Indeed, I returned to London last month in July after a family trip to Morocco, and I’m eager to share my London specialty coffee experiences with you, especially since numerous new coffee shops have opened. Who said that the emergence of coffee shops was just a fleeting fad… Hmmm! In short, there’s a noticeable trend where coffee brands from abroad, like Dubai (mentioned in my previous post), Nairobi (yes, from Kenya, Africa), Asia, and Europe, are setting up branches in London. I also had the chance to revisit some of my favorites, especially as they were conveniently located on my journey to explore London and catch up with friends.
The Barn Café, 36 Charlotte Street
Recently launched on Charlotte Street, just a short stroll from Oxford Street (Tottenham Court Road end and near Goodge Street), Barn Berlin has made its entry into the vibrant London scene with a spot called The Barn Café (not Barn Berlin). A cozy retreat, the décor features an urban chic aesthetic with exposed brick and a natural vibe, adorned with wooden furniture and flooring to complement, I suppose, their coffee bags that remind me of my café back in Cape Town. They use a La Marzocco two group Linea machine paired with Victoria Arduino grinders. There’s some outdoor seating, perfect for the warm sunny 30C day I visited, though I chose to sit inside for the sake of capturing photos and videos while chatting with their friendly staff. Since I hadn’t indulged in any milk-based coffee that day, I opted for a flat white made with their blend.
Well balanced.
They offer a wide selection of their coffees, allowing you to both sip and purchase.
Spring Valley, 24 Camden Passage, Islington
I was thrilled to discover this new coffee spot opening in London just before my visit, but you may wonder why. Simply put, I’ve been aware of this Kenyan coffee brand since 2018, and the opening of an African brand 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 would be serving Kenyan coffee regularly. Thus, I visited with my daughter on a particularly rainy Sunday and was astonished by the hustle and bustle of the area. Even more impressive was the shop’s size, equipped with all the top-notch gadgets I’d seen in Nairobi, like 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, which was already sold out by 11:30 a.m. They also have a variety of merchandise available from Africa, and I can see them becoming a local hub for residents and British Africans alike.
Frequency Specialty Coffee, 13 Camden Passage Islington
Not too far from Spring Valley was what appeared to be a small coffee shop. However, as we climbed the stairs, I discovered that Frequency offers seating across four floors, including a garden patio. Yet, on that rainy day, we found ourselves on the second floor while I enjoyed my Brazilian cortado—tingling notes of dark chocolate dancing on the edges of my tongue.
So delightful that I purchased a bag of their espresso beans to take back to Dubai too.
I returned later in the week with my brother, and guess what? It was raining again, but this time I tried a V60, which was excellent as well.
Zero to One, 19 Widegate, near Liverpool Street Station
We know Vietnam ranks as the second-largest coffee producer globally, yet I had never seen or visited a Vietnamese specialty coffee shop until now—just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street tube station, the finance hub for bankers, lawyers, and wealth creators in London. My daughter actually recommended this place, so I stopped by with my wife to give it a try. Outfitted with a Kees van der Westen Spirit espresso machine, operated by a friendly barista, I sensed that they were serious about coffee.
Thus, I chose a cortado, using…. Guess what? A medium light roasted Vietnamese specialty robusta natural coffee bean, fermented with kefir (typically utilized for yogurt fermentation)—yes, a mouthful, but undoubtedly a mouthful of flavor too. Yummy!
They roast and retail their beans as well, so if you’re in the mood for something unique, you should give them a try.
So, where else did I visit?
I also dropped by some other familiar places that I’ve previously written about, such as:
Kiss the Hippo on Margaret Street, near Oxford Street, which was actually my inaugural specialty coffee destination. I savored a well-balanced fruity V60 crafted with Colombian Pink Bourbon Arabica beans.
Urban Botanica in Kennington to enjoy a cortado made with a Rwanda natural processed coffee on their Kees van der Westen Spirit espresso machine.
WatchHouse (locations in Fitzrovia and Bond Street) for some delectable banana bread and batch brew, and on another occasion, a flat white. I appreciate the interior design and attention to detail exhibited by the staff at this brand; you can usually trust that a visit will not disappoint. Did I mention they have a loyalty app for customers too?
The Shed at Clapham South underground station, now featuring Assembly coffee (it used to be Caravan) for a quick cortado.
2 Love to Coffee House (St Johns Road, Clapham) was where I had my final coffee fix, indulging in a flat white made with their espresso blend—a delightful conclusion to my London coffee escapades.
**A Guide to Coffee Drinking in London: Summer 2025 Edition**
As the dynamic city of London keeps evolving, so too does its coffee culture. Summer 2025 ushers in a new wave of coffee trends, innovative cafés, and unique experiences for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this guide will assist you in navigating the vibrant coffee scene in London this summer.
**1. Trending Coffee Styles**
This summer, Londoners are embracing a range of coffee styles that cater to various palates:
– **Nitro Cold Brew:** A favorite for warm days, nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen, providing a creamy texture and a rich, velvety finish. Various cafés are serving up unique twists with flavors like lavender and vanilla.
– **Plant-Based Lattes:** With an eye toward sustainability, plant-based milk options such as oat, almond, and coconut are gaining popularity. Keep an eye out for matcha and turmeric lattes, which are both delicious and visually appealing.
– **Espresso Tonics:** Merging the intensity of espresso with the refreshing effervescence of tonic water, this drink offers a unique and revitalizing experience.
**2. Must-Visit Coffee Spots**
London’s coffee scene is overflowing with exceptional cafés. Here are some essential spots to visit this summer:
– **Monmouth Coffee Company:** Renowned for its commitment to quality, Monmouth presents an array of single-origin coffees. Their Borough Market location is ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
– **Kaffeine:** Inspired by the coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine offers expertly crafted espresso drinks in a welcoming environment.
– **The Attendant:** Situated in a former Victorian toilet, this quirky café offers a unique setting alongside excellent coffee and brunch options.
– **Ozone Coffee Roasters:** Focusing on sustainability and community, Ozone provides a complete coffee experience, from roasting to serving.
**3. Coffee Events and Workshops**
Summer 2025 is filled with events for coffee aficionados:
– **London Coffee Festival:** Taking place in early July, this festival celebrates all things coffee with tastings, workshops, and live demonstrations from top baristas.
– **Home Brewing Workshops:** Numerous cafés are offering workshops to teach you how to brew the perfect cup at home, covering everything from pour-over techniques to espresso preparation.
– **Coffee and Art Pairings:** Some cafés are hosting events that combine coffee tastings with art exhibitions, providing a sensory experience that merges taste and visual art.
**4. Sustainable Coffee Practices**
Sustainability is at the forefront of London’s coffee scene. Many cafés are adopting environmentally friendly practices:
– **Reusable Cups:** Cafés are encouraging patrons to bring their own cups, often providing discounts as an incentive.
– **Ethically Sourced Beans:** A growing number of cafés prioritize direct trade relationships with coffee farmers to ensure fair wages and sustainable farming methods.
– **Compostable Packaging:** From cups to straws, compostable materials are increasingly common, minimizing the environmental impact of takeaway coffee.
**5. Exploring Coffee Neighborhoods**
Each London neighborhood presents a unique coffee experience:
– **Shoreditch:** Known for its hipster vibe, Shoreditch is home to numerous independent cafés and roasteries.
– **Soho:** A lively area with a mix of historic and contemporary cafés, ideal for people-watching while enjoying a leisurely coffee.
– **Notting Hill:** Offers charming cafés with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a quiet afternoon coffee break.
As you navigate London’s coffee scene this summer, you’ll discover a city that embraces innovation while honoring tradition. Whether you’re sipping a classic espresso or sampling the latest trend, London’s cafés provide something for every coffee enthusiast. Enjoy your journey through this dynamic and ever-evolving coffee landscape.
