For a self-confessed coffee-snob and full-time caffeine addict, the lockdown in London has made it harder than ever to get those antipodean-quality lattes. So, as the Covid-19 crisis continues and more of us turn to homemade pour-overs, here are some of London’s best coffee shops to keep in mind post-lockdown.
Grind
Any of the Grind cafés serve up choice coffee every day of the week, which are scattered across the city from Greenwich to Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Covent Garden and beyond. My fave? The Soho Grind outpost. Replete with a downstairs speakeasy, stay till the evening for all manner of coffee cocktails and cheeky namesakes. Don’t miss the espresso martini.
Grind, 19 Beak Street, Soho, +44 020 7287 7073, grind.co.uk
Caravan
The old roasters on the block, still buzzing for over a decade now. The founders of Caravan are Kiwis dishing up impeccable Aussie-style brunches, natch. Plus several locales across London. Quali-tea service guaranteed.
Caravan, 152 Great Portland Street, Fitzrovia, +44 020 3963 8500, caravancoffeeroasters.co.uk
Dartbrooke Coffee
A half-pint café tucked away in Clerkenwell for guilt-free takeaway (cups are fully recyclable). Drop in to chat java jargon with their in-the-know baristas, including its founder, Kate, or nab a coveted seat out front to soak in the sun.
Dartbrooke Coffee, 1 Leather Lane, dartbrooke-coffee.com
Prufrock
Halfway along bustling Leather Lane, you can duck into Prufrock for an equally as buzzy vibe — roasted, brewed and poured your way, just name it. Run by local legends and experts, book in for regular masterclass brew events or barista training.
Prufrock, 23-25 Leather Lane, +44 020 7242 0467, prufrockcoffee.com
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs
From humble beginnings on Leather Lane in 2010 to opening stores across the pond, they’re a no-fuss London staple. My pick are Piccadilly and Carnaby, both tucked away from the madness of Soho. A caffeine-infused oasis to recharge ‘n refuel.
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, 15 Sherwood Street Regent Street Quadrant, Piccadilly and 3 Lowndes Court, Carnaby, departmentofcoffee.com
Visions Canteen
Visions Canteen in trend-savvy Shoreditch pulls laid back Eastenders and London creatives, where the baristas know their stuff and the lunch menu is delish. Industrial style interiors and welcoming servers, bonus. What’s not to love?
Visions Canteen, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, visionscanteen.com
Suzanne Delahunty is LUXE’s London Resident Editor, a fashion stylist and founder of the podcast “The Freedom Hunters”. Follow her on Instagram @suzannedelahunty
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