Welcome to The London Coffee Guide – your definitive companion to discovering the very best of London’s independent coffee scene.
We seek out the standout stars of London’s thriving coffee culture – from hidden gems to pioneering roasteries and everything in between. Whether you're chasing the perfect morning flat white, a smooth lunchtime long black, or a punchy afternoon espresso, our guide is here to lead the way.
We’ve meticulously reviewed 200 of the capital’s finest independent coffee venues, from neighbourhood cafés to cutting-edge speciality spots. From this list, we’ve handpicked the TOP 10, TOP 20, and TOP 40 most exciting venues – those that truly embody excellence in coffee and service, and are absolute must-visits for any true coffee lover.
The fifth wave of coffee has well and truly established itself in London, with independent specialists adopting a boutique-at-scale approach – opening multiple sites with a winning recipe for success, while retaining their unique character and commitment to quality.
Allegra is a recognised leader in consumer and business intelligence for the coffee industry in the UK and Europe. We've drawn upon this research, along with insights from industry experts, to compile this edition.
We hope you enjoy exploring it.