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Good, to be enjoyed alone or in company, as long as it is in a warm and cozy place: those who think that the ritual of coffee is only an Italian affair and that around the world you have to give it up are sorely mistaken.
They know it well in the United Kingdom: here beans, roasting and cups are serious business, and there are plenty of bars inLondon in which to enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Try it for yourself: a careful search among coffee shops and coffee bars can yield pleasant surprises.
In London's coffee shops, straddling the "third wave"
The English capital does not disappoint diehards of the precious blend, and the stereotype of the long coffee is giving way to a new trend that sees London coffee bars at the forefront.
This new trend, dubbed as "Third wave," literally, puts coffee quality at the center with a renewed focus on all production steps, from growing to roasting to consumption by an increasingly demanding clientele.
And so, the first independent cafés were born: small places with an informal, but neat style, sometimes featuring artistic furnishings and details.
Perfect places to indulge in a short break, or for a morning of work connected to the wi-fi network.
This is where coffee culture lives a new page in its long history and is intertwined with new rhythms and new needs, a trend that London coffee shops have already picked up on.
Let's discover the nicest ones together.
80 Coffee Roasters
In the heart of Elephant & Castle, this little café declined in shades of blue has been welcoming anyone in the mood for a coffee made to perfection since 2017.
Simone and Roberto, the two Italian founders, select and roast the best raw materials from around the world.
In addition to offering a pleasant break, this is one of the cafes in London where you can buy your favorite blend and the equipment needed to prepare it.
Look Mum No Hands
Among London coffee shops a special mention goes to Look Mum No Hands, which combines a passion for coffee with a passion for cycling.
At the location at Islington , it is possible to enjoy good artisanal coffee from a local roastery and, in the meantime, buy bike clothing and accessories.
If necessary, in the dedicated workshop space you can have your bike checked or fixed before setting off again.
Abuelo
If you're at Covent Garden don't miss Abuelo: the perfect blend of Brazilian coffee and Australian technique awaits you here. All of this, while respecting fair trade: in fact, the coffee comes from ethical cultivations that enhance local territories and populations.
Along with the coffee you can enjoy a simple and tasty menu that recalls the owner's Australian and Argentine origins.
Brill Café
Music lovers will certainly not miss the opportunity to enjoy their coffee while browsing CDs and vinyls: this is the perfect match offered by Brill Café. Once a record store, it is now a busy independent coffee shop in the heart ofExmouth Market.
The Association Coffee
In addition to espresso, thiscafé offers coffee depending on the season: the range of offerings varies every week and always includes a "guest espresso" and a single-origin to go with a selection of cakes and pastries.
The casual setting with an industrial atmosphere is perfect for a break from quality coffee.
Flat White
For cappuccino lovers, a tour of London coffee shops is not complete without a stop at this place in the heart of Soho.
Here, since 2005, sipping a traditional Flat White, a drink much in vogue in Australia and New Zealand, has been a ritual.
This eatery is an ideal choice for brunch thanks to its all-day breakfast option and a wide selection of desserts.
Kaffeine
For fans of Australian and New Zealand traditions, another stop to plan in London is Kaffeine: this independent café with one location at Fitzrovia and another at Eastcastle Street also offers the opportunity to participate in group or individual classes dedicated to the art of coffee.
The Attendant
Among the quirkiest places to enjoy your London coffee is even a Victorian-era underground toilet: that's exactly the origin of TheAttendant Café, which boasts an in-house roastery and great care in selecting blends from around the world.
At locations at Fitzrovia, Shoreditch and Clerkenwell, L'Attendant offers the chance to learn all the secrets of good coffee and milk art.
Candid Arts Café
Art and coffee are intertwined at this venue in the heart of Angel: Candid Arts stands out for its excellent coffee andbohemian location that also hosts events, exhibitions and art classes.
Coleman Coffee Roasters
For an original coffee break, one can plan a visit to Coleman Coffee Roasters.
Here, Saturday mornings are dedicated to tastings: you can indulge by choosing from a wide range of South American blends.
And have you already elected your favorite café among London's coffee shops?
In case you're looking for inspiration for an upcoming trip check out our guide to the most unique cafes in the world or articles on historic cafes from Prague and Paris!