London Coffee Shops – From Coffee With Love

August 25, 2025

Drinking Coffee in London Summer 2025 Edition

Yes, I was back in London last month in July after a family holiday in Morocco and I can’t wait to share with you my London specialty coffee adventures, especially as there were lots of new coffee shops opening and who said that opening coffee shops was a passing trend…. Hmmm! In summary, there appears to be a trend, where coffee brands from overseas like Dubai (previous post), Nairobi (yes, from Kenya, Africa) Asia and Europe are opening branches in London. I also got to revisit some of my faves, especially as they were very convenient on my way to explore London and visit friends.

The Barn Café, 36 Charlotte Street

Recently opened on Charlotte Street, just a few minutes’ walk off Oxford Street (Tottenham court road end and close to Goodge Street), Barn Berlin have decided to open a branch in bustling London – called The Barn Café (not Barn Berlin). A cozy escape, the décor is urban chic with exposed brick, with a natural feel, decked with wooden furniture and flooring to match I guess, their coffee bags too, reminding me of my coffee shop in Cape Town. They sue a La Marzocco two group linea machine with Victoria Arduino grinders. There’s some seating outside, which was perfect for the day I visited, as it was a warm sunny 30C day in London. However, I sat inside because I wanted to take pictures and videos and chat a little with their friendly staff, which I did. As I hadn’t had milk-based coffee that day, I ordered a flat white using their blend.

Well balanced.

They sell lots of their coffees, so you can drink and buy.

Spring Valley, 24 Camden Passage, Islington

I was excited to see this new coffee shop open in London just prior to my visit, but why you may ask. In short, I’ve known about this Kenyan coffee brand since 2018 and the prospect of an African brand opening in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhood signaled to me two things, that an African F&B company have the bravery to open up in London and that a full on coffee shop will be offering Kenyan coffee on a regular basis. So, I went with my daughter on a very rainy Sunday and I was surprised about how busy the area was. More impressive, was the size of the shop. Decked with all the best gadgets that I had seen in Nairobi, like a La Marzocco Strada and Swan grinder.

I opted for a cappuccino with their dark roast, although I must confess, I would have preferred their medium roast but they had sold out already and that was at 11:30am. They also offer lots of merchandise to buy from Africa, of course and I can see them becoming a hub for the locals and British Africans too.

Frequency Specialty Coffee, 13 Camden Passage Islington

Not far from Spring Valley was what looked like a tiny coffee shop. However, as we entered up the stairs I later found out that Frequency has seating across 4 floors including a garden patio too. However, on a rainy day, we sat on the second floor as I downed my Brazilian cortado – tingling notes of dark chocolate on the outside of my tongue.

So good, that I bought a bag of their espresso beans to take back to Dubai too.

I went back later in the week with my brother and guess what, it was raining again but this time I had a V60, which was good too.

Zero to One, 19 Widegate, near Liverpool Street Station

We know that Vietnam is now the second largest producer of coffee in the World, but I’ve never been nor seen a Vietnamese specialty coffee shop before, until now – a stone throw away from Liverpool Street tube station – the hub of bankers, lawyers and the people who create wealth in London. My daughter actually recommended this spot, so I dropped by with my wife to try it out. Decked with a Kees van der Westen spirit espresso machine, operated by a friendly lady barista, I knew they meant business.

So, I opted for a cortado, using…. Guess what? A medium light roasted Vietnamese specialty robusta natural coffee bean, fermented with kefir (usually used to ferment yoghurt) – yes, a mouthful, but yes, a mouthful of goodness too. Yum!

They roast and sell their beans too, so if you fancy something different, then try them out.

So, where else did I go?

Well, I stopped over at some other tried and tested places, which I have written about before, like.

Kiss the Hippo on Margaret Street, near Oxford Street, which was actually my first specialty coffee stop. I had a well-balanced fruity V60 using Colombian Pink bourbon Arabica beans.

Urban Botanica Kennington to have a cortado, using a Rwanda natural brewed on their Kees van der Westen spirt espresso machine.

WatchHouse (Fitzrovia and Bond Street branches) to have delicious banana bread and batch brew and on another occasion, a flat white. I love the interiors and the attention to detail by the staff at this brand and you can usually can’t go wrong when you visit them. Did I mention that they have a loyalty customer app too?

The Shed at Clapham South underground station, who now use Assembly coffee (previously it was Caravan) for a quick cortado.

2 Love to Coffee House (St Johns Road, Clapham) Two for my last coffee fix, which was a flat white using their espresso blend – a delicious end to my London coffee adventures.

July 30, 2025

The Voyage Lounge: From Dubai to London

Visiting London recently, I noticed a new trend, whereby coffee shops from other parts of the World, are now opening in London (more on that in my next post God willing). We’ve already noticed that some Dubai restaurants like Kinoya, The Maine, Shangai Me, Gaia and Somewhere, have opened in London’s prestigious neighbourhoods.

So, not to be outdone, Voyage, of Dubai Mall, have now opened in London – not far from London’s famous store, Harrods, in Knightsbridge, next to the Binghatti show room.

When we arrived, there was a queue – this if you don’t know, is unusual for London, unless for an Instagram trendy foodie spot, but most people in the queue were from the Middle East and this is common in Riyadh. However, for our friends, it was unusual. So, after about 30 minutes waiting, we were finally let in, all 7 of us.

Video of Voyage Lounge

It’s quite a huge space for a London café and I think they have yet to maximise the space inside and I guess they might have seating downstairs soon.

The décor is similar to the one in Dubai Mall – orange clay with lounge style chairs and their menu, although more biased towards trendy drinks (matcha, etc), does have specialty coffee and pour over too, with lots of tasty cakes on offer.

Try the pistachio – it was yummy and we ordered three.

I went for a cortado, using Colombian coffee beans.

I liked that it had a bit of a punch.

Their brew bar is similar to the one in Dubai, with a Kees van der Westen espresso machine and they have a display of cakes and coffee beans for you to smell too.

After two hours of catching up, we walked over to the Binghatti (one of Dubai’s top real estate developers) show room and had a quick chat with one of the salesmen, where we spoke about the Mercedes building, being built by Binghatti in Dubai.

Find them in the prestigious neighbourhood of Kensington at 197 Brompton Road, London SW3 1LA.

June 30, 2025

London Stop Over: Three Coffee shops

Always on the hunt for new coffee experiences when I stop over in London, I discovered two new places and share with you one of my to-go’s.

2 Love Coffeehouse, 89 St John’s Rd, London SW11 1QY

Located at the intersection of St Johns Road and Battersea Rise and almost 5-6 minutes’ walk from the busy Clapham Junction railway station is 2 Love Tea and Coffee – but their coffee offerings dominate their menu. I’ve actually been here a few times, as if I manage to sneak out of the house before the plan of the day has been agreed to, I can get a good flat white. As you enter, you are greeted with an array of cakes on your left-hand side that only those who hate cakes will ignore. I must confess, I have ignored these on a few occasions but have succumbed to their red velvet and carrot cake on others too.

London cakes

I usually stop here for a good flat white and often buy coffee to take back to Dubai too.

They have their own blends for espresso-based coffee but offer and sell Monmouth coffees and other London based roasteries too.

The Coffee Guild, 106 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AJ

On the occasion of our sons’ master’s graduation and after a long day with no specialty coffee, I was pleased to see this coffee shop on our way to the celebration dinner across the road. Whilst everyone walked onto the restaurant, I had to stop to get something, after spotting the La Marzocco Linea espresso machine – I sound like an addict… In any case it was worth it, a double espresso, just to get me through the rest of the day.

On our way back after dinner, my brother couldn’t help himself and ordered a latte and I bought a bag of their espresso blend.

Two things really stood out for me at this coffee shop.

First, when was the last time a coffee shop was open in England after 6pm? I can only think of one, Watch House in Bloomsbury, London. Puzzled, I asked the owner and he said they stay open until 11pm… yes, you read that right. I am almost positive that no other coffee shop stays open in England this late.

Secondly, the owner and his other staff were so friendly that I almost wanted to award them “the happiest coffee shop in England”. The joy they had in serving coffee and telling me that they open until 11pm was so amazing.

Highly recommend.

Treelogy Coffee, 50 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 6LG

I must confess when a friend of mine from London suggested we meet here for coffee and a catch up, I was a bit sceptical – probably because of the name. I was on the verge of recommending somewhere else but because I knew we had a short window, I decided to look them up instead.

Yes, I saw pictures of latte art, but I wanted to know more. So, I got there a little earlier than my meeting to scan the place out. Unlike most London coffee shops, expect the elegant and sophisticated Watch House, most London coffee shops look very neighbourly, but this one looked very corporate as it was located at the bottom of a newish office block next to the newly revamped Paddington railway station. After observing the barista and checking out their coffee offerings, I ordered a cortado.

It was delicious and probably I shouldn’t judge a coffee shop by its flooring…. Ha!.

May 31, 2025

I Was at Calico Coffee, London

Prior to my short London trip last week, my daughter mentioned that she wanted to take me to a new coffee shop she thought I’d like. So, after peeling myself off my bed on a Sunday morning, the last day of our 4 days trip and after a hectic few days, I went to meet her at Waterloo at Calico Coffee, 101 Lower Marsh Street, about 5 minutes’ walk from Waterloo Railway Station.

Upon entering, you are greeted with a fairly open space, giving you room to look at their coffee menu and their pastry offerings in a glass counter (very Nordic). Their brew bar in front of you is decked with a La Marzocco Strada and to the right-hand side, they offer coffee beans to take home or you can have them ground by them too.

As you walk along the left-hand side, you notice wooden shelves with magazines.

The feel for me, was very Japanese with its minimalist feel and décor that reminded me of modern Japanese restaurants, decked with high stool seating at the back next to the counter, where they brew filter coffees. At the back there was a nice looking one group espresso machine with Maxim label on it and when I enquired, they said it was a Chinese made espresso machine (with a French name).

Walking back, I noticed that one of the baristi must have won this…

Yes, third place in the UK Brewers championship in 2023.

After reviewing the coffee menu and quizzing the barista about their blends for milk-based coffee and the cup size for their flat white (a typical trait of mine, sorry), I opted for their house blend when I heard “Kenya”. My daughter went for the americano.

A nice cup with hints of berries (typical Kenyan profile) around the edge of the tongue.

So, who or what is Calico?

In short, it’s the first outfit owned by two Chinese entrepreneurs and from what I noticed, they seem committed to showing London that Chinese inspired (or was it Japanese) décor, decked with an extensive brew bar, lots of staff, pastries and a chill out vibe is a space they are willing to fill in the London specialty coffee scene.

Will I go again ❓

Sure, because I also need to try their filter brewing skills.

We met a pleasant barista, Maria, of Portuguese origin, who told us about the shop, which only opened about 3 months ago.

Before I left, I went over to their coffee retail shelf and after reading many labels and being encouraged by Maria, opted for an Ecuadorian Anaerobic coffee from a Parisian based coffee roaster, Tanat, with its bright orange packaging. Looking forward to brewing this at home soon. ☺️

If in London and near Waterloo, please check them out and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed but rather… you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Visit them at Unit C, 101 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB.

January 31, 2025February 5, 2025

Drinking Coffee in LONDON 2024

Avid readers of my blog over the last 15 years would have noticed that I usually do an annual post on my coffee escapades in London. However, although I confess that this wasn’t published during the calendar year of 2024, I do have an excuse, as in 2024, I went to London not once but thrice – the first time I think since I left in 2002. So, to save myself from the embarrassment of not posting this in 2024, I essentially wanted to capture all my escapades in one post as I got back from my third trip earlier this month. So, without further a due (very English), here’s my non-exhaustive list of the coffee shops I discovered in 2024 during my three trips to London.

Qima Café, Warren Street

I already posted about my visit here in July as it had been on my list for well over a year. Not to go over my experience again, but worth a visit not just for their coffee but for their pastries too. They also stock hard to find but expensive Yemeni arabica coffee and have these lovely dark bottles well packaged that you can buy and take home with you. It’s a very popular spot with tourist and locals alike, so expect queues if you go.

Kiss the Hippo, Margaret Street, Oxford Street area

With a name you won’t forget easily, this coffee business is rolling out many shops across London as part of their strategy to promote not just great coffee but ethical coffee business too, being named London’s first Carbon Negative coffee brand. What does that mean? It means that they make sure that more CO2 is captured from the environment than is created by their business, resulting in a net positive for the environment (source: their website). I went to their branch twice, once to get this delicious filter brew and another to get a cortado.

On the last occasion, I bought a bag of Chinese Arabica Beans (yes, they grow Arabic coffee in China too). They have another 7 branches dotted around London so wherever you are, you might not be too far from one.

Nagare, Soho

My daughter told me about this brand as it’s near where she works but on the first occasion I wanted to go, they were closed at 12 noon for the holidays for a week. However, I heard from a friend that they have another branch in Soho and on the last day if 2024, I went there. A small café just off Carnaby Street, you’ll notice that the staff are Japanese, so I’m guessing it’s a Japanese brand. They were quite busy so I had to wait about 10 minutes for my cortado but wasn’t that fussed as they had a part of their café that was like a little quiet living room, so I sat and waited, took some pictures, drank my good cup of coffee and left.

Store Street, Liverpool Street

Not to be outdone from missing out at Nagare the first time (see above), I walked around the corner onto Liverpool Street and went into Store Street Espresso. I’ve been a few times, but this was my second visit to this branch. Small but busy given the clientele in the heart of where bankers, lawyers and hedge fund peeps work, it wasn’t that busy at 3pm in the afternoon. They stock Square Mile coffee and other brands and if you buy a bag of coffee, you get a cup of coffee complimentary, so worth thinking about too.

Nkora, Old Burlington Street

Tucked away just off Savile Row (the best place to have tailor made suits in London), is a little non-assuming coffee shop called Nkora. I had heard about this brand and knew that they had another coffee shop at London Wall in the city. I stopped over for a black coffee fix one late afternoon on a colder than usual autumn day in London with my daughter. It looks like the kid of place that James Bond, after having his suits made, would pop over to have a quiet meeting with Q as they have a quiet place downstairs for a real incognito meeting. (James Bond fans will understand).

Watchhouse, Bishopsgate

I met a friend here in the heart of the city where bankers and lawyers rub shoulders. Literally it is down a lane from one of the largest and most prestigious London law firms, Freshfields. As you enter you can’t help but appreciate how each Watch House coffee shop, dotted around London, has a different but familiar feel to it. This reminded me of a little library with a ladder behind the brew bar and another where the retail coffee bag section is.

After a recommendation from the barista to try one of their prestigious filter coffee, I sadly had to decline as my friend said he was treating me and I didn’t want him to pay 12 pounds for a cup of coffee for me.

So, I opted for a batch brew (filter coffee brewed in a batch), delicious nevertheless to accompany his flat white.

Watchhouse, Wells Street Fitzrovia

Well, earlier this month just before I left London again, I found myself in a dilemma as it was just past 4pm and I wanted good coffee. Walking towards Oxford Street on Goodge Street I noticed another popular brand has already shut for the weekend but to my surprise I saw this gorgeous looking architect masterpiece of a coffee shop…. Yes! another Watch House. Did I mention that Watch House was started by an architect. Well, you can tell, check out the brew bar. Wow!

This time the barista offered us an interesting coffee for our filter and we agreed. To add to this experience, we were served cold green tea to clean our palate before drinking the coffee. An unusual experience no doubt but it did help accentuate the high notes of the coffee.

Ozone, Leonard Street, Shoreditch

I’ve known about Ozone for years and I’m almost embarrassed to share that this was my first time. In fact, in 2012 when I was returning to Europe after I had to sell my coffee shop in Cape Town, I met with the owner, Lizz and almost worked with her in setting up this coffee shop. So, one Friday afternoon prior to meeting my cousin and her kids around the corner form Ozone, I rushed with my wife and daughter to finally visit Ozone. It was like I imagined as I have been following them for years. As you enter you can see their huge coffee roaster downstairs and moving further inside they have a dual bar, one for coffee and another food decked with an open kitchen – cool indeed. The decor is urban eatery with exposed brick and lots of light coming in with a mouthwatering breakfast menu too.

I walked around, shot a video for Instagram, bought a bag of their seasonal blend and ordered coffee of course. A delicious flat white – the kind of coffee that spoke to me saying “why haven’t you been here all this time”. Sigh! I plan to visit again and have breakfast in 2025 God willing.

Hjem, 157 Gloucester Road, South Kensington

A friend of mine said next time you’re in London, I have to take you to this Danish inspired coffee shop with pastries and good cofree too. Apparently, they have two in a very posh part of London, South Kensington – where millionaires reside. We went to the only one open just after New Year 2025. Apparently, the shop was started by a lady who saw an opportunity to offer good coffee to parents dropping their kids off at school in the morning and voila she now has two. We ordered their special pastries, like knotted brioche, which went well with their coffee from Climpson and Sons (a London roastery). A cute place to try out if you happen to be in the area, about 15 minutes’ walk from the Natural History Museum.

Guillam, Curzon Street, Mayfair

Tucked away in Mayfair (another hang out for the ultra-wealthy) I discovered this small coffee shop, recommended to me by a fiend in Dubai who has worked with them on supplying previous Yemeni coffee beans. As you enter, you are greeted by a friendly barista and a brew bar featuring a two-group cream coloured La Marzocco Linea with their logo on it, with their coffees on sale gracing the base.

I wandered around the coffee shop, took a video and pictures and placed two orders for one cortado for me and a flat white for my loyal daughter that loves hanging around with me in London.

Delicious and if you are in that part of London (near Green Park tube station, take a 5-minute walk and you won’t regret it). They also have 3 other coffee shops across London.

21 Grams, South Clapham

So just before heading to the airport on a cold, almost 0C day in London, I ventured to get my last cup of specialty coffee in London. About 10 minutes’ walk from where I was staying, 21 grams is familiar to me, having been there in 2023 but I was intrigued this time as their previous roaster, the Gentleman Barista coffee company is now bankrupt. I walked in to be greeted by a friendly lady barista, who made this well poured latte art delicious flat white using their house blend, roasted now by Liberty Coffee Company. A traditional looking neighbourhood coffee shop which now has 5 coffee shop.

July 31, 2024July 31, 2024

I WAS AT QIMA CAFE, LONDON

When I first saw Qima Café on Instagram about a year ago, I knew that I was going to add it to my list of places to go in London. However, during my last visit in September 2023, it completely escaped my mind and only a few days afterwards I realized that I had missed my opportunity – Aargh!

So, on this occasion, earlier this month, my daughter who managed to visit the café even before me, made sure I didn’t miss the opportunity. In fact we almost missed out on it again and after attempt three, we finally made it on a Sunday morning.

In short, Qima Café is part of Qima coffee, an ethical coffee sourcing coffee business that challenges itself to source hard to find and very special coffees working with over 7,000 coffee farmers (that’s a lot and a serious commitment). I presume they created a café so that people could experience their passion to source and also serve great coffees.

I was intrigued to find a café with a bit of queue on a Sunday morning even in London, which often means two things – it’s a popular spot for tourists looking to tick it off their bucket or Instagram list and a cherished spot for locals. Nevertheless, I can’t say that I fit within those categories, as I had read about Qima about a year ago and was fascinated by their attachment to Yemeni coffee. In addition, my friend from Dubai (Mokha not Mocha), a Yemeni coffee grower encouraged me to visit Qima as they had previously worked together. So, you see this time I had to make it.

Although it was another rainy and cold Summer day in London, people were sitting outside under the canopy with their raincoats and umbrellas. As we tried to make our way inside, we could see that not only was there a queue but no seats inside. We tried to look for seats downstairs but as we made our way back upstairs to street level, my daughter’s determination was rewarded. As I queued up to place our orders for coffee, I noticed that most people in the queue were actually not planning to sit down but were ordering their famous pastries by the bucket load (English idiom for lots), but nevertheless we still had to queue as there’s only one for sit down and take out. A side note, pastries at Qima cafe are also quite famous.

Graced by Black Eagle silver espresso machine and décor that reminds one of an Arabian hut with sandy, desert tones, you instantly fell comfy and cosy especially with the seats decked with cushions too. They have a long list of different types of coffee on their menu including cascara, cold brew, filter and tea. I ordered a flat white and my daughter couldn’t resist their famous cinnamon bun or was it a roll?

After drinking my delicious coffee, I walked around and fell for the temptation to buy one of their coffees, which are so nicely packaged in these most keep bottles. I went for the Ecuador, but they also had two Yemeni coffees on offer too. Although I was tempted, I knew it was out of my budget on this occasion – holidays can be expensive as you know.

In short, if you have a bit of time to spare on your next trip to London – take the underground to Warren Street on the Victoria and Northern lines and it is literally a 2-3 minute walk to this must visit coffee shop in London, situated on 21 Warren Street.

December 31, 2023December 31, 2023

I was at colonna and smalls, london

I cannot finish 2023, without mentioning one of the most exciting coffee experiences in a coffee shop I had this year – the opening of Colonna and Smalls on Leather Lane in London. In fact this trip was made even more exciting for me, as they opened the day after I arrived in London for a trip and I visited on my birthday too – what a wonderful coffee experience for a birthday.

Owned by Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, a former UK barista champion several years ago, Maxwell has always been one to push the boundaries on all things coffee. When I first visited his first cafe in Bath I had the opportunity to meet with him and quiz him about his coffee philosophy. After all, not only was he UK barista champion twice, but he has won several awards like best UK cappuccino and more. It was also at his cafe back in 2017 that I saw the Mod Bar for the first time. He also grinds all his coffee beans whether for espresso or filter, on a Mahlkonig EK43. His London shop is no exception.

I digress a bit for the techies, but the debate advocated by Maxwell is that by using the EK43 (not built for grinding for espresso but ideally for spices and perhaps for filter coffee) you not only minimise waste because you grind per cup but that the EK43 grinds very evenly with little differentiation in grind size – this means that you can even lower the amount of coffee you use – they use about 16.5g as opposed to the industry average of 18-20g.

His London branch is his second shop and I must confess I was curious as to why he opened another coffee shop – this time on probably London’ most famous coffee street for the best coffee – Prufrock is a few shops down, as well as the Attendant.

Upon entering the narrow shop, the brew bar is on the right hand side and display of coffee and merchandise to sell is on your left. The menu for both espresso base and filter coffee are on a placard on the exposed brick wall, with the filter options ready to be used. If you walk further back, there’s more sitting. I noticed that most people there were keen coffee drinkers, asking all sorts of coffee nerdy questions.

However, they have another specific menu for rare filter coffees too. As it was my birthday, I opted for a Panama Geisha from the famous coffee estate, Hacienda Esmeralda. Indeed it was sublime, tea like with hints of jasmine. I gave my wife a taste and she retorted, this taste like tea. I recall that the first time I had this very special coffee was way back in 2011 when I had my cafe in Cape Town – my roaster gave me a small bag, which I brewed on an aeropress.

As its was my birthday I didn’t just have one coffee. In fact I started with a flat white, using Peruvian coffee beans, brewed on their Two Group La Marzocco espresso machine by the head baristi.

Prior to my trip I had contacted Maxwell on LinkedIn and mentioned that I would be visiting but upon entering the shop he wasn’t there. However, to my pleasant surprise, I recognised his voice during my first cup of coffee and went over to chat for about 20 minutes about coffee and more. One lesson I got from him this time was about water quality and how it mattered more for filter than espresso – I took notes and will investigate how to manage this at home in Dubai. However, before we left, I spotted Maxwell brewing an espresso for a flat white and captured this on film, asking him if he still had it in him to pour great latte art – of course he did, as I’m sure his DNA is labelled with coffee.

Maxwell pouring latte art

I highly recommend when you visit London that you visit Colonna and Smalls on 96A Leather Lane, Clerkenwell – closest tube station is Chancery Lane.

Here’s wishing you a blessed 2024 and lots of wonderful coffee adventures.

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

Ten Cups of Coffee in London

Earlier this month I was in London and of course the opportunity to check out new cafes was top of my list. I must confess, that I prayed that the weather would be warm, coming form 40C Dubai, but you’ll be glad to know that my prayers were answered, as this September went down as one of the warmest on record, with temperatures hovering over 30C on a few days. However, I’m not sure if it is because of Brexit, I was saddened to see that most coffee shops, even in central London, close between 3:30 and 4pm. For me, this was a travesty, as I love drinking coffee after every meal, even at night, which you won’t find anymore in London – sigh! Nevertheless, I only found one exception and for that, you’ll have to read on.

CUPS 1 AND 2 (Colonna & Smalls 96a Leather Lane, City of London)

Famously run by Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, former UK barista champion, a few years back but not one that’s shy to push the boundaries on all things coffee – he wrote a book about how water affects your coffee and is about to launch one on the coffee business. His famous coffee shop is in Bath – read here when I visited. But, imagine my delight when I heard that he was opening an outlet in London. So, on the occasion of my birthday, I went here with my wife to try out the newly opened coffee shop and by default my first specialty coffee of my trip. I failed to contain my excitement, opted for a flat white to start, poured by the pleasant barista.

Whilst I was drinking my coffee, I noticed Maxwell had entered and of course we chatted coffee for like 30 minutes from water, and more, naturally. I then ordered a special filter coffee from their menu…. wait for it….

A Panama geisha from the famous coffee estate, Hacienda Esmeralda. Indeed it was sublime, tea like with hints of jasmine. I gave my wife a taste and she retorted, this taste like tea.

The last time I had this priced coffee was when I had a my coffee shop in Cape Town back in 2011 – yes it was tasted like a blue pearl earl grey. So having spoilt myself and spent more money drinking coffee than I ever have in a London coffee shop, it was time to leave after two cups of coffee.

CUP 3 (21 Grams, 155 Northcote road)

As usual, we stayed with my brother in the Clapham area and he told me that there was new coffee shop nearby, so whilst I waited for my wife to get ready, I went exploring to find this new coffee shop. The little chairs outside gave the cafe away and inside it is easy to get confused about where to order from as the barista space is open. In fact, when I went with my wife a second time, she went next to the espresso machine. As it was morning, I opted for another flat white.

I noticed they were using Gentlemen Barista coffee, which features an espresso blend that contains Brazil of course. I guessed that the baristi were speaking Portuguese and I was right, they hailed from Brazil. Also on offer are pastries and cakes.

CUPS 4 AND 5 (Watch House, 2-3 Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square/Bond Street)

Now, having walked around London in 30C, looking for coffee after 4pm, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this newish (to me) Watch House was opened. Yes! I practically rushed in and “said gimme coffee” BUT as you know I don’t have an American accent, LOL! So, rewind, I walked in took in the wonderful architecture (after all the founder of Watch House is an architect) – which I have to say reminded me of some of the lavish cafe interiors I’m used to in Dubai and calmly asked for a batch brew – a kind of filter coffee prepared beforehand.

I was pleasantly surprised upon siping this coffee to detect hints of spearmint. I read the card and saw Nestor Lasso. So intrigued I was with this usual cup, that I asked the barista if I could buy a bag because I didn’t see it on their shelf. He went to the back of the cafe and said that I was in luck but they could only sell me 200g (packed in 100g bags each), so I bought it. Upon my return to Dubai, my coffee geek friend told me that Nestor Lasso is a famous coffee producer and has won awards for his coffee, so it was a great buy then.

A few days later I met a friend and we had two flat whites. I was intrigued to see a long queue pouring out of the cafe – something I haven’t seen in London for a long time.

CUP 6 (Bobo and Wild, 18 Clapham Common south side)

Back to the neighbourhood. If you don’t know now, then I should let you know that my fave meal of the day is breakfast and what better to go with this tan good coffee too. So, gate crashing my brothers brunch tradition, my wife and I went to Bobo and Wild. A popular spot for brunch, run as far as I know by some Australians. I went for a flat white as I was in Aussie land prior to my amazing truffle eggs aka folded eggs. If you know me, then you’d know that I hardly use the word “amazing” unless I really mean it.

I mean wow. Posh eggs, folded on top of sourdough bread and mushrooms topped with Parmesan cloud (okay, shavings). Back to the coffee.

My flat white was their Bobo Blend, a Brazil/Guatemala origin, medium-dark roast, with notes of chocolate, hazelnut and black currant, brewed on a La Marzocco linea. A good choice but I have to admit the egg was the star here.

CUP 7 (The Shed, Clapham South Tube Station)

This shop is second to none if you live in the Clapham South area and need that jolt of specialty coffee caffeine before you head to work. They use Caravan Coffee, brewed on a La Marzocco linea and also stocks pastries and cakes and if needed you can buy coffee bags too.

I went for a flat white – perhaps I should have called this post 7 flat whites (smile). A well prepared coffee with good frothed mil and coffee balance poured by a peasant barista.

CUP 8 (The Hagen Project, 30a Pimlico Road, Chelsea)

On our way from the airport to Clapham, we passed Chelsea and I noticed this little cafe with a Kees Van der Westen machine in the window and thought one day I’ll check this place out. A short history about Chelsea – it’s where the posh and very rich of London live – the end. In any case, I grabbed my opportunity when spending some time with my mum and headed here for my daily dose of specialty coffee and wow! was it special. Initially I wanted one of their coffees as an espressos based drink but then I opted for coffee from Prolog – a famous coffee roastery based in Copenhagen , visited by a one of the most famous chefs in the World, René Redzepi. Upon looking at the bag, Los Hermanos from the La Union municipality of Nariño, Colombia with a name like La Indonesia, I was sold.

What splendid cup of coffee prepared by two very young female baristi on the Hario V60 and served in such a delectable manner, wine glass to highlight the notes with a stone covering the glass carafe. The taste was sublime, with hints of aged berries, subtle acidity and just a good cup of coffee. I think the way it was served added to the suspense and when I went to pay – the bill of GBP10 ($13) took me by surprise but I guess it was worth it.

CUP 9 (Urban Botanica, 30 Windmill Road, off Kennington Road)

In late June, our daughter moved to London toe start law school and after the aches and pains of looking for a property, she found one in Kennington. After scanning the area, she was like “I’ve found a good coffee shop for you to try when you visit”. And she was right. As we entered Urban Botanica, I spotted, yes, wait for it Kees Van der Westen machine – custom made with pink undertones.

So, having missed the opportunity at Hagen, I was presented here with the opportunity to have milk based drink on this famous machine and I opted for a flat white.

Beautifully made, suing Horsham Coffee, where the owner, Stephen used to work before, I highly recommend this place if you are nearby. I promise a longer post on this.

CUP 10 (The Shot, 104 Wigmore Street)

Walking behind Oxford Street with my daughter, I noticed this coffee shop across the road and was intrigued by a branding on the shop front as well as a nearby delivery van, so I thought , why not. So, have you ever been to a coffee shop that has a maitre d – someone who takes your reservation and guides you to your seat – very common for posh restaurants? Well, the Shot has that. Upon entering, the interior is quite dark but the gold encrusted Hario V60 breaks that monotone. The image at the top of this post is from their coffee shop.

I watched over as the baristi, who looked a bit intimidating with their waistcoats and well coiffed beards. We were handed a menu, which featured expensive coffees like Jamaica Blue Mountain, so l ordered a standard espresso

Easy to drink. As far as I can tell this is a new concept and they have another one in Mayfair – of course – another expensive residential community in London, not far from the Kings palace.

February 25, 2023February 26, 2023

London Coffee stop over, January 2023

Last month I was in London again, partly because our daughter graduated from her masters in sustainable development – proud parents, praise God. Naturally, the graduation was one day but of course I took advantage of staying in freezing London for at least 6 days before heading back to Dubai to spend time with family and friends and drink good coffee of course.

Brickwood Cafe, 21 Battersea Rise, Clapham

I stopped in here for my first coffee of my trip to meet with my sister briefly as she was about to fly back to the States, so I ordered a corn bread benedict and a flat white. Brickwood still use Ozone Coffee, so you know it’s going to satisfy not just your caffeine thirst but your taste buds too. I’ve been here a few times as it’s just around the corner from where I stay in London.

The Gentlemen Baristas, 162 Piccadilly, Green Park

After an early start, where I had to meet a client, I opted to meet my wife and daughter at this cafe, where I’ve been before. As you enter, it is quite busy but what I liked was the Italian style greeting by one of the staff, who took our order due to the long lunch time queue and served us as we seated by the window. I opted for a cappuccino and my daughter for an Americano – her new go to for coffee. Their coffee is more on the dark roasted side, so expect dark chocolate notes with milk based coffee. Prego.

Arome Bakery, 27 Duke Street – opposite Selfridges – West End

Hanging out with my daughter, a keen foodie, I gracefully accompanied her to a Japanese bakery on her list. Sadly most of the delicious pastries and cakes that grace their instagram feed had sold out, so whilst she opted for a Japanese chicken savoury croissant, I noted that they had a three group La Marzocco Linea at the back, asked them about their coffee and ordered a cortado. The Japanese tend to favour a darker roast for espresso based coffee so I knew it would be give me a milk chocolate vibe, which it did. Good for pastry and coffee.

Kafi Cafe, 20 Cleveland Street, West End

Last summer I stopped at their pop-up shop at Lush on Oxford Street and decided this time to visit their actually coffee shop, which is quite quaint (attractively unusual) and small that you could easily walk past it. Hanging out with my brother on yet another sub-zero day in London, we ordered a cortado for me and a flat white for him. Kafi brew espresso on a La Marzocco Strada and use HasBean coffees – one of the OGs of specialty coffee in the UK so you won’t be disappointed. They have a strong vegan feel and some small bites, so stop here to grab coffee as sitting will be difficult – they literally have space for about 6 people inside and bench outside (good for the summer and spring I guess).

Rosslyn Coffee, 118 London Wall, City of London

So, I’ve saved the best for last. I first heard of Rosslyn a few years back and made a coffee geek inspired journey to their first coffee shop a few years back – read here. Recently voted best independent coffee shop in Europe, they now have three shops, centred in the City of London – i.e. where all the top banks, law firms, hedge funds are located. So, if you are having a high powered meeting and trying to cut a deal in a friendly good coffee setting, try their branch at Moorgate Station or London Wall. My daughter and I ordered a Long Black and Flat White respectively.

For milk based it was deffo milk chocolate with hints of hazelnuts. I went over to the head barista, Miles, and after highlighting my coffee geekiness, he took me around the back to show me their newish La Marzocco KB90 and their work flow. The most intrigue g thing for me and for him too, was the Uber Milk machine, which can now froth milk to a very high barista standard automatically, lessen the work flow when they have a huge influx of customers at peak times – they already have like 2/3 baristi. I was glad for the tour, walked around a bit, shot a video and left.

There you have it, a quick tour guide of some new places to drink coffee when you’re out and about in London. Please share any new places in the comments below.

August 28, 2022August 30, 2022

9 places to drink coffee in London in 2022

Last month I had the pleasure of my palate and my inquisitiveness to visit London and naturally took the opportunity to visit as many cafes as I could, whilst visiting some tried and tested ones too in the process. Despite having scorching temperatures with the hottest day ever recorded in London at 40C, I wasn’t discouraged on drinking my coffee hot nevertheless. One proviso – I was in around the West End a lot, so most of these cafes are near Oxford Street. So here we go.

Omotesando, 8 Newman Street, off Oxford Street (new)

Famous in Japan and not with an outlet in London, Omotesando has a very Japanese minimalist design. As you enter you are greeted with their loge in a kind of lobby space before you turn right into the cafe, decorated with wood and clean lines, decked with a La Marzocco Strada espresso machine. The coffee is more on the darkly roasted style, so probably best with milk, which is what I had – a flat white.

Hints of chocolate and caramel if my taste buds memory serves me well.

Workshop, St Christopher’s Place, off Oxford Street (classic)

I’ve been here many times since they opened several years ago and on this very hot day – it was 38C, I knew I needed “hot” coffee after wandering the streets of London looking for a birthday card for my mum (hint: it is now very difficult to buy a physical birthday card in London). I opted for a filter cup using Ethiopian beans as I wanted something fruity to refuel my body before my search. To be honest the barista wasn’t very attentive – perhaps he was suffering from the heat but luckily I knew that the coffee would be roasted and their non-committed method – using the toddy, wouldn’t extract too much effort in preparing my delicious tasting coffee.

Blank Street, Charlotte Street, off Oxford Street (new)

A taste of Brooklyn, NYC in London is how I would start this report. In short, Blank Street are quite famous in New York and have landed in London in a big way, with plans to open a few shops – they have a few in London already and I later found out that my son’s friend works for them. I was drawn to the colours of the brand I must confess and upon entering and not spotting a manual espresso machine I was about to leave, when the very friendly barista offered to serve me. After sharing that I was thinking of not ordering because of my snobbish preference for manually brewed coffee, he convinced me to try an espresso on their unique automatic machine for FREE – how could I say no.

I must confess this is probably the best looking and tasting espresso I have had on an automatic machine. I’m guessing they manually pour their milk and they have a few healthy options on their menu to tempt the trendy healthy types to make this their main to-go.

Kaffeine, Great Titchfield Street, off Oxford Street (classic)

A classic mainstay on the London specialty coffee scene, Kaffeine won best European coffee shop during their honeymoon years. Nevertheless , they still serve Squaremile coffee and prepare coffee properly. Again. it was a very busy hot day – this was the 40C day and we no air conditioner in cafes in London generally, the staff were a bit frazzled, making me a bit nervous when I placed my order for a cortado.

Glad that the heat and the business of the cafe didn’t disappoint and I’m glad that I satisfied my coffee craving that day here.

Kiss the Hippo, Canal Square, near Kings Cross (new)

Moving away from the West End now as our daughter wanted to show us another “happening” enclave in London, Canal Square in Kings Cross is an enclave of restaurants, a food market serving exotic foods and the future home of FaceBook HQ, London. On our way to discovering, I spotted this little pop-up cafe and instantly noticed the name, which I have known for a few years now. I went for a cortado – it was 37C

Nice and creamy with hints of milk chocolate and recommended if you are visiting Kings Cross, which also has Caravan – see next post.

Caravan, Granary Square, (classic)

I must confess, I didn’t have coffee here as I had just had coffee at kiss the hippo but nevertheless having coffee here will not disappoint. They have a huge space which incorporates a roastery (the inspiration for many coffee shops in London and beyond) a full restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had brunch and then I went in to look around and bought two bags of coffee (see previous post for my experience ).

Highly recommended for specialty coffee and dining, plus they have a great online store (I ordered many times when I lived in Europe).

Lantana, 13 Charlotte Street, off Goodge Street and near Oxford Street (classic)

Another one of London’s mainstay in the speciality coffee scene but one I never visited due to logistical reasons. They are famous for their breakfast and brunches and of course Aussie style coffees. This was literally my last experience on speciality coffee in London on my trip. As it was a nice summer’s day, we sat outside but inside is very cosy and I can imagine queues forming on a cold and windy day, as I had initially wanted to come here for breakfast but that’s another story. I decided to order a coffee and cake.

I must confess I sent my first cortado back as I didn’t like the infusion between the milk and espresso, but the second one was worth the fussiness.

Kafi Cafe inside LUSH, Oxford Street (new)

I heard about this cafe when scrolling through HasBean instagram feed and was shocked to know that there was actually speciality coffee shop on Oxford Street itself (the rents are crazy). In short, HasBean is one of the most respected coffee roasters in England, haling from the very northern part, Huddersfield so I was excited to taste their coffees after several years (I used to order online several years ago). Located on the first floor of LUSH – a very smelly soap shop – you will be greeted at the top of the stirs with an array of coffee to your left and a lime green Black Eagle espresso machine. I ordered a cortado as usual (this is the main coffee I order if I’m craving milk based but want a higher proportion of coffee in the afternoon).

Nice cup of coffee using Ethiopian beans with hints of fruit and caramel. Kafi actually have a bigger shop located a few minutes away at 20 Cleveland Street. Highly recommended.

Grind at Soho, 19 Beak Street, off Carnaby Street (classic)

I’ve been here many times when I’ve been in the area craving specialty coffee and so this time was the same. Again I went for a cortado or as it a short cortado

The barista wasn’t the friendliest – I’m not sure if Brexit and the service based industry is doing well with grumpy baristi and n general service staff. I digress but back to the coffee. Yes it was nice and once the barista saw that I was enjoying it, she was a bit more receptive, asking what I thought. Luckily for me I prioritise substance over fluffiness.

In summary, you will be spoilt for choice when you visit London, which host tons of specialty coffee shops. They may not be the friendliest, as I have become accustomed to very friendly baristi customer service in cafes in Dubai but they will be passionate about preparing your cup of coffee – just don’t film them without permission nor expect to chat with them about the coffee and more.

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