Indeed, I was in London again last month in July following a family vacation in Morocco, and I am eager to share my specialty coffee explorations in London with you, particularly since numerous new coffee shops have been launching and who claimed that the rise of coffee shops was only a fleeting fad…. Hmmm! In summary, there seems to be a pattern where coffee brands from abroad, like those from Dubai (refer to previous post), Nairobi (yes, Kenya, Africa), Asia, and Europe, are establishing locations in London. I also revisited some of my favorites, especially since they were quite convenient on my journey to explore London and visit friends.
The Barn Café, 36 Charlotte Street
Recently opened on Charlotte Street, just a short stroll from Oxford Street (at the Tottenham Court Road end and near Goodge Street), Barn Berlin has launched a location in vibrant London – named The Barn Café (not Barn Berlin). A comfortable retreat, the decor is urban chic featuring exposed brick, and has a natural ambiance, adorned with wooden furnishings and flooring that suits, I presume, their coffee bags too, reminiscent of my coffee shop experience in Cape Town. They utilize a La Marzocco two-group Linea machine accompanied by Victoria Arduino grinders. There’s some outdoor seating, which was ideal on the warm sunny 30C day I visited. Nonetheless, I opted for seating inside as I wished to capture photos and videos and engage a bit with their amiable staff, which I did. Since I hadn’t enjoyed any milk-based coffee that day, I chose a flat white made with their blend.
Well-proportioned.
They offer various coffees for sale, so you can both sip and purchase.
Spring Valley, 24 Camden Passage, Islington
I was thrilled to discover this new coffee shop opening in London right before my arrival, but why, you may wonder. In short, I’ve been aware of this Kenyan coffee brand since 2018, and the prospect of an African brand launching in one of London’s most esteemed neighborhoods indicated to me two things: that an African F&B business possesses the courage to set foot in London, and that a dedicated coffee shop would consistently provide Kenyan coffee. Consequently, I visited on a particularly rainy Sunday with my daughter and was taken aback by how bustling the area was. Even more impressive was the shop’s size, equipped with all the best equipment I had seen in Nairobi, such as a La Marzocco Strada and a Swan grinder.
I chose a cappuccino brewed with their dark roast, although I must admit, I would have favored their medium roast, but they had already run out by 11:30 am. They also sell a variety of merchandise imported from Africa, and I can foresee them turning into a community spot for locals and British Africans alike.
Frequency Specialty Coffee, 13 Camden Passage Islington
Not far from Spring Valley was what appeared to be a small coffee shop. However, upon ascending the stairs, I discovered that Frequency has seating spread across four levels, including a garden patio as well. On a rainy day, we settled on the second floor where I enjoyed my Brazilian cortado – exquisite hints of dark chocolate dancing on the edges of my palate.
So delightful, that I purchased a bag of their espresso beans to bring back to Dubai as well.
Later that week, I returned with my brother, and guess what, it was raining again, but this time I opted for a V60, which was quite good as well.
Zero to One, 19 Widegate, near Liverpool Street Station
We are aware that Vietnam is now the second-largest coffee producer globally, yet I had never been to or spotted a Vietnamese specialty coffee shop until now – conveniently located a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street tube station – the center of bankers, lawyers, and those who generate wealth in London. Remarkably, my daughter suggested this place, so I dropped by with my wife to give it a try. Set up with a Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine, managed by a friendly female barista, I realized they were serious about their coffee.
Therefore, I chose a cortado made with…. You guessed it! A medium-light roasted Vietnamese specialty robusta natural coffee bean, fermented with kefir (often used to ferment yogurt) – yes, a mouthful, but an equally tasty mouthful as well. Yum!
They roast and sell their beans too, so if you crave something unique, give them a try.
So, where else did I venture?
Well, I visited several other tried and true spots I’ve previously written about, such as.
Kiss the Hippo on Margaret Street, near Oxford Street, was actually my initial specialty coffee stop. I savored a well-balanced fruity V60 utilizing Colombian Pink Bourbon Arabica beans.
Urban Botanica in Kennington for a cortado made with Rwandan natural brewed on their Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine.
WatchHouse (at Fitzrovia and Bond Street branches) to enjoy scrumptious banana bread alongside batch brew and on another occasion, a flat white. I truly appreciate the interiors and the meticulous detail executed by the staff at this brand, and you can generally rely on a good experience when visiting them. Did I mention they also have a customer loyalty app?
The Shed at Clapham South underground station, which now serves Assembly coffee (previously it was Caravan) for a quick cortado.
2 Love to Coffee House (St Johns Road, Clapham) was my last coffee stop, where I had a flat white made with their espresso blend – a delightful conclusion to my London coffee adventures.
**Exploring Coffee Culture in London: Summer 2025 Guide**
London, a city celebrated for its extensive history and lively culture, has become a focal point for coffee lovers from around the world. As we enter the summer of 2025, the coffee landscape in London is continually transforming, presenting a wide range of experiences for both locals and tourists. This guide will lead you through the essential coffee destinations, emerging trends, and distinctive experiences that characterize London’s coffee culture this summer.
**1. The Surge of Specialty Coffee Shops**
In 2025, the specialty coffee landscape in London is flourishing like never before. Independent coffee shops are leading the charge, focusing on quality, sustainability, and innovation. Noteworthy mentions include:
– **Monmouth Coffee Company**: As a trailblazer in the London coffee world, Monmouth continues to deliver outstanding single-origin coffees. Their Borough Market outlet is an essential stop due to its lively atmosphere and expertly crafted coffee.
– **Kaffeine**: Recognized for its Australian influence, Kaffeine provides a distinctive mix of espresso-based beverages and filter coffees. Their commitment to quality and customer service has made them a cornerstone in the Fitzrovia area.
– **Ozone Coffee Roasters**: Based in Shoreditch, Ozone is renowned for its in-house bean roasting and dedication to sustainability. Their expansive café is ideal for enjoying a leisurely brunch with a perfectly brewed cup.
**2. Coffee and Community**
London’s coffee shops are increasingly emerging as community hubs. Numerous cafes host events, workshops, and art exhibitions, cultivating a sense of community and creativity. This summer, keep an eye out for:
– **The Coffee Collective**: Conducting weekly coffee tasting sessions and latte art workshops, The Coffee Collective in Hackney serves as an excellent place to learn more about coffee while connecting with other enthusiasts.
– **The Attendant**: Set in a converted Victorian toilet, The Attendant in Fitzrovia provides a quirky yet inviting environment. They regularly host showcases for local artists and community gatherings.
**3. Eco-Friendly Practices**
Sustainability is a major focus in 2025, with many coffee shops in London employing environmentally friendly practices. From biodegradable cups to ethically sourced beans, the aim is to minimize ecological impact. Some frontrunners in sustainability include:
– **Origin Coffee**: Centered on direct trade and transparency, Origin Coffee guarantees that their beans are sourced ethically. Their Shoreditch location exemplifies their dedication to sustainable practices.
– **Grind**: Known for their stylish interiors and commitment to sustainability, Grind provides a selection of organic coffees. Their Shoreditch café is a well-liked venue for environmentally conscious coffee aficionados.
**4. Creative Coffee Experiences**
Innovation is central to London’s coffee culture in 2025. From distinctive brewing techniques to imaginative coffee cocktails, there is something available for everyone:
– **The Espresso Martini Bar**: Situated in Soho, this bar specializes in coffee-themed cocktails. Their signature espresso martini is a must-try for those looking to savor coffee in a unique form.
– **Brew Lab**: Located in Covent Garden, Brew Lab features a variety of experimental brews, including nitrogen-infused cold brews and coffee tasting flights, ideal for adventurous coffee lovers.
**5. Coffee Tours and Trails**
For those wanting to explore multiple coffee establishments, guided coffee tours provide an excellent method to delve into London’s coffee culture. These tours offer insights into the city’s coffee history and allow sampling of a range of brews.
– **London Coffee Tour**: This guided walking tour takes you through some of the finest coffee shops in the city, offering tastings and insights into the craft of coffee making.
– **East London Coffee Trail**: Discover the vibrant coffee scene in East London with this self-guided trail, featuring stops at some of the area’s cherished coffee destinations.
**Conclusion**
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, London’s coffee culture continues to enchant with its mix of tradition, innovation, and community spirit. Whether you are a devoted coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, the city’s diverse coffee landscape has something for everyone. So grab a cup, explore the streets, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of London’s coffee culture.
