10 Best coffee shops in Central London
When it comes to England, people often think of tea, don't they?
While tea is certainly delicious, the taste can be different even if you brew your favorite tea leaves in Japan. London's water is hard, while Japan's is soft, and the water makes a significant difference in taste. On the other hand, coffee flavors vary depending on the beans and how it's brewed, and reproducing the taste of a cafe at home can be quite challenging.
London has experienced quite a coffee boom in the last decade, with new coffee shops opening everywhere. The catalyst for this trend was the introduction of a drink called the Flat White.
image: Coffeehow
What is Flat White？
A Flat White is a coffee beverage that combines espresso with steamed milk. It involves carefully layering steamed milk over espresso. While it shares a similarity with a latte, the distinctive feature of a Flat White is that it has more espresso compared to a latte. As a result, despite the use of milk, you can distinctly taste the rich and bold flavor of espresso from the very first sip. It's recommended for those who enjoy a stronger coffee.
According to a 2023 survey, Flat White claimed the top spot, being consumed by 37% of coffee drinkers in London. This solidifies its enduring popularity, surpassing latte at 19% and cappuccino at 15%. For reference, the ranking in 2018 was latte, cappuccino, and then Flat White.
While there are many delightful coffee shops in areas like Shoreditch and the City in East London, this time, I'll focus on Central London for recommendations. Keep in mind that this information is based on personal preferences. I hope you find it helpful!
10 best coffee places in London！ロンドンのコーヒーショップ10選
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10 best coffee places in London！ロンドンのコーヒーショップ10選 〰️
The name is Flat White, and the story of Flat White cannot be told without mentioning this establishment. It's like the other side of the Earth from London, the ambitious project of two individuals from Australia and New Zealand. In 2005, they opened the shop with the goal of "introducing Flat White to London." At that time, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they made a relatively unknown drink in London quite mainstream. Even now, the place remains popular among regular customers, and the small interior is always bustling.
Since its opening in 2011 in the Shoreditch district of East London, this shop has gained popularity, easily recognizable by its light pink color. There are more than 10 locations in London, including coffee trucks. For this visit, I went to the Soho branch near the original Flat White location. The store inside Borough Market near London Bridge not only serves as an espresso bar but also features cocktail bars and restaurants. They have expanded their reach with an online shop, where they sell espresso machines and pods. It's also worth noting that they offer student discounts under certain conditions, adding to the appeal.
The interior of Workshop Coffee gives off the impression of being in an actual workshop, with an atmosphere that makes it seem like you can almost hear the constant hum of machinery working in a factory. Whether you're a regular customer or a first-time visitor, you can enjoy your coffee in a clean and understated space. Despite its small size, there's a comfortable area towards the back of the espresso bar. Just like the coffee houses of old in the UK, it seems to encourage social interaction facilitated by coffee, creating a sociable atmosphere.
In 2018, the first Kiss the Hippo store opened in Richmond, and since then, they have expanded their business with several locations in London. The coffee beans are directly sourced from farmers, and the cafes support various charitable organizations such as Rainforest Trust UK and the National Literacy Trust. Kiss the Hippo's roastery is certified by the Soil Association, an organization that inspects and certifies organic agricultural products, and it uses 80% less fuel than conventional methods. In addition to their commitment to sustainability, the baristas undergo rigorous training, and the cafe offers courses where you can learn latte art. Enjoying a banana cake and a Flat White set you back £7.6.
In 2013, Kenneth Shoji launched the coffee brand "% Arabica" as a small cafe in Hong Kong. Embracing the motto "See the World Through Coffee," the brand opened its global flagship store in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, in 2014. Over the past decade, % Arabica has expanded its presence to six locations in Japan and over 130 stores in major cities across Asia, the Middle East, New York, London, and more. While you enjoyed a Flat White, they also recommend trying the "Kyoto Latte" or the "Spanish Latte" with condensed milk.
During the midst of World War II in 1942, Harold Rees Higgins, along with his daughter, opened a cafe. While serving as a night watcher responsible for monitoring fires caused by air raids, Mr. Higgins would grind coffee beans every day. The cafe is located underground, and it holds the prestigious designation of being a supplier to the British royal family. The recommended blend is the 1942 Blend, named in honor of the establishment's founding year.
Under the curation of Mr. Eiichi Kunitomo, who built his career in French restaurants and then pursued expertise in the art of being a barista, a cafe has opened in London. Similar to "KOFFEE MAMEYA" in Omotesando, the brand's concept revolves around the "cube," combining the softness of wooden textures with the sharpness of square shapes for a fresh and innovative feel. There are also branches in Hong Kong and Singapore. It's a place where matcha lattes fit right in.
Londoners who are coffee enthusiasts probably don't go unaware of this place, right? Located near Covent Garden and Chinatown, despite facing a side street with a small shop, there's always a queue. For those buying coffee beans, they brew and offer tastings right there. The quantity might be a bit limited, but personally, I believe it's the place in London that brews the most delicious coffee. There are no paper cups for takeaway, so I bought a ceramic cup for £5 at the store. When you return it on your next visit, you get the deposit back. I'm a regular customer with my cup. The canelés here are also excellent. Please note that the store is closed on Sundays.
A shop that inherits the coffee culture from Australia and New Zealand. In addition to the rich and mellow coffee with the spread of vanilla aroma, the light meals here are also recommended. Many businessmen visit for lunch, enjoying sandwiches, quiches, cupcakes, and more.
For those who want to enjoy delicious coffee while also savoring a meal, this is the place to be. In the morning, there's English breakfast, French toast, and for lunch, pancakes and sandwiches. They also offer cocktails and craft beer, among other options. Located in the Soho district.
