Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Central London
From cosy laptop cafes to self-roasting powerhouses - we’ve published a list of our team’s favourite coffee shops around London from which you can enjoy the perfect cuppa.
Disclaimer: While we provide lovely Nespresso machines in every Student Luxe apartment, we completely understand the need for getting out and enjoying a change of scenery in which to consume your morning coffee once in a while. Especially with the festive season now upon us, there’s something very appealing about curling up in a cosy London cafe for a foamy flat white with oat milk!
Now - who are we to be the coffee experts and judges you might ask? Well, while we might fall slightly short of the infamous ‘death before decaf’ mantra in our office, it’s fair to say the Student Luxe team are big coffee guzzlers.
I dread to think how much we spend on the daily grind as a unit, but at least we can now pass on our collective coffee knowledge and relevant findings to you guys.
So without further a do, and in no particular order, our chosen establishments are as follows:
Drury 188-189
Funky hangout for craft coffee drinks, pastries, creative cafe lunches & weekend brunch.
They offer a unique space to invigorate your soul with nutritious lunches, chatting with friends or just escaping with a smooth cup of Allpress Coffee. They aim to source all produce from local suppliers to support local business where possible.
Address: 188-189 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5QD
Catalyst
“Our collection of coffees explore a diversity of production methods and roasting styles to bring creativity to your coffee ritual.”
By roasting their beans locally in London, you not only get the freshest, evocative, intoxicating and delicious cup of coffee, but they also reduce their carbon footprint on the planet. A menu focused on classic coffee shop beverages with cocktails & cafe fare in a contemporary space.
Address: 48 Grays Inn Rd, Chancery Ln, London WC1X 8LT
Neal Street Espresso
A speciality coffee shop with a difference. With a history of transforming lives through their social enterprise work, Neal Street Espresso is taking speciality coffee to the next level near our head office in Covent Garden.
However, they’re about much more than just great coffee. It’s the people who make it and at Neal Street Espresso, each of their highly skilled baristas has a story to tell.
Address: 34 Neal St, London WC2H 9PS
Monmouth Coffee
Cafe with cakes and carefully sourced coffee, first of tiny chain that roasts its own beans. Monmouth source and roast coffee from single farms, estates and cooperatives.
“When we taste a coffee that we like, we want to know where it comes from and who grows, picks and processes it. We travel extensively throughout the year, visiting the producers and cooperatives with whom we currently work and looking for interesting varietals of coffee and new farms from which to buy.”
Address: 27 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9EU
Coffeeology
Coffeeology opened in January 2017 and is located at the end of a little walking alley just few meters away from the high street. Since then, Luca Marinoni and his team has been serving top quality coffee blends and single origins brewing them with the best skills and techniques available. Every single step is artisanal. They carefully take care of every single customer's preference trying to customise your experience with them helping you to find the coffee that suits your taste the best.
Address: 4 The Square, London TW9 1DZ
Kaffeine
This independent Aussie coffee shop serves the most delicious deli-style breakfasts, sandwiches and salads. Located on a quaint street, Kaffeine’s atmosphere is vibrant with life. Their delicious coffee is served by the friendliest baristas. Be it the 12-year-refined Portuguese tarts, their pancakes or the dark chocolate brownie, their desserts are very highly recommended. Try the tasty smashed avo toast for a refreshing treat.
Address: 66 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7QJ
The Black Penny
A perfect lunchtime treat to takeaway, the salad boxes at the Black Penny are wonderful, healthy and delicious. Consistently great coffee, flavoursome warm and cold options, filling baked goods and good service. What more can we ask for? Truly a place of comfort. On a nice day, the outdoor seating is absolutely blissful.
Address: 34 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5AA
Hideaway Coffee
Looking for a quiet spot and a truly exquisite flat whites? Hideaway is where you need to be. The friendly baristas will serve you coffee and nibbles that are absolutely filled with flavour. Be it Kim’s delicious banana bread or the mouthwatering chocolate brownies, their baked goods are phenomenal. In a hidden courtyard, this gem of a spot is another beautiful location for a sunny day. Grab yourself a coffee and an outdoor seat and enjoy the bliss. Should you be a big fan of the flavour-as many are, you can even grab yourself some beans!
Address: 7 Smiths' Court, Soho London W1D 7DP
Grind Soho
Since its opening in Shoreditch in 2011, Grind has opened up many more branches to serve its brilliant coffee-and brilliant sustainable ethics. In this branch on the beautiful Carnaby St, you’ll find this bustling cafe buzzing with energy, filled with welcoming and friendly staff members and providing plenty of seating downstairs. The fresh croissants are particularly delicious and if you’re on the prowl for a vegan treat, the vegan cake is to die for. It’s also a lovely retreat when it’s colder outside!
Address: 19 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9RP
Lilly’s Cafe
Not just brilliant for coffee, Lilly’s is one of the best brunch places you can find in the area. Beautiful interiors, relaxing ambience, lovely music and a truly great menu with plenty of veggie and vegan options- there’s something delicious to have for everyone.
Well-trained, friendly staff members and skilled cooks will leave you wanting to visit back with more friends.
Address: 3 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8LU