The best places for a caffeine hit in London

Wednesday 27 February 2019

Brits drink an estimated 95 million cups of coffee every day and across London there are a host of exceptional coffee outlets that have perfected the fine art of creating the perfect brew. From using carefully selected seasonal coffee beans from around the world to roasting them in-house, expect speciality coffee experiences that get the senses tingling.

Celebrate all that’s great about coffee

The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane welcomes the London Coffee Festival in late March, bringing together a selection of the best baristas alongside ample opportunities for tastings, demonstrations and workshops. Live music will accompany the festival (28-31 March 2019), which also includes a Latte Art competition and an exciting Coffee Art Project featuring everything from paintings and drawings to film, sculpture and conceptual art.

Watch as baristas go head-to-head across a range of coffee creation disciplines to showcase their skills, in a bid to be crowned Coffee Master. You can also embark on a flavour challenge to test the senses or visit the Tasting Room to discover how coffee can be paired with chocolate, beer, wine and whisky.

Experience London’s coffee collection

Across the capital there are an abundance of specialist coffee houses, small independent cafés and roasters that can provide a much-needed caffeine hit.

Origin Coffee

Having sourced coffee from all over the world, Origin Coffee puts the focus on the unique and incredible stories that accompany every cup. Found occupying spots in Shoreditch, Hammersmith, Southwark and the British Library, a complex roasting process ensures that each cup delivers an abundance of tastes to swell the senses.

Esters

Tucked away on Kynaston Road in North London, Esters uses a few select trusted roasters to provide its coffee alongside a brunch menu based on local produce, seasonal fruit and vegetables and delicious baked goods.

Kaffeine

Taking its inspiration from New Zealand and Australia, independent coffee café Kaffeine has two locations in Fitzrovia, one on Great Titchfield Street and the other on Eastcastle Street. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2019, the coffee outlet runs fortnightly group art latte classes as well as one-on-ones with the lead barista for those who want to find out more about the art of coffee making.

Abuelo

Combining South American coffee beans with Australian coffee techniques, Abuelo offers a delightful speciality coffee experience in the heart of Covent Garden. Thanks to a partnership with Wogan Coffee Roasters, expect single origin, 100% Arabica beans that are roasted in Britain to be the mainstay of the coffee and cocktail menu. Ethically sourced, organic, farm to table meals can accompany the coffee offering, as the menu takes inspiration from Abuelo’s Australian and Argentinian owners.

Monmouth Coffee Company

With a focus on sustainable processes, the Monmouth Coffee Company sources and roasts coffee from small farms, estates and cooperatives, purchasing small batches from many countries across the world. Alongside sites in Covent Garden and Borough, they have a set of Loring roasters in Bermondsey, a hub of coffee production.

Press Coffee

Having arrived on London’s coffee scene in 2013, Press Coffee has expanded from its initial site on Fleet Street to take in locations on Chancery Lane, Saint Bride and a collaboration with Framestore, as well as more recent additions in Fulham Market Hall and Victoria Market Hall. Press sources and roasts coffee from the world’s most stirring coffee producing regions, and follows specific procedures to get the most out of any individual coffee, resulting in exceptional flavours.

Association Coffee

With a range of coffees that change by season, Association Coffee on Creechurch Lane has something new to experience on a constant basis, serving speciality coffee from London’s leading roasters. Expect guest espressos and single origin coffee, as well as a selection of teas, pastries and other baked goods. They also stock an array of home brewing equipment for those who want to take their love of coffee that step further.

Coleman Coffee Roasters

Serving up specialist coffees on Lower Marsh Street in Lambeth, Coleman Coffee Roasters uses a gas powered roaster originating from post-war Vienna. While predominantly a wholesaler, the shop opens on Saturday morning for taster sessions where visitors can try a selection of south American coffee beans.

The Watch House

The Watch House is a small rustic coffee shop in Bermondsey, set in the surroundings of an old Victorian building designed for men guarding the nearby St Mary Magdalene Church graveyard. Alongside Empire Blend and Single Origin Filter Coffee, the watch serves an array of monthly brews alongside plenty of delicious house-made food. Its other sites near Tower Bridge and Fetter Lane draw inspiration for their surroundings, serving a delightful concoction of coffees, cocktails and small dishes.

For more information contact:

Patrycja Woda

patrycja.woda@visitbritain.org

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London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK
London Coffee Festival, London, UK