5 Independent Coffee Shops to Visit in Central London
Craving a perfect cup of artisanal coffee but don't fancy the trek to a café? Let Butter & Crust deliver freshly roasted coffee beans from the renowned Monmouth Coffee, along with our delectable baked goods, right to your doorstep.
While our weekend delivery service ensures you can enjoy top-notch coffee and pastries without leaving home, we understand that sometimes you might want to explore London's vibrant independent coffee scene.
For those occasions, we've compiled a list of five outstanding independent coffee shops in Central London where you can savour some of the city's best brews.
1. Kaffeine
Inspired by the thriving coffee culture of Australia and New Zealand, Kaffeine has been serving exceptional coffee in Fitzrovia since 2009.
This award-winning café is known for its meticulous attention to detail, from the carefully sourced beans to the expertly trained baristas.
What to try: Their flat white is consistently praised as one of the best in London. Pair it with one of their delicious pastries for a perfect morning treat.
Address: 66 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7QJ
2. Prufrock Coffee
Founded by former World Barista Champion Gwilym Davies, Prufrock Coffee is a mecca for coffee enthusiasts. Located in Clerkenwell, this spacious café not only serves exceptional coffee but also offers barista training courses for those looking to elevate their home brewing skills.
What to try: Their filter coffee showcases a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Don't miss their expertly crafted espresso-based drinks either.
Address: 23-25 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TE
3. Rosslyn Coffee
Tucked away in the City of London, Rosslyn Coffee has quickly become a favourite among discerning coffee drinkers since its opening in 2018. The minimalist interior allows the coffee to take centre stage, with beans sourced from some of the world's best roasters.
What to try: Their espresso is a must-try, but if you're in the mood for something different, their batch brew filter coffee is always excellent.
Address: 78 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4SJ
4. Attendant
Housed in a converted Victorian public toilet, Attendant in Fitzrovia offers a unique coffee experience. Don't let the unusual setting fool you – their coffee is seriously good, with beans roasted in-house and a menu that changes seasonally.
What to try: Their house blend espresso is excellent, but don't miss out on their guest filter coffees, which showcase beans from around the world.
Address: 27A Foley Street, London W1W 6DY
5. Tap Coffee
With three locations in central London, Tap Coffee (formerly known as Tapped & Packed) has been a stalwart of the London coffee scene for over a decade. Each location has its own unique character, but all share a commitment to serving exceptional coffee in a welcoming environment.
What to try: Their espresso-based drinks are consistently excellent, but their pour-over coffees are particularly noteworthy.
Address: 193 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZF (Soho location)
What Sets These Coffee Shops Apart?
These independent coffee shops stand out from the chains for several reasons:
- Quality of Beans: They source their beans from top-tier roasters or roast in-house, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Skilled Baristas: The staff at these cafés are often highly trained and passionate about coffee, resulting in consistently excellent brews.
- Attention to Detail: From water temperature to grind size, these shops pay attention to every aspect of the brewing process.
- Unique Atmospheres: Each of these cafés has its own distinct character, offering a more personal and authentic experience than chain stores.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Many of these shops prioritise ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly practices.
The Rise of Speciality Coffee in London
London's coffee scene has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. The city, once known for its tea-drinking culture, has embraced speciality coffee with enthusiasm.
This shift can be traced back to the early 2000s when a wave of Australian and New Zealand baristas brought their coffee expertise to London.
According to a report by Allegra World Coffee Portal, the UK speciality coffee shop market has shown resilience even in the face of economic challenges, with steady growth year on year. This growth is driven by consumers' increasing appreciation for high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and unique café experiences.
Supporting Local Businesses
By choosing to visit these independent coffee shops, you're not just treating yourself to excellent coffee – you're also supporting local businesses and contributing to the vibrant coffee culture of London.
These shops often have close relationships with their suppliers and customers, creating a sense of community that's hard to find in larger chains.
Conclusion
While these five coffee shops offer some of the best brews in Central London, remember that you don't always have to venture out to enjoy exceptional coffee. Butter & Crust's weekend delivery service brings freshly roasted Monmouth Coffee beans right to your doorstep, along with our artisanal baked goods.
Our carefully selected coffee beans from Monmouth Coffee, one of London's most respected roasters, ensure that you can enjoy café-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home. Pair it with our freshly baked pastries for the perfect weekend breakfast or brunch.
By ordering from us, you're not only treating yourself to top-quality products but also supporting a local business committed to sustainability and reducing food waste in the food industry.
So whether you're in the mood for a coffee shop adventure in Central London or prefer the convenience of home delivery, there's no shortage of ways to satisfy your coffee cravings in the capital.
Happy brewing!
