I love all these independent, little coffee shops and cozy cafés in London and want to share a list of my absolute favourites. Do you like a good morning coffee, an espresso after lunch, a flat white in the afternoon that keeps you going? Or an iced coffee on a hot summer day? No matter what you like best, check out the following places.

1. Story Coffee

The café is small but very bright, open and airy with its large windows and light wooden design. It also has a couple of tables outside which are great for people watching or catching some sun. It’s a lovely place to just relax for a bit with a good coffee and a book. They also serve freshly baked cakes and pastries, sourdough sandwiches and other light snacks.

Must try: The pistachio tart is my favourite.

Where: 115 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SZ

2. Ozone Coffee Roasters

I absolutely love this location with its roastery in the basement (you can just imagine the smell of the fresh roasted coffee beans). Apart from their excellent coffee Ozone becomes bigger and bigger in terms of food. In addition to their brunch and daytime menu they now offer evening dining from Monday to Friday. It’s a tapas style menu, all plates are meant to be shared and are coming straight from the charcoal. Try and book in advance or expect a queue and some waiting time.

Must try: The mixed berry muffin is delicious and the best I’ve probably tasted.

Where: 11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ 

3. Shoreditch Grind

Great vibes and always very busy. There are more Grinds around London i.e. in Soho, Clerkenwell and London Bridge.

Must try: The coffee cocktail menu in the evenings.
However, if you aren’t a big fan of Espresso Martinis have a look at their wine list – the Stopbanks Marlborough Pinot Noir is a lovely red and my favourite.

Where: 213 Old Street, London EC1V 9NR

Also amazing and definitely worth going…

Timberyard – 61-67 Old St, London EC1V 9HW

Birdhouse – 123 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SZ

Workshop Coffee Co. – 27 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5RN

The Black Lab Coffee House – 18 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AB

Monmouth Coffee – 27 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9EU

Enjoy your coffee!

All of the featured places normally have lactose free milk options – soya, oat, almond etc. Some of them also offer homemade gluten-free cakes and pastries.

Please feedback and comment or leave me a message if you have any questions.