After months of diligent research here in the UK I feel like I have finally have begun to acquire the depth and breadth of knowledge I was seeking when I first set out for London. I mean, of course, that I can now say with authority where one should go to buy the best beans and/or cups of coffee to be had in this urban landscape of plenty.
So in this post I am very excited to share MY LIST of the best coffee shops in London. A precious thing really now that I look at it. I feel quite proud.
I should note that the joy of making this list is simply the fact that most of the coffee spots I name here, I stumbled upon completely randomly…in what I sort of believe were fated moments meant to bring me closer to achieving the sophisticated genius of a true foodie, like, say Salma Abdelnour. Even more delightful is the fact that some of my fondest memories of my time here involve taking or being taken by my dearest loved ones to these very places!
These cafes are selected for their superior selection of beans, consistently perfect made to order drip and or espresso drinks, atmosphere, service and last but not least food offerings. You will have to trust me that once you go down this path of deliciousness you will (I pray) never even consider a cup of nasty Starbucks, Costa or Nero ickiness as an option ever ever again. In fact you are forbidden.
MY LIST:
1/London Review of Books Cake Shop
Perks: Attached to one of the city’s best bookstores; excellent service in the cafe; never too crowded; free newspapers and books for reading while you enjoy Monmouth coffee
What to eat: A fat slice of fresh Lemon, Rosemary, Olive Oil Cake
2/Monmouth Cafe - Borough Market
Perks: Heaven on a leisurely Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday morning, otherwise very busy but still worth popping in for a drink; they have very knowledgeable staff who will give you a full-on coffee tasting if you’re buying beans and it isn’t busy; beans all responsibly sourced and perfectly picked to make for the best damn cup of drip.
What to eat: Sit down for the all-you-can-eat fresh bread, butter and jam for 3GBP
3/Origin - Bath, UK
Perks: Tiny, lovely, made with love atmosphere; totally tucked away from the chaos of Bath even on a weekend afternoon; owners/staff are always delighted to have you in.
What to eat there: At least one slice of the epic Carrot Cake
4/Ottolenghi - Upper Street
Perks: Just look in the window; try and go sometime during the week so you can have a leisurely experience rather than the waiting in line & crunched in at the table experience of weekend brunch…which nonetheless makes for an incredible coffee date/meal.
What to eat there: Good luck deciding! Two at the top of my list are the Chili Cornbread, the savory Feta, Pinenut, Basil & Cherry Tomato Muffin
5/No. 26
Perks: Atmosphere is perfect for a coffee break around the corner from the hubbub of Tottenham Ct. Road or a nightcap after dinner on Charlotte Street; they sell & serve Square Mile beans, yum.
What to eat there: The Ginger, Molasses Cake tempts the eye and the tummy
Perks: Hidden off of the insanity of Picadilly Circus; very calming atmosphere; smells like heaven in their thanks to what’s in the oven…which brings me to my next point…
What to eat there: You must have a fresh Cinnamon Bun
7/Monmouth Cafe - Monmouth Street
Perks: The original Monmouth means this cafe is a little bit of history that we all should get familiar with; the staff is very kind…but generally very busy; if you can grab a booth it is a cozy place to park yourself off the street of tourists outside.
What to eat there: At least one chocolate truffle. Totally worth the pound.
Perks: Downstairs from the (current) Urban Africa exhibit at the Museum; serves Monmouth coffee and Konditor & Cook pastries.
What to eat there: A K&C brownie.
Perks: Small but cozy reprieve from High Holborn…if you can get a seat; serves Monmouth
What to eat there: Slice of Goat Cheese & Roasted Tomato Quiche
10/Milkbar
Perks: Serves Square Mile beans and uses 4% Milk. Oh yes.
What to eat there: Didn’t eat anything there, but they have a generous menu.
