Best Cafes In London

Family-run cafe-cum-cocktail-bar Brew & Barrel is giving their all in the drinks department. By day you'll get to enjoy speciality coffees alongside brunch plates from bannoffee pancakes drizzled in brown butter to a brioche breakfast bun filled with streaky bacon and scrambled eggs. This is all before darkness descends and the boozy stuff comes out to play, alongside live music on its 'acoustic Thursdays'. No matter what time you visit, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere to complement the simple, rustic interiors in the heart of Clapham Old Town. 

Rake's Cafe Bar is a quirky hangout that's bursting with coffee, creative cocktails and comfort food from day to night. Inspired by the indulgent pleasures of the famous Thomas Rakewell, it boasts stunning interiors throughout its many rooms, from ruby-red walls to dangling foliage. When you're not revelling in Champagne and oysters, visit for the 'Scandal Brunch' featuring vanilla waffles served with lemon creme fraiche and its signature Benedict topped with caviar on an artisan muffin.

Head over to Belgravia or Notting Hill where this pretty cafe is bringing you sweet treats and a whole heap of fun activities. Join them for picture-perfect afternoon teas, interactive biscuit-icing classes or a relaxed treat of yummy cakes and hot coffee. In neon pink and pretty pastel surrounds, prepare to tuck into the likes of homemade chocolate chip cookies and signature macarons, then wash these delectable bites down with a pumpkin-spiced latte.

A gorgeous cafe in the heart of Belgravia, Chestnut is a bakery specialising in indulgent pastries and fresh sourdough. It won the award for best croissant in the UK in 2023 and it's no wonder, with its twice-baked almond edition stealing the show. The eatery itself is dainty and modern, with soft interiors and a sneak peek into the kitchen at the back where incredible loaves are made fresh on a regular basis. Head over to the pretty spot for lazy brunches and lowkey coffee dates to tuck into the likes of pistachio and chocolate buns, plus loaded focaccias filled with tomato, mozzarella and pesto.

On your way to work and in need of a little caffeinated pick-me-up? Or simply looking for a spot to unwind with a cappuccino and a sweet treat? Either way, Notes in Bank has got you covered. As one of its many golden-gleaming and exposed brick-adorned outposts, this cafe is popular with commuters and locals alike. It sources its high-grade beans directly from farmers and offers an appetising brunch menu to go alongside your brew: think everything from deviled mushrooms on sourdough to Reuben sandwiches and banana bread.

The brainchild of Barworks, the genius behind Wenlock & Essex and the 5cc bars, Mare Street Market is a neon-bathed food, drink, and design consortium offering everything a millennial heart desires. From a record shop, florist, bakery, deli, cocktail bar, barber, tattooist, to restaurants galore, it's no wonder it packs out with East Londoners come the weekend. Here you can sip on a cup of coffee courtesy of Flying Horses' beans and tuck into the likes of Turkish eggs with yoghurt and chilli butter, fried eggs and smashed avocado on toasts, plus plenty of refreshing juices. 

The Dixon Hotel is decked out with beautiful decor and avant-garde artwork and is housed in a building that used to operate as the Tower Bridge Magistrates Court. The Grade II-listed building is named after its original Edwardian architect and features a classy cafe welcoming those looking for a sophisticated sip. Slinging out a wide range of international loose-leaf tea, fruit smoothies, and freshly brewed coffee, the venue's 'Shakedown Bar' also serves afternoon teas. It also whips up mean brunches that include moreish plates of shakshouka. And for dinner? Expect the likes of grilled Welsh lamb cutlets, courtesy of head chef Marco Quarta.

Open daily, EVE cafe serves up an overload of Mediterranean-inspired plates, from head chef Talia Price, for you to nibble on as you flurry through work emails and a hefty online ASOS shop. It's a beautifully decorated spot in South Kensington and part of the modern Ember Locke Hotel (which explains why it's so visually striking, as these boutique haunts have a penchant for tropical interiors and strokes of deep greens and pinks). From cinnamon swirls to blueberry crumble muffins, plus avocado and hummus wraps, don't miss out on the place that's on everyone's lips.

Featuring Winston Churchill's floorboards from the Old War Office and other quirky interior titbits, Old Queen Street Café is an excellent choice when it comes to cafes in Central London. It boasts British-inspired menus, spanning everything from tempting breakfasts to light lunches. Chef Elliot Spurdle (of Wolseley and Delaunay fame) uses seasonal ingredients to create plates of warm Bakewell brioches and Welsh rarebit paired with artisanal coffee to match. Fancy something stronger? There are cocktails for that too.

If you're looking for a fabulous spot for a bite to eat and coffee (or perhaps a few cocktails), then Dear Grace is a top choice. Just a short distance from White City station, it touts a fabulous space adorned with plants, dark green panelled walls and cool prints. It's the ideal setting to relax after a long day at work or even take your laptop to do a bit of it in tranquil surroundings. The all-day menu fronts modern eats such as salmon carpaccio, burrata and Mediterranean chicken, plus sips like spiced pineapple daiquiris to wash it all down. 

Nestled within a Grade II-listed building just by Russell Square, Burr & Co. offers you plenty to get excited about. High, arching ceilings paired with towering windows allow natural light to flood into this pretty space. Unique and sophisticated-looking, the cafe is a great spot to catch up with friends over lunch. On the menu, you can expect to devour Nutella French toast, garden scrambled eggs with feta and all-day plates alongside classic cocktails, tasty beers and freshly roasted coffee.

Be transported to Puglia, Italy thanks to yapix and their Veronero coffee, as they're serving the perfect cup to every guest. Dreamt up by friends Alessandro and Tommaso, the laid-back space offers revellers the chance to relax with a cup of the good stuff, or a glass of wine courtesy of resident expert Leo Mometti. Better yet? You can chow down on Italian sandwiches filled with parma ham and mozzerella, fresh pasta and traditional pinsa - an Ancient Roman recipe that makes a healthy alternative to pizza.

Fancy heading to one of the most famous cafes in London where you can take your dog? Of course, you do. Pop by Pawsitive Cafe to enjoy a warm and welcoming space in the company of your furry friend. Not only is it super easy on the eye thanks to its pastel interiors and minimalistic design, but it also doesn't skimp on flavour when it comes to its tempting menus suitable for both you and your pooch. Tuck into scrumptious brunch dishes such as cream cheese pancakes, beef rendang with rice and so much more, while your dog gets its chops around a chicken pot pie or afternoon tea. 

One of the coolest cafes in London, thanks to its lineup of live jazz and piano, Fidelio Cafe is a lovely place to head to. Full of character, it features circular windows, bare-brick walls and a glossy grand piano at its core. With a variety of spaces available to settle down in, including a mezzanine restaurant and basement lounge, it's both easy on the eye and versatile. An array of performances take place throughout the week, accompanied by a selection of coffee and small plates; Chef Matt Parkinson is at the helm, pairing eats with the music (think smoked salmon and poached eggs on avocado toast). 

The Skylark Café fronts pretty interiors and is in a prime location on Wandsworth Common. Open seven days a week, this charming spot serves an all-day brunch menu (think breakfast baps filled with Cacklebean eggs and dry-cured bacon), fresh coffee from Curious Roo and alcoholic sips in a Victorian farmhouse setting. It's undoubtedly one of the best cafes in London with a view, as it's surrounded by tranquil duck ponds, tennis courts and nature all within 170 acres of land.

When two children of the 80s came together to paint an unsuspecting cafe a soon-to-be iconic yellow in 2005, they had no idea of how popular it was about to become. Now with locations all over the city (such as Hackney Wick, Hoxton, Canary Wharf and Soho), The Breakfast Club is the ultimate location to catch up with friends and chow down on some delicious grub. Sip on a refreshing smoothie, have a coffee and tuck into eggs Benedict with a creamy hollandaise sauce, fluffy American-style pancakes, plus special burgers.

Home to laid-back vibes, FAIM in Fitzrovia is a hybrid cafe, social space and co-working spot. If you're looking for a cosy atmosphere to catch up on work or to meet your pals, this venue provides the perfect backdrop. Its interiors are homely and modern, thanks to comfy sofas and modern art fixed to the walls. On top of that, there are tasty breakfast plates to be enjoyed, such as fresh pastries, chorizo hashes and full Englishes, as well as cracking lunch deals where you can get a main and a drink for just £12. 

One of the best cafes in London, this venue is among the handful of Caravan outposts in the city, with Kings Cross and Canary Wharf tooting their own bright and airy branches. It's hard not to fall in love with this characterful Theatreland-based building, housed in a Grade II-listed grain store. It grinds its own coffee beans to make indulgent espressos and long blacks to pair with your lazy morning brunch. The menu is utterly droolworthy and features the likes of vanilla pancakes topped with crispy bacon, chorizo and potato hash, plus Korean-style buttermilk fried chicken. 

Smiths of Smithfield's relaxed and inviting nature makes it one of the best cafes in London to work (albeit technically a restaurant). Immerse yourself in these Grade II-listed surroundings and hit the books; the comfy leather seating, raw brickwork and industrial touches exude a super chilled-out feel which adds to its study-accommodating nature. It serves up a mean cup of coffee and brags a menu that features all-day breakfast and brioche buns filled with sausages, hash browns, fried eggs, cheese and HP sauce. 

If you've got a craving for a stunning afternoon tea (£40), Brigit's Bakery Covent Garden is a great spot to relax and lap up pretty sweet treats alongside fresh brews, or a glass of fizz (£47) if you're feeling fancy. A real looker if we ever did see one, both interior and exterior boast ribbons of flowers and pink fixtures. Head along to the French patisserie to tuck into egg cocotte, mascarpone and fig on sourdough, plus plenty of dainty macarons, mini cupcakes and more.

Jack And Beyond is the award-winning cafe and bakery in Fulham serving up cheesecake crumble, classics like red velvet and novelty options. The Battersea branch is only a short walk from Clapham Common and offers an array of afternoon teas, including one suitable for your dog. Best of all? This petite haunt is also the home of a bottomless cake affair (sign us up), as well as free-flowing hot drinks paired with white chocolate and pistachio brownie fingers.

Widely known for its excellent coffee, Black Sheep: Regent's Place is a seriously cool cafe, with fun murals and industrial-chic interiors. Whether you're looking for a grab-and-go on the way to the office, fancy getting some work done or relaxing with friends, it's a great choice. Snap up a stellar £5.99 lunch deal and enjoy a fresh brew alongside a ham and cheese toastie, with a snack (think toffee waffles or lentil chips) for an additional £1. On the menu, you'll also find smoothie bowls, croissants and smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels. 

Whether you're looking to sit in at the restaurant on Newington Green, or pick up a long black with a fresh croissant on Redchurch Street, Jolene is the trendy eatery on everyone's lips. It comes from Jeremie Cometto-Lingenheim and David Gingell (from Westerns Laundry) teaming up with Andy Cato, who sources the finest grains from farms across Sussex and Norfolk. You can expect to get your hands on focaccia filled with fluffy eggs and decadent buns scattered with almond flakes to pair with an oat milk flat white. 

Head down to Stratford where this eco-friendly cafe and restaurant offers a stunning spot to enjoy some fresh 100% arabica coffee and a bite to eat. You'll find it located park-side, sporting a modern cabin aesthetic with towering, panelled walls and soft, dangling lights. Whether you're looking to tuck into a hearty fry-up or a homemade sandwich from their menu run by Five Star Catering, they've got some excellent food options and gorgeous surroundings to revel in. 

Pophams is a cosy artisanal bakery and pasta bar nestled within London Fields. It was born from founder Ollie Gold's desire to put a creative twist on traditional viennoiserie baking techniques. What started out as a small haunt in Islington has expanded to bring its signature cardamom buns plus bacon and maple affairs east. Swing by to soak up soft, minimal interiors and have a sneak peak into the kitchen where you'll see ribbons of pastry being intertwined to create addictive sweet treats. Paired with a coffee from Ozone, there's no better way to start the day than at this hangout. 

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery was co-founded by Daisy Terry, Rebecca Oliver and Max Tobias and is based in a converted Dalston carpark. It's a shabby-chic and unique spot with an important agenda: to support underprivileged people looking for work. The social dining area offers space for passers-by to kick back and relax with a cup of coffee, pastry or one of its famous sandwiches. The menu changes on a regular basis, but past inclusions have seen the likes of masala cauliflower or beef birria smothered in melted cheese go down a treat. 

Sleek and stylish with a menu to match, Grind Greenwich is a popular all-day spot that also happens to be one of the most Instagrammable cafes in London thanks to its neon signage and sleek marble tables. While surrounded by hanging plants and trendy lighting, tuck into scrumptious brunch dishes washed down with its signature coffee that's also available to make at home. Look forward to devouring the likes of sweet potato harissa cakes, huevos rancheros, and thick-cut French toast with whipped mascarpone, banana, chocolate and toffee sauce.