted in-house, their brews are next-level, and the space is just far enough from the Carnival buzz to feel peaceful. This one’s for the purists, the pour-over fans, and anyone who wants to sip something exceptional while avoiding the usual festival frenzy.