With the London Coffee Festival around the corner, we round up the hotspots on the capital’s caffeine scene. Here’s where to get the best coffee in London
London Coffee Festival
The London Coffee Festival is back to give coffee nerds and lovers alike the chance to learn all about the capital’s vibrant coffee scene. From speciality talks to demonstrations from world class baristas and world latte art champions, soak up the atmosphere to a soundtrack of live DJs and musicians – and of course, enjoy a free coffee or two…
28th-31st March
For more information on the festival or to book tickets, please visit: londoncoffeefestival.com
London’s best coffee shops
Ozone, Shoreditch
One of Shoreditch’s most popular hot spots for truly great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll often find a queue of people lined up around the corner of Ozone, waiting to get their caffeine fix. With the beans roasted to perfection on-site in the basement roastery, their ‘slow brew’ specials, such as Kenyan peaberry, are not one to miss.
Caravan, King’s Cross
Inhabiting a monolithic former granary building, Caravan has graduated to the major league in both London’s coffee and casual dining areas. The unabashed use of concrete and other reclaimed materials combined with its chic décor creates an industrial atmosphere on a grand scale. Caravan roasts small batches daily using speciality coffee beans sourced from all around the world. The focus on these farms is on quality, provenance, sustainability, freshness and fair trade, so you know you’re going to get a good cup. For espresso lovers, their espresso is made using the freshest and tastiest crops of the season, so definitely make sure you give one a try when you visit!
Origin Coffee Roasters, Shoreditch
All of Origin’s drinks are available with vegan milk, so there’s plenty to choose from at their cafés – but if you’re looking for something a little bit different, I’d have to recommend trying Sandow’s Nitro cold brew. Cold brew is coffee that’s brewed with filtered cold water overnight, resulting in a really delicious drink which gives the smoothness you might expect from a black coffee but without the bitterness. Best served chilled or with ice, it’s perfect for enjoying in the summer.
Allpress, Dalston
Allpress Espresso has coffee shops in Australia, New Zealand and Tokyo, but in London you can find them in Dalston and Shoreditch. Light and airy, Allpress is the perfect place to relax with a newspaper but it’s equally as good for business meetings or to visit with family and friends. Both their espressos and single origin filtered coffees are excellent, so it’s really down to personal taste. I personally tend to go for a flat white.
The Roasting Party, Chelsea
A bustling Aussie coffee spot on Pavilion Road in Chelsea, The Roasting Party is a must-visit if you’re in the area. I’m a big fan of their espressos, the perfect sweet kick to start your day. For those of you who are vegan or dairy free, a delicious ‘macamilk’ imported from Oz is on the menu (made from macadamia milk, of course!) – and even if you’re a milk drinker, I’d still recommend giving it a try, as it tastes that good!
Climpson & Sons
Situated in Hackney’s bustling Broadway Market, Climpson & Sons is a firm favourite of mine. Pioneers of the evolving London speciality coffee scene, they roast and craft some of the finest coffees in the world – right in the heart of East London. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, I’d recommend heading down to their coffee bar in Spitalfields market. Their Espresso Martini is just brilliant.
