South Kensington is home to seven exceptional cafes that cater to every coffee craving and pastry desire.
This cultural neighbourhood (famous for the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum along Exhibition Road) offers everything from French bakeries to speciality coffee spots.
Whether you’re near South Kensington Station on the Piccadilly Line or exploring Gloucester Road, these independent cafes serve artisan roasters, weekend brunch favourites, and afternoon tea in cosy atmospheres perfect for locals and museum-goers alike. In my experience, these spots are truly some of the best cafes in london england for a relaxed afternoon.
Fait Maison
Best For: Instagram-worthy Middle Eastern brunch
Fait Maison genuinely deserves its reputation as South Kensington’s most Instagram-worthy café.
Founded by Mohamed Osman and Mohamed El Banna in 2001, this family-owned gem spans two locations (144 and 50 Gloucester Road), each featuring stunning floral décor and an eclectic menu blending Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.
Their Shakshuka breakfast is exceptional, and you absolutely must try the signature rose latte or Turkish coffee.
The Salon de Thé offers traditional afternoon tea, whilst their Boulangerie serves house-baked pastries daily.
I always suggest this spot to friends looking for the best vegan cafes london has to offer for a posh treat.
Atmosphere: Stunning floral décor with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, perfect for celebrations and social gatherings.
Menu Highlights:
- Shakshuka breakfast
- Rose latte
- Turkish coffee
- Traditional afternoon tea
- House-baked pastries
- Celebration cakes
PAUL South Kensington
Best For: Authentic French bakery tradition
PAUL brings authentic French bakery tradition to 47 Thurloe Street, perfectly positioned near the Lycée Français and Institut Français.
Since 1889, this beloved chain has mastered freshly baked daily bread, buttery viennoiseries, and delicate patisseries including their famous macarons and éclairs.
Pop in for lunchtime croques monsieur or grab mini pain au chocolat for the kids after exploring nearby museums.
The 20-seat café offers free wi-fi and disabled access, plus convenient click and collect or Deliveroo delivery options.
I’ve always appreciated that it’s a reliable dog friendly cafe in London where I can actually relax with my pet while I work.
Atmosphere: Traditional French bakery with 20 seats, disabled access, and free wi-fi for a comfortable casual visit.
Menu Highlights:
- Freshly baked daily bread
- Viennoiseries
- Macarons
- Éclairs
- Croques monsieur
- Mini pain au chocolat
Elixis London
Best For: Creative brunch near museums
Elixis at 123 Gloucester Road is your go-to brunch destination near Hyde Park and the V&A Museum.
This design-led café sources Assembly Coffee beans and Today Bread bakery goods whilst serving creative seasonal dishes with Mediterranean sunshine influence.
Their signature Elixis Full English and Crème Brûlée Brioche French Toast are absolutely worth the visit.
Pair your meal with cold-pressed juice, brunch cocktails, or natural wine in their relaxed atmosphere (perfect for weekend brunch or weekday breakfast meetings).
Atmosphere: Design-led space with relaxed Mediterranean vibes, ideal for breakfast meetings and weekend brunch gatherings.
Menu Highlights:
- Elixis Full English
- Crème Brûlée Brioche French Toast
- Assembly Coffee
- Cold-pressed juice
- Brunch cocktails
- Natural wine selection
Hjem Kensington
Best For: Scandinavian minimalist work-friendly space
Hjem Kensington combines Scandinavian design with genuine warmth (minimalist décor, abundant natural light, and a cosy atmosphere) make this neighbourhood favourite perfect for productivity or peaceful relaxation.
Their seasonal menu changes regularly, guaranteeing fresh ingredients and locally sourced produce throughout the year.
The matcha latte is exceptional, and honestly, their chocolate cake alone justifies the visit.
This work-friendly café welcomes laptop users whilst maintaining an Instagram-worthy Nordic aesthetic that never feels pretentious.
Atmosphere: Minimalist Scandinavian design with natural light, cosy and productivity-friendly for work or relaxation.
Menu Highlights:
- Matcha latte
- Chocolate cake
- Seasonal menu items
- Locally sourced produce
- Artisan beverages
- Quality pastries
Café de Nata
Best For: Portuguese custard tart specialists
Café de Nata specializes in one thing and does it brilliantly (Portuguese custard tarts handcrafted daily in classic, blueberry, and raspberry variations).
Each pastel de nata features golden custard and flaky pastry layers following traditional recipes, baked fresh throughout the day.
These moreish pastries pair beautifully with their perfectly brewed espresso, creating an authentic Portuguese café experience.
It’s the ideal spot for a quick sweet treat after exploring South Kensington’s museums or grabbing afternoon coffee.
Atmosphere: Authentic Portuguese café focused on traditional custard tarts with perfectly brewed espresso pairings.
Menu Highlights:
- Classic pastel de nata
- Blueberry custard tarts
- Raspberry custard tarts
- Perfectly brewed espresso
- Portuguese coffee specialties
- Fresh daily batches
Chucs
Best For: Italian Riviera elegant dining
Chucs brings Italian Riviera elegance to South Kensington with sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service throughout.
The beautifully designed interior features plush seating and stylish décor, creating the perfect setting for leisurely brunch or refined afternoon tea.
Their Italian-inspired menu ranges from light breakfast options to hearty pasta and fresh seafood dishes, all prepared with premium ingredients.
The wine selection and cocktail menu make Chucs equally brilliant for evening relaxation as morning coffee (genuinely upscale without feeling stuffy).
Atmosphere: Italian Riviera elegance with plush seating and stylish décor, sophisticated yet welcoming for any occasion.
Menu Highlights:
- Light breakfast options
- Hearty pasta dishes
- Fresh seafood
- Refined afternoon tea
- Wine selection
- Cocktail menu
Guillam Coffee House
Best For: Single-origin specialty coffee expertise
Guillam Coffee House has earned its reputation among London’s coffee scene by sourcing exceptional single-origin beans from farms worldwide.
Their baristas demonstrate genuine coffee expertise through precision brewing (whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or lingering over a perfectly crafted flat white, quality standards remain exceptional).
Each location features unique interior design, making them ideal for coffee dates or productive work sessions.
The attention to bean sourcing and brewing methods creates an artisan coffee culture experience that justifies every visit.
Atmosphere: Unique interior design focused on coffee craftsmanship, perfect for coffee dates and productive work sessions.
Menu Highlights:
- Single-origin coffee beans
- Perfectly crafted flat white
- Quick espresso service
- Specialty brewing methods
- Artisan coffee selections
- Signature brews from worldwide farms
