Indeed, I returned to London last month in July following a family vacation in Morocco, and I’m eager to recount my specialty coffee explorations in London, especially since numerous new coffee shops have opened up and who claimed that establishing coffee shops was merely a fleeting fad…. Hmmm! To sum it up, there seems to be a trend where international coffee brands from places like Dubai (mentioned in a previous post), Nairobi (yes, from Kenya, Africa), Asia, and Europe are setting up locations in London. I also had the chance to revisit some of my favorites, particularly since they were conveniently located on my way to wander around London and visit friends.
The Barn Café, 36 Charlotte Street
Recently opened on Charlotte Street, just a short stroll from Oxford Street (Tottenham Court Road end and near Goodge Street), Barn Berlin has chosen to branch out into the lively London scene – named The Barn Café (not Barn Berlin). A cozy refuge, the ambiance is urban chic with exposed bricks, accompanied by a natural touch, adorned with wooden furniture and floors that I suppose, match their coffee bags as well, reminding me of my café back in Cape Town. They utilize a La Marzocco two-group Linea machine paired with Victoria Arduino grinders. There’s some outdoor seating, which was ideal on the day of my visit, as it was a warm and sunny 30C in London. Nonetheless, I opted to sit inside as I wanted to capture some pictures and videos and chat a bit with their welcoming 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 wide variety of their coffees, so you can drink and purchase.
Spring Valley, 24 Camden Passage, Islington
I was thrilled to discover this new coffee shop opening in London just before my visit, but why you may wonder. In short, I’ve been aware of this Kenyan coffee brand since 2018, and the idea of an African brand launching in one of London’s most esteemed neighborhoods signified to me two things: that an African food and beverage company is bold enough to establish itself in London, and that a dedicated coffee shop will be providing Kenyan coffee on a regular basis. So, I visited with my daughter on a particularly rainy Sunday, and I was astonished by how busy the area was. More impressively was the size of the shop. Furnished with all the best tools I had noticed in Nairobi, like a La Marzocco Strada and a Swan grinder.
I chose a cappuccino using their dark roast, though I must confess, I would have preferred their medium roast but they had already sold out by 11:30am. They also have a variety of merchandise available from Africa, and I can see them becoming a gathering 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 entering and climbing the stairs, I discovered that Frequency has seating across four floors, including a garden patio too. On that rainy day, we settled on the second floor as I enjoyed my Brazilian cortado – with tingling hints of dark chocolate on the tip of my tongue.
So delicious, that I bought a bag of their espresso beans to take back to Dubai as well.
I returned later that week with my brother, and guess what, it was pouring again but this time I opted for a V60, which was also excellent.
Zero to One, 19 Widegate, near Liverpool Street Station
We know that Vietnam has now become the second-largest producer of coffee globally, yet I’ve never visited or encountered a Vietnamese specialty coffee shop until now – located just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street tube station – the heart of bankers, lawyers, and wealth creators in London. My daughter actually recommended this place, so I decided to check it out with my wife. Equipped with a Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine, manned by a friendly lady barista, I sensed they took their craft seriously.
So, I opted for a cortado, using…. Guess what? A medium light-roasted Vietnamese specialty robusta natural coffee bean, fermented with kefir (typically used to ferment yogurt) – yes, quite a mouthful, but indeed, a mouthful of goodness too. Delicious!
They roast and sell their beans as well, so if you’re in the mood for something different, give them a try.
So, where else did I visit?
Well, I dropped by some other familiar places, which I have previously written about, such as.
Kiss the Hippo on Margaret Street, close to Oxford Street, was actually my initial specialty coffee stop. I enjoyed a well-rounded fruity V60 made with Colombian Pink Bourbon Arabica beans.
Urban Botanica in Kennington for a cortado, made with a Rwanda natural brew on their Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine.
WatchHouse (Fitzrovia and Bond Street locations) for delightful banana bread and batch brew, and on another occasion, a flat white. I appreciate the interiors and the meticulous detail from the staff at this brand, so you generally can’t go wrong when visiting them. Did I mention they have a customer loyalty app too?
The Shed at Clapham South underground station, which now employs Assembly coffee (previously it was Caravan) for a quick cortado.
2 Love to Coffee House (St Johns Road, Clapham) for my last coffee fix, which was a flat white made with their espresso blend – a delightful conclusion to my London coffee explorations.
**Guide to Drinking Coffee in London: Summer 2025 Edition**
London, a city famed for its rich heritage and lively culture, also serves as a paradise for coffee lovers. As summer 2025 draws near, London’s coffee landscape continues to transform, providing a variety of experiences for both residents and visitors. This guide will assist you in navigating the best locations, trends, and tips for savoring coffee in London this summer.
**Trendy Coffee Spots**
1. **The Brew Collective** – Situated in Shoreditch, this café is recognized for its pioneering brewing techniques and sustainable practices. This summer, they are launching a new series of cold brew infusions incorporating seasonal fruits and herbs.
2. **Monmouth Coffee Company** – A cornerstone of the London coffee realm, Monmouth consistently impresses with its commitment to quality. Their Covent Garden spot is ideal for a leisurely afternoon coffee break.
3. **Kaffeine** – Nestled in Fitzrovia, Kaffeine delivers a quintessential London coffee experience. Their summer offerings include a refreshing iced flat white, perfect for a hot city day.
4. **Ozone Coffee Roasters** – With locations in Shoreditch and London Fields, Ozone is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Their emphasis on ethically sourced beans and expert roasting techniques guarantees a superior cup each time.
5. **Prufrock Coffee** – Established in Farringdon, Prufrock is celebrated for its barista training programs and outstanding espresso. This summer, they are hosting weekly coffee tasting events, providing an in-depth exploration of specialty coffee.
**Summer Coffee Trends**
– **Cold Brew Innovations**: Cold brew continues to lead the summer coffee trends, with many cafés presenting unique variations such as nitrogen-infused brews and flavored cold brew cocktails.
– **Sustainable Practices**: Sustainability is paramount, with numerous coffee shops implementing eco-friendly measures. Look for discounts on reusable cups and compostable packaging.
– **Plant-Based Options**: The preference for plant-based milk alternatives is soaring. Oat milk remains a favorite, but expect to see more exotic choices like macadamia and hemp milk.
– **Coffee and Art**: Many cafés are transforming into creative spaces, showcasing work from local artists. Enjoy your coffee while indulging in London’s artistic landscape.
**Tips for Coffee Lovers**
– **Explore Neighborhoods**: Each London area presents a distinctive coffee experience. From the lively streets of Soho to the artistic flair of Hackney, there’s always something new awaiting discovery.
– **Attend Coffee Festivals**: London hosts several coffee festivals during the summer. These events are perfect for sampling new brews, learning about coffee culture, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
– **Try a Coffee Tour**: Guided coffee tours are an excellent way to explore the city’s premier coffee spots while deepening your understanding of the history and culture surrounding coffee in London.
– **Embrace Outdoor Seating**: With pleasant summer weather, many cafés provide outdoor seating. Relish your coffee al fresco and soak in the vibrant city ambiance.
Whether you are a seasoned coffee expert or a casual drinker, London’s coffee landscape presents something for everyone this summer. From inventive brews to sustainable practices, the city’s cafés are prepared to deliver an unforgettable coffee experience in 2025.
