There is no doubt about the fact that the UK is a nation of tea lovers, which is quite possibly why for so many years the coffee here was mostly provided by the food chains and was far from memorable.
Fortunately for the coffee enthusiasts, the London coffee scene is changing: we see a rise of the independent cafes and roasters in every borough and their offering is of a very high quality indeed. Below, in no particular order, is my very subjective list of London’s finest, which will serve you the best produce every time you are seeking a caffeine high and lift your spirits when you need a pick-me-up.
The Espresso Room
The name says it all: The Espresso Room is a tiny room serving coffee. But not just any coffee: it is exceptional. They consistently impress me with a creamy and thick espresso which has a good kick of caffeine with no bitter aftertaste. One for a takeaway as the space is very limited.
Monmouth coffee co.
Roasting since 1978, Monmouth are my all time favourite. Packed in simple brown paper bag with just a strip of a label (different colour for different single origins), their coffee speaks for itself. The staff are very knowledgeable and will happily spend time with you explaining the differences between the coffees on offer and serve you samples if you would rather try before buying. Getting a seat is always tricky but if you have some time to spare, the queue moves quite swiftly and whilst standing in it you can listen to the tuneful replies of the baristas repeating the orders.
Kaffeine
Like most great London cafés, Kaffeine is Australian/New Zealand owned and inspired. Trading since 2009 it is one of the pioneers of the independent coffee shop movement and serves exceptionally good coffee and great breakfasts and lunches. They use Square Mile coffee and never fail to showcase their latte art skills. Great design of the place itself and Antipodean touches here and there (think Anzac biscuits and Lemington cake amongst others) make me come back whenever I feel like treating myself.
Prufrock
Legends on the London coffee scene: this is where the best baristas train and grow up. There is never a dull moment at this big warehouse-like space in the heart of London’s business district with different guest roasts on a regular basis. They also have the best-looking espresso machine around with a cool design. Oh yes, and the shop is run by the 2009 World and UK Barista Champion: you are in safe hands here.
Attendant
Bringing together the modern and the old: new wave coffee in an old Victorian public toilet. Who said that coffee has to be a serious business?
Caravan
Both the Exmouth Market roastery as well as the newer King’s Cross location serve superb coffee. The (bigger) shop in Kings X boasts a great innovative brunch menu to go with your cuppa and is a truly unforgettable experience.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
Relative newcomers to the London coffee scene, Ozone are no novices having started the brand back in New Zealand. Based in Old Street, they serve the coffee roasted in the same premises and lovely food prepared by their Kiwi chef. It really is a piece of Antipodes in Shoreditch and a precious one at that.
All in all, despite still lugging behind NZ and Australian coffee culture, London is doing its homework and catching up with the independent speciality coffee trend. It is a very exciting time with the newcomers to the industry popping up every week.
It’s definitely not just about tea anymore!
By Marta Safin of My Daily Grind (@My_Daily_Grind)
