Indeed, I returned to London last month in July following a family vacation in Morocco, and I’m eager to recount my London specialty coffee escapades, especially with numerous new coffee shops making their debut. Who claimed that opening coffee shops was just a fleeting trend? … Hmmm! To sum up, there seems to be a trend where coffee brands from abroad, such as Dubai (mentioned in a previous post), Nairobi (yes, from Kenya, Africa), Asia, and Europe are launching locations in London. I also had the chance to revisit some of my favorites, particularly as they were quite convenient while I explored London and caught up with friends.
The Barn Café, 36 Charlotte Street
Recently established on Charlotte Street, merely a few minutes’ stroll from Oxford Street (near Tottenham Court Road and close to Goodge Street), Barn Berlin has chosen to inaugurate a location in the lively London – aptly named The Barn Café (not Barn Berlin). A snug retreat, the ambiance showcases urban chic design with exposed brick and a natural vibe, adorned with wooden furniture and flooring that, I assume, aligns with their coffee bags, reminiscent of my coffee shop back in Cape Town. They utilize a La Marzocco two-group linea machine along with Victoria Arduino grinders. There’s some outdoor seating, which was ideal during my visit on a sunny 30C day in London. Nonetheless, I chose to sit inside as I wanted to capture pictures and videos and engage in conversation with their amiable staff, which I did. Since I hadn’t had any milk-based coffee that day, I decided on a flat white made with their blend.
Perfectly balanced.
They offer a variety of their coffees, allowing you to drink and purchase.
Spring Valley, 24 Camden Passage, Islington
I was thrilled to spot this new coffee establishment opening in London just before my visit; you might wonder why. In brief, I’ve been aware of this Kenyan coffee brand since 2018, and the fact that an African brand is launching in one of London’s most esteemed neighborhoods indicated to me two things: that an African F&B company has the courage to establish itself in London and that a dedicated coffee shop will be consistently serving Kenyan coffee. So, I visited with my daughter on a particularly rainy Sunday, and I was astonished at how bustling the area was. Even more impressive was the shop’s size. Equipped with all the top-notch gadgets I had seen in Nairobi, including a La Marzocco Strada and Swan grinder.
I chose a cappuccino with their dark roast, although I must admit, I would have preferred their medium roast, but they had already sold out by 11:30 AM. They also provide a great selection of merchandise sourced from Africa, and I can envision them becoming a hub for local residents and British Africans alike.
Frequency Specialty Coffee, 13 Camden Passage Islington
Not far from Spring Valley was what appeared to be a quaint coffee shop. However, as we climbed the stairs, I discovered that Frequency has seating across four floors, including an outdoor garden patio. But, on a rainy day, we opted for the second floor while I enjoyed my Brazilian cortado – tingling with hints of dark chocolate on the tip of my tongue.
So delightful that I purchased a bag of their espresso beans to take back to Dubai as well.
I returned later in the week with my brother, and guess what? It was raining again, but this time, I ordered a V60, which was excellent, too.
Zero to One, 19 Widegate, near Liverpool Street Station
We all know that Vietnam has become the second-largest coffee producer in the world, but I had never been to or seen a Vietnamese specialty coffee shop until now – just a short walk from Liverpool Street tube station – the center of bankers, lawyers, and those who generate wealth in London. My daughter specifically recommended this place, so I ventured in with my wife to give it a try. Equipped with a Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine and staffed by a friendly barista, I could tell they were serious about coffee.
I chose a cortado made with…. Can you guess? A medium-light roasted Vietnamese specialty robusta natural coffee bean, fermented with kefir (typically used for yogurt fermentation) – indeed, a mouthful, but certainly a mouthful of delight as well. Yum!
They roast and retail their beans, so if you fancy something unique, give them a try.
So, where else did I venture?
Well, I dropped in at some familiar and trusted places that I had previously written about, such as.
Kiss the Hippo on Margaret Street, close to Oxford Street, was indeed my initial specialty coffee stop. I savored a well-balanced fruity V60 crafted with Colombian Pink Bourbon Arabica beans.
Urban Botanica in Kennington to enjoy a cortado made using Rwandan natural beans brewed on their Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine.
WatchHouse (in Fitzrovia and Bond Street) for some delicious banana bread along with batch brew and another time, a flat white. I’m fond of their interiors and the meticulous attention to detail from the staff at this brand; you can rarely go wrong when visiting them. Did I mention they also have a customer loyalty app?
The Shed at Clapham South underground station, which now brews Assembly coffee (previously used caravan) for a quick cortado.
2 Love to Coffee House (St Johns Road, Clapham) enjoyed my final coffee fix, which was a flat white brewed with their espresso blend – a delightful conclusion to my London coffee adventures.
**Guide to Coffee Drinking in London: Summer 2025 Edition**
As the warmth of summer 2025 unfolds, London remains a bustling destination for coffee aficionados. With an extensive array of cafes, roasteries, and pop-up events, the city presents a dynamic and engaging coffee landscape. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this guide is crafted to assist you in navigating the finest coffee experiences London has available this summer.
**1. Trendy Coffee Spots**
London’s coffee culture is continually progressing, with new cafes emerging regularly. This summer, keep an eye out for these popular locations:
– **Brew & Bloom**: Situated in Shoreditch, this cafe is renowned for its floral-infused cold brews. The decor is a botanical haven, making it an ideal setting for Instagram-worthy shots.
– **The Espresso Lab**: Located in Covent Garden, this cafe specializes in experimental coffee methods. Don’t miss their nitrogen-infused espresso for a one-of-a-kind caffeine boost.
– **Roast & Grind**: In the heart of Soho, this cafe features a rotating selection of single-origin coffees. Their baristas are eager to share the backstories behind each coffee bean.
**2. Sustainable Coffee Practices**
Sustainability is pivotal in 2025, with many London cafes spearheading efforts:
– **EcoBrew**: This cafe in Camden is devoted to zero waste. They utilize compostable cups and procure beans from ethical farms. Be sure to try their oat milk latte, which is both tasty and eco-friendly.
– **Green Grind**: Found in Hackney, this cafe operates on solar energy and offers discounts for customers who bring reusable cups. Their plant-based menu aligns with their sustainability focus.
**3. Coffee Events and Festivals**
Summer 2025 is filled with coffee events catering to all types of coffee enthusiasts:
– **London Coffee Festival**: Taking place in early July at the Old Truman Brewery, this festival features tastings, workshops, and live music. It’s a must-see for anyone passionate about coffee.
– **Coffee & Art Fair**: Happening in Southbank, this event merges coffee with art displays. Relish a cup of artisanal coffee while enjoying works from local artists.
**4. Coffee Tours and Workshops**
For those wanting to enhance their coffee knowledge, joining a tour or workshop is a great idea:
– **London Coffee Tour**: This guided tour guides you through the city’s top coffee destinations while providing insights into the history and culture surrounding coffee in London.
– **Barista Workshops**: Several cafes, including The Espresso Lab, conduct workshops where you can learn the craft of creating the perfect espresso or mastering latte art.
**5. Unique Coffee Experiences**
For something distinctive, consider these unique coffee experiences:
– **Coffee & Jazz Nights**: Enjoy live jazz performances while savoring expertly crafted coffee at The Jazz Brew in Notting Hill.
– **Coffee Tasting Flights**: Available at Brew & Bloom, these allow you to sample a variety of coffees from various origins, each paired with a matching treat.
**Conclusion**
The coffee scene in London during the summer of 2025 is a vibrant mixture of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re in search of a quiet nook to enjoy a cup or aiming to dive into the latest coffee trends, the city has an abundance to offer. Embrace the lively coffee culture and fully indulge in your coffee-drinking experiences in London this summer.
