Best Independent Coffee Shops and Brunch Spots in London
There’s something magical about stepping into an independent café!
The aroma of freshly ground beans
The warm chatter
The feeling that you’ve found a local secret.
Isn’t it?
However, when you search on the internet for the top independent coffee shops in London, UK, the results might be overwhelming.
That is why Best Cafes UK has compiled this new 2025 list of the 15 top independent coffee houses and brunch cafes in London, UK. From Soho to Shoreditch, Covent Garden to Richmond, these are favorites for their ambiance, menus, and old-world charm. Browse below and find your new favorite café!
15 Top Independent Coffee Shops and Brunch Cafes in London, UK
1. Monmouth Coffee Company (Borough / Covent Garden / Bermondsey)
Monmouth Coffee Company is a coffee institution in London. They started in 1978; it is one of the UK’s original specialty coffee pioneers. It has outlets in Borough Market, Covent Garden, and Bermondsey. Monmouth sources single-origin beans directly from farmers, ensuring both quality and sustainability.
Their menu is simple yet refined, including espressos, filter coffees, and freshly baked pastries. The atmosphere is cozy, rustic, and genuine, perfect for fans of craft over frippery. When exploring the best cafes in Pimlico London, you will find that if you’re looking for the best coffee shops in London, UK, Monmouth is always at the top.
2. Prufrock Coffee (Leather Lane / Farringdon)
Prufrock Coffee is where serious coffee lovers gather. Tucked away on Leather Lane in Farringdon. Gwilym Davies, a World Barista Champion, co-founded Prufrock Coffee. His expertise shows in every cup. The café has a broad choice of espresso and filter drinks, as well as training sessions for those interested in learning more about brewing.
Its light, minimalist environment is a peaceful place to sit and appreciate an impeccably balanced flat white or pour-over. Pair your coffee with a seasonal brunch plate. Prufrock harmonizes technical expertise with relaxed ease. It’s a must-visit among the top coffee shops in London.
3. Kaffeine (Fitzrovia)
Taking inspiration from the cafe culture of Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine has been serving the locals of Fitzrovia since 2009. They are known for their superb coffee every time. Alongside, they also offer an innovative brunch menu with dishes of the season and baked goods that are fresh from the oven.
The décor is colorful and inviting, and the staff is warm and welcoming, treating you with warmth and respect. Their interiors are sleek but homely, making it a great place to stop amidst the city. Amongst travelers and locals in search of coffee shops, London, UK, where food and coffee equally excel, Kaffeine ranks amongst the finest independent cafes in London, England.
4. Flat White (Soho)
Flat White Soho is a legendary café that brought Londoners over to the Antipodean way of coffee drinking. Tiny but with a buzz, it is loved for its full-bodied, creamy flat whites and no-frills attitude to coffee. The menu is espresso-driven with snacks, ideal for a fast but memorable pit stop.
The atmosphere is energetic, artistic, and distinctly Soho, somewhere where artists, professionals, and coffee aficionados mingle. Flat White contributes to the third-wave coffee movement in London, UK.
5. Workshop Coffee (various London locations)
Workshop Coffee is one of the standout gems of coffee shops in London, UK, with a number of locations (Fitzrovia, Clerkenwell, Marylebone, etc.). They roast and brew to a precise standard: single-origin filter coffees, strong espresso shots, signature house blends, along with seasonal specials. The menu includes pastries and small plates, along with occasional brunch items depending on location.
The atmosphere is minimalist but cozy; exposed brick, soft lighting, well-trained baristas who obviously pay attention to every cup. Its strength is direct sourcing and roasting ethics: Workshop Coffee works long-term with producers to preserve the unique flavour of each bean. If you’re exploring the best cafes in London that treat coffee as art, Workshop Coffee is high on the list.
6. Swiss Bread Bakery & Café (Richmond)
Swiss Bread Bakery & Café in Richmond is a nice representation of blending baked items with comforting brunch-style fare. They make traditional Swiss breads, cakes, and pastries, and also have a deli-style lunch menu going on. Imagine quiches, homemade soups, traditional Swiss toasties, and wholesome light lunches.
The atmosphere is leisurely and warm, rustic, with beam ceilings, chalet-style, and a strong feeling of European bakery tradition. What makes them unique is the artisan quality of their bread (some you won’t find anywhere else in London). They bake fresh bread daily and pair it with Swiss deli items. It’s just one of the best coffee places in London to get quality bread, decent coffee, and brunch or lunch in a mellow environment.
7. E. Pellicci (Bethnal Green)
- Pellicci is one of the East End’s most popular heritage cafés amongst coffee shops in London, UK. E. Pellicci opened in 1900 to serve the East End community. Situated at 332 Bethnal Green Road, E. Pellicci boasts its traditional full English breakfast and all-day breakfast menus (“Breakfast menu served all day”). They also serve traditional lunch favorites such as steak pie, mixed grills, and homely puddings.
It’s nostalgia-ridden: old wooden panelling, antique photographs, brunch, welcoming family staff, and Grade II-listed interior and exterior add character. What sets it apart is that history factor; you’re not just getting brunch, you experience East London history! If you’re looking for a coffee bar in London that complements coziness, tradition, and big food, this is a must-visit.
8. Lantana (Notting Hill / Fitzrovia / London Bridge)
Lantana is a fun, Australian-themed café chain that appears prominently in coffee shops in London. Especially for those looking for both brilliant coffee and a hearty brunch. It has locations in Fitzrovia, Notting Hill, and London Bridge. Lantana provides all-day dining: breakfasts, weekend brunch, lunch, desserts, and super, creamy, and delicious coffee.
Their menu is creative: pancakes, shakshuka, smashed avo, sweet-and-salt pairings, seasonal, and good-quality drinks. The environment is light, casual, full of conversation, and radiates what Aussies describe as “good coffee culture” with London vibes. What makes it special: their dedication to serving fresh, local ingredients. They also have a warm, welcoming service that makes an everyday coffee trip a social occasion. If you’re exploring coffee shops in London, UK that offer brunch as well, Lantana is always a winner.
9. Farm Girl (Notting Hill / Paddington / South Kensington etc.)
Farm Girl is one of the healthier Instagram-approved gems of coffee shops in London, UK. Particularly if you are a brunch lover with a twist. It has cafes in Notting Hill, Paddington, South Kensington (and more). This Australian-owned café chain’s menus are bursting with brekkie bowls, pancakes, salads, sandwiches, seasonal superfood lattes, and baked goods.
The vibe at Farm Girl is relaxed yet lively; bright interiors, cheerful staff, and plenty of natural light. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a healthy café that cares about presentation as much as taste. Why locals love them is because of their commitment to minimally processed food with luscious produce and no excess additives. Whether you’re popping by for coffee or staying for brunch, this is one of the cafes in London, UK, where food and coffee are equally celebrated.
10. The Attendant (Fitzrovia / Shoreditch)
The Attendant is one of those offbeat, standalone places among coffee shops in London, UK. You’ll remember this cafe for two reasons: its strange location, and its quality. The Fitzrovia branch has a unique atmosphere, such as marble tops, distressed tiles, and plenty of character.
They serve traditional specialty coffee beverages (espressos, filter, etc.), tea, pastry, and light brunch items. The brunch menu includes avocado toast, smoked salmon, and breakfast sandwiches. The atmosphere is distinctive and elegant. It’s indeed one of the best cafes in London when people look for something beyond just a coffee cup.
11. Regency Café (Pimlico / Westminster)
Regency Café is a London institution, one of the most legendary greasy-spoon type places among the best coffee in London, UK, for those in the mood for full, proper breakfasts. It is situated at 17-19 Regency Street, Westminster, SW1. The café opened in 1946. It still retains its original Art Deco tiling and decor.
They serve sausages, beans, eggs, tomatoes, black pudding, toast, and tea or coffee, comfort food in generous portions. The atmosphere is nostalgic, loud, busy, and hands-on. There are no frills, just a beautiful cafe with delicious food. For people who search for coffee shops in London, UK, hoping for authenticity, flavour, and tradition, Regency Café delivers all! The standout factor is its heritage and its reputation. You might have seen it on the big screen, in travel blogs, and among the top choices for proper British breakfasts.
12. Caravan (King’s Cross, Covent Garden, Exmouth Market, and others)
Caravan is an independent small group that appears at the top of the cafe in London’s lists. If you’re looking for an all-day restaurant, superb coffee, and seasonal food, it’s your go-to spot! It has locations in Covent Garden, King’s Cross, and Exmouth Market. Caravan offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and exceptional house-roasted coffee.
The menu is world-famous, serving brunch staples, small plates, sharing plates, seasonal variations, and day drinks. Interiors are spacious and lively, with communal seating, ideal for groups and solo coffee drinkers. What locals admire about them is their flexibility. You can begin with a coffee, progress to brunch, and hang out over lunch. If you’re looking for coffee shops in London, UK, where you don’t have to rush, Caravan is a safe bet.
13. Ozone Coffee Roasters (Shoreditch / London Fields / Ludgate Hill etc.)
Ozone Coffee Roasters is a large presence in the world of specialty cafés. It is usually mentioned in lists of coffee shops in London, UK, for its brunch and coffee. The branch on Shoreditch (11 Leonard Street) is particularly popular, with all-day breakfast and a weekend brunch.
They serve waffles, sandwiches, smoked fish kedgeree, pastries, and seasonal plates for both brunch lovers and those just stopping for coffee. The atmosphere is industrial cool, roomy, with high ceilings, loads of natural light, and shared tables. What locals love about them is their own Stafford roastery & regular sourcing, and size: you can go on your own or as a group.
14. Climpson & Sons (Broadway Market / Hackney / London Fields)
Climpson & Sons is one of the first specialty roasters/cafés in East London. Locals who value authenticity and community have long made Climpson & Sons a favourite among London’s coffee shops. It’s centered around Broadway Market, London Fields, etc. The café offers breakfast and lunch, cakes & pastries, and strong coffee (espresso, filter) brewed from their own beans.
Highlights of the menu: fresh-baked pastries (usually from local artisan bakers), focaccia, light lunch fare, plain seasonal dishes. The vibe is relaxed, friendly; it’s like a local café where individuals drop by all day long. Why it’s worth visiting: local community atmosphere, produce sourced locally, and passion for roast-to-cup quality.
15. Sourdough Sophia (Crouch End / Essex Road / Highgate / Hampstead)
Sourdough Sophia started when Sophia & Jesse converted their dining room into a micro bakery, baking loaves and pastries for friends and neighbors. Today, they run bakeries in multiple neighborhoods in London, UK: Crouch End, Essex Road in Islington, Highgate, and Hampstead.
The menu at Sourdough Sophia focuses on sourdough breads, laminated pastries, “bows” (bow-shaped filled croissants), cruffins, brownies, cheesecakes, focaccias, and sandwiches. Also, some sweet and savory treats. The atmosphere is cheerful and pastel-charming: pretty pink façades, warm and brightly lit interiors, sparkling counters full of fresh-baked goods. Additionally, there is a warm and friendly neighborhood feeling.
Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Covent Garden
Stepping into Covent Garden, London WC2, is entering a vibrant atmosphere where the scent of a premium brew competes with the buzz of the theatre district.
For me, the true specialty coffee experience here is finding those charming independent cafés like Abuelo Cafe or the legendary Monmouth Coffee Company,
which pioneered ethical sourcing long before it was trendy,their single-origin beans make the best flat white you’ll ever taste, perfect before catching a show or as an afternoon coffee stop after exploring the Market Building.
The variety is brilliant: places like The Black Penny offer a standout brunch menu to pair with a sharp espresso, while WatchHouse provides a modern, design-led interiors backdrop for your early morning brews or as a great meet-up venue.
My personal pick for a sweet treat is Santa Nata’s Portuguese pastries alongside a rich coffee, which perfectly captures the heart of café culture in this bustling tourist hotspot and retail hub.
Best Coffee Shops in kensington london
Kensington, West London, W8, offers a refined kind of café culture, moving beyond the high footfall of the retail hub and tourist hotspot near High Street Kensington to discover true specialty coffee.
For an afternoon coffee stop with a view, The Italian Gardens Cafe near Kensington Gardens is lovely, though for a focused premium brew, I prefer the single-origin beans from artisanal roasteries like Guillam Coffee House. You can find exceptional pastries for your early morning brews at places like The Muffin Man Tea Shop, or a quiet spot at Hjem to enjoy a beautiful flat white in their design-led interiors.
When searching for a genuine independent cafés experience, many wonderful coffee house options abound in South Kensington, providing a vibrant atmosphere for every taste.
Coco Momo and Montparnasse Cafe are fantastic meet-up venue options, while Cafe Tarte and Cafe Phillies serve up great espresso and a tempting brunch menu in a local setting, all practicing excellent ethical sourcing.
If you need a moment away from your phone, spots like Caffe Concerto can sometimes feel like a welcome WiFi-free chill space to relax with your favourite brew.
Conclusion
Discovering these independent coffee shops in London, UK, proves the city’s cafe culture is vibrant but as varied as it is rich. From traditional greasy spoons to contemporary roasteries and innovative brunch spots, every cafe has its own story, flavour, and ambience. For further tips on discovering your next cup, visit Best Cafes UK and continue to uncover gems throughout the capital.
FAQS
What are some famous cafes in London?
Monmouth Coffee in Borough Market (established 1978), Bar Italia in Soho (opened 1949), Flat White on Berwick Street (opened 2005), and Algerian Coffee Stores on Old Compton Street (founded 1887) are among London’s most famous cafes.
What are some best Australian coffee shops in London?
London’s best Australian coffee shops include specialty coffee pioneers Flat White (Soho) and Kaffeine (Fitzrovia), alongside popular brunch spots like the Daisy Green Collection, Lantana, and Granger & Co.
Are there any unique coffee shops in London?
The Attendant in Fitzrovia operates inside a converted Victorian public toilet built around 1890 with original porcelain urinals, and Rapha Cycle Club combines a bike shop with a specialty coffee bar for cycling enthusiasts.
What are the most Instagrammable cafes in London?
EL&N Cafe features pink decor with flower walls across multiple London locations including Knightsbridge and Oxford Circus, and Coppa Club at Tower Bridge offers weatherproof dining pods with direct views of Tower Bridge.
Which coffee shops are located in central London?
In central London’s Soho area, notable coffee shops include Flat White on Berwick Street, Bar Italia on Frith Street (open since 1949), Algerian Coffee Stores on Old Compton Street, and Department of Coffee and Social Affairs in Lowndes Court off Carnaby Street.
