Food & Drink

12 cafés in Central London that might just be your new favourite

cafes in Fitzrovia Quarter
cafe in central london

In the mood for the perfect morning latte, a quiet place to work, or a cosy café with amazing pastries? Central London has it all. From hidden gems with unique interiors to specialty coffee roasters, we’ve rounded up the best cafés in Central London that are sure to become your new favourites.

So grab your flat white and let’s explore some of the best coffee spots in town!

Cafés in Central London to get your work done

Working remotely or need a quiet space to focus? These cafés offer great coffee, comfortable seating, and a solid WiFi connection, making them perfect for getting work done.

Kiss the Hippo Coffee Fitzrovia

Address: 51 Margaret St, London W1W 8SG, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8 AM – 5:30 PM (open at 8:30 AM on Sat, 9 AM on Sun)

Best for: Expertly brewed coffee in a minimalist, stylish café just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus.

One of London’s top specialty coffee spots, Kiss the Hippo is known for its ethically sourced beans and expertly crafted brews. This café near Oxford Circus has a Scandinavian-inspired design, making it a calm and inviting space to enjoy a cup of coffee.

It is also London’s first carbon-negative coffee roastery, crafting organic, planet-friendly coffee for coffee lovers across the UK and beyond.

 

 

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Attendant Coffee Roasters

Tucked away underground in Fitzrovia Quarter, Attendant Coffee Roasters is one of London’s most unique cafés. Once a public restroom from the 19th century, it’s now an industrial-chic coffee shop with tiled walls and cosy seating.

The specialty coffee here is top-notch, with a focus on ethically sourced beans and expert brewing techniques.

 

 

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Fair Shot Cafe

  • Address: 3 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
  • Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 6 PM
  • Sat: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sun: 12 PM- 6 PM.
  • Best for: A socially conscious café.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.6 mile (18 mins walk)

Located just a short walk from Covent Garden, Fair Shot Café is not just about great coffee, it’s about making a difference.

Alongside their exceptional flat whites and oat lattes, you’ll find delicious pastries, bagels, and their must-try toasted croissant with brie and cherry jam.

If you need a quiet space to work, this is one of the best cafés in Central London to get work done.

 

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Best coffee and brunch spots in Central London

Drunch Oxford Circus

Address: 71 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 6RB, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 10 AM – 11 PM.

Best for: A trendy brunch spot near Oxford Circus.

Drunch is one of the best brunch spots in Central London and Fitzrovia Quarter in particular. Located just a short walk from Oxford Circus, it offers a cosy yet modern setting, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a solo meal.

Their avocado toast with feta and chilli, French toast, and freshly squeezed juices are all fan favourites.

Salt and Pepper

  • Address: 5 Bloomsbury St, London WC1B 3QE, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
      • Môn – Fri: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
      • Sắt: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
      • Sun: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Best for: An upbeat coffee house just a few steps away from Oxford Street.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.4 mile (12 mins walk)

One of London’s top specialty coffee spots, Salt & Pepper is known for its ethically sourced beans and expertly crafted brews. This café has a Scandinavian-inspired design, making it a calm and inviting space to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Explore more café spots on Oxford Street with us!

Daisy Green

Address: 20 Seymour St, London W1H 7HX, United Kingdom

Opening hours: 

  • Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 5 PM
  • Sat & Sun: 8 AM – 6 PM

Best for: Australian-inspired brunches.

Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.8 mile (24 mins walk)

Bringing a taste of Australia to London, Daisy Green is a bright and airy café known for its bold flavours and fresh ingredients.

Their smashed avocado toast, blueberry pancakes, and lamingtons are must-tries.

 

Specialty coffee shops in London

These coffee shops go beyond the ordinary, offering handcrafted brews, single-origin beans, and expert baristas who take coffee seriously.

The Monocle Café

  • Address: 18 Chiltern St, London W1U 7QA, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
  • Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 8 PM
  • Sat: 8 AM – 8 PM
  • Sun: 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Best for: A stylish, compact café serving elegant patisserie.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.5 mile (15 mins walk)

Tucked away on Chiltern Street, The Monocle Café is small but effortlessly chic, offering a curated café experience that reflects the aesthetic of the Monocle brand.

Their espresso is a standout, with a bright acidity and a smooth finish. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick filter coffee or a lazy weekend brunch, this hipster café is a must-visit for coffee lovers.

 

 

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EspressoBase Specialty coffee

Address: St Georges Court, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SE, United Kingdom

Opening hours: Tue – Fri 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Best for: A peaceful espresso bar hidden in a charming garden setting.

A true hidden gem, EspressoBase is nestled inside a quiet church garden in Bloomsbury, making it a perfect spot for a serene coffee break. The café has a strong focus on espresso purity, so don’t expect sugar or syrups – just expertly pulled shots of rich, balanced coffee.

 

Kaffeine

  • Location 1: 66 Great Titchfield St., London W1W 7QJ, United Kingdom
  • Location 2:  15 Eastcastle St, London W1T 3AY, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
  • Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Sat & Sun: 8:30 AM – 5 PM 
  • Best for: An Aussie-style café known for its bold espresso, fresh bakes, and a buzzing atmosphere.

Inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture, Kaffeine is a lively, no-nonsense coffee shop in Fitzrovia that coffee purists adore. Their flat whites and long blacks are known for their intense flavour and silky texture, while their brunch menu is packed with Australian-inspired treats.

Instagram-worthy cafés in Central London

Looking for a coffee shop that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious? These cafés bring aesthetics and flavour together, making them perfect for coffee and content.

EL&N London

EL&N, London’s most Instagrammable café, is famous for its pink floral walls, neon signs, and luxurious desserts. Each visit is an aesthetic delight, with velvety cappuccinos, indulgent Bogtrotter’s Chocolate Cake, and a strong lineup of coffee and pastries that make it a must-visit for those who enjoy a touch of glamour with their brew.

 

 

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Qima Cafe Fitzrovia

If you’re looking for something different from the usual London coffee shop, Qima Café is a fantastic choice.

Specialising in Yemeni coffee traditions, they offer exceptional pour-over coffee and unique pastries like the honey Yemeni brioche and coffee bun. Their chouquettes (French pastry puffs) are also a hit.

 

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Dalloway Terrace

  • Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours: 
  • Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Sat & Sun: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
  • Best for: People-watching at an elegant café with a stunning outdoor terrace.
  • Distance from Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.3 mile (9 mins walk)

Dalloway Terrace is a café straight out of a fairytale. Set in the heart of Bloomsbury, this café combines Parisian-style elegance with a British twist.

Their afternoon tea is one of the best in London, with delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones and cakes.

If you prefer a sit-down meal, their French toast and sea bass salad are also highly recommended.

 

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