Found yourself near Oxford Circus and desperately need a proper coffee? A London Explorer to the rescue…
I’ve rounded up nine exceptional independent cafés tucked within a 7-minute walk of Oxford Circus tube station. From sustainable filtered coffee in Fitzrovia to Danish pastries on Margaret Street, these spots offer artisan quality and that perfect shopping break you’re craving.
Ole & Steen
Best For: Danish pastries and coffee
Just 3 minutes from Oxford Circus on Eastcastle Street, Ole & Steen is my absolute go-to for Danish bakery perfection.
Their cinnamon swirl is legendary-sticky, buttery, and genuinely life-changing. Pair it with their honeycomb latte, and you’ve found heaven.
The minimalist Scandinavian space offers plenty of seating with charging points, making it the perfect refuge after battling Oxford Street crowds, much like the quiet cafes in Pimlico London offer a break from the city’s pace.
Opening: Mon-Fri 7 am-6:30 pm; weekends from 9 am
Atmosphere: Minimalist Scandinavian design with warm, welcoming vibes and ample seating, perfect post-shopping refuge
Menu Highlights:
- Cinnamon swirl (legendary)
- Almond croissant
- Honeycomb latte
- Freshly baked sourdough
Kiss the Hippo Coffee Fitzrovia
Best For: Sustainable speciality filtered coffee
Sustainability meets exceptional coffee at Kiss the Hippo on Margaret Street, just 3 minutes from Oxford Circus.
Their filtered coffee is outstanding, showcasing eco-conscious sourcing with remarkable clarity. I’m obsessed with their chocolate brownie (dangerously good).
The minimalist, warm space attracts mindful coffee lovers who genuinely care about environmental impact, similar to those visiting Cafes in Shoreditch London.
If conscious caffeine consumption matters to you, this is your spot.
Opening: Mon-Fri 8 am-5:30 pm; weekends from 8:30 am
Atmosphere: Minimalist yet warm environment that appeals to eco-conscious coffee drinkers seeking sustainable quality
Menu Highlights:
- Filtered coffee (signature)
- Chocolate brownie
- Orange cake
- Croissants
Kaffeine
Best For: Australian speciality coffee culture
Kaffeine on Great Titchfield Street (7-minute walk) is genuinely one of Fitzrovia’s most beloved coffee spots-and for excellent reason.
Their expertly brewed espresso is perfection, and the coffee pancakes are absolutely divine.
The vibrant atmosphere buzzes with freelancers and serious coffee enthusiasts throughout the day, including those searching for Vegan Cafes in London.
I’ve spent countless afternoons here with my laptop.
If you need a proper midday energy boost, this Australian-influenced café delivers every time.
Opening: Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5 pm; weekends from 8:30 am
Atmosphere: Vibrant and buzzing with laptop workers and serious coffee lovers-ideal for productive work sessions
Menu Highlights:
- Expertly brewed espresso
- Coffee pancakes
- Anzac biscuits
- Chocolate biscuits
ARRO Coffee – Oxford Street
Best For: Authentic Italian-style cappuccino
ARRO Coffee brings authentic Italian coffee culture directly to Oxford Street (6-minute walk from the tube).
Their cappuccino is genuinely spectacular, proper Italian-style with silky microfoam. Don’t miss the pistachio croissant; it’s buttery perfection with generous filling.
The fast-paced setting suits quick caffeine fixes perfectly, especially with extended hours (until 9pm Fridays and Saturdays). If you’re craving true Italian quality while shopping, this is your spot.
Opening: Mon-Thu 8 am-8 pm; Fri-Sat until 9 pm
Atmosphere: Fast-paced Italian coffee bar perfect for quick, quality caffeine fixes during shopping marathons
Menu Highlights:
- Italian-style cappuccino
- Pistachio croissant
- Espresso
- Focaccia sandwiches
Omotesando Koffee
Best For: Japanese minimalist zen experience
Omotesando Koffee on Newman Street (15-minute walk) is worth the extra distance for its sleek, minimalist Japanese aesthetic.
The Zen-inspired space creates an unforgettable, meditative atmosphere. Their Kashi custard cake is exceptional, and the iced matcha latte showcases genuine Japanese precision.
The clean design and tranquil environment offer a refreshing contrast to Oxford Circus chaos.
Opening: Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm; Sat 9am-6pm (closed Sun)
Atmosphere: Sleek, minimalist Japanese design creating unforgettable Zen-inspired ambience, meditative and tranquil
Menu Highlights:
- Kashi custard cake
- Iced matcha latte
- Specialty coffee
- Japanese-inspired pastries
Costa Coffee
Best For: Reliable early morning convenience
Costa Coffee on Great Portland Street (just 2 minutes away) is the reliable choice when you need quick, consistent quality.
Opening at 5:30am weekdays makes it perfect for early risers and commuters. Their cappuccino and croissant combo never disappoints-it’s familiar, efficient, and dependable.
While it lacks independent café charm, the extended hours (until 10pm most days) and guaranteed reliability make it genuinely useful. Sometimes you just need that comfort, quick-sharp.
Opening: Mon-Fri 5:30am-10pm; weekends slightly later
Atmosphere: Familiar and dependable chain quality with extended hours, perfect for early risers and late shoppers
Menu Highlights:
- Cappuccino
- Croissants
- Standard Costa menu
- Consistent quality drinks
Huffkins Oxford Street
Best For: Traditional British afternoon tea
Huffkins (4th floor, 300 Oxford Street-3 minutes away) offers a proper traditional British afternoon tea experience amidst your shopping marathon.
The Coronation Chicken sandwiches and Lemon Drizzle Cake are absolutely delightful.
The refined, relaxed atmosphere feels wonderfully elegant compared to street-level chaos. If you’re craving quintessentially British teatime tradition with indulgent cakes and delicate finger sandwiches, this is perfection.
Opening: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-5pm
Atmosphere: Refined and relaxed fourth-floor retreat offering elegant British teatime away from Oxford Street chaos
Menu Highlights:
- Coronation Chicken sandwiches
- Lemon Drizzle Cake
- Traditional afternoon tea
- Delicate finger sandwiches
Ciera
Best For: Quick Filipino bakery grab-and-go
Ciera on Margaret Street (2-minute walk) is the perfect grab-and-go spot when you’re rushing.
This Filipino bakery’s pistachio croissant is a customer favourite-and genuinely deserves that status with its perfect balance of crunch and creamy filling.
The early 6:30am opening makes it ideal for morning coffee fixes. Limited hours (closes 3pm weekdays, closed Sundays) mean you’ll need to plan accordingly. Quick, efficient, and absolutely delicious.
Opening: Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm; Sat 9am-6pm (closed Sun)
Atmosphere: Quick, efficient Filipino bakery perfect for morning grab-and-go with limited but excellent offerings
Menu Highlights:
- Pistachio croissant (customer favourite)
- Cannoli
- Filipino-inspired pastries
- Quality coffee
Yumchaa
Best For: Specialty tea and shortbread
Yumchaa on Berwick Street means “drink tea” in Cantonese, and they absolutely deliver on that promise.
The tea flavours are extraordinary: burnt toffee caramel black tea, lemon sherbet rooibos (my personal favourite), and even chilli hot chocolate. The millionaire’s shortbread is genuinely heavenly.
Downstairs offers a quieter spot away from crowds, attracting in-the-know Londoners. If you’re seeking speciality tea beyond standard café offerings, this is exceptional.
Opening: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; weekends from 10:30am
Atmosphere: Popular tea house with quiet downstairs seating attracting in-the-know Londoners seeking speciality flavours
Menu Highlights:
- Burnt toffee caramel black tea
- Lemon sherbet rooibos
- Millionaire’s shortbread
- Chilli hot chocolate
Conclusion
Oxford Circus offers far more than chain coffee mediocrity-these nine independent cafés prove it brilliantly.
From sustainable filtered coffee to Danish pastries, Japanese minimalism to British afternoon tea, the diversity within a 15-minute radius is genuinely impressive.
Whether you need early morning fuel, a quiet laptop space, or a post-shopping refuge, this neighbourhood delivers exceptional quality.
Is your favourite spot on my list? Drop me a comment or send a message!
