Britain might be a nation of tea drinkers, but when it comes to the capital, the caffeine fix of choice has to be a good cup of coffee. And London is filled with a plethora of coffee shops, from tiny cafés serving up a plain and simple brew, to exotic boutique spots, where you can find all kinds of flavoured concoctions.
Whatever your coffee drinking preference, you can always enjoy a great cup of coffee to start the day at the Park Grand Kensington London. Read on to find out more about some of the best places to get a coffee across the city.
Coffee Plant – Notting Hill
If you’re looking for a good coffee fix in easy walking distance of the Park Grand Kensington London, check out this niche little Notting Hill spot. An independent artisan roastery with its own small coffee spot, you can enjoy delicious Arabica beans, and choose from a great selection of organic and fair-trade options.
The shop itself may be small and unassuming, but the busy crowds it attracts are a testament to the quality of their coffee. Pop in for an excellent macchiato and a freshly baked pastry before you start your day.
The Grind – multiple locations
The original Grind outpost started off in Shoreditch and has become an iconic landmark in the neighbourhood. Serving up more than just a good cup of coffee, the Grind transformed what a coffee shop could be, with an in-house cocktail bar, restaurant and a recording studio upstairs. A great place to enjoy a stylish drink or meal if you’re staying in London with some of the great value romantic hotel packages currently on offer, it’s always a memorable experience.
You’ll now find the Grind in a number of locations across the city, making it easier than ever to enjoy their distinctive mix of coffee and cocktails. For a scenic drink at the end of the day, head to their Royal Exchange location, located in a Grade I listed building, overlooking the magnificent Bank of England.
Kaffeine – Fitzrovia
Australia and New Zealand both have world-renowned coffee cultures, and there are several Antipodean-inspired coffee outlets across the capital. One of the best has to be Kaffeine, the stylish independent coffee makers located in central London, with two locations in Fitzrovia.
Conveniently located a short walk away from Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus, this is must-visit spot during a busy shopping spree in the city when you need a boost of energy before heading back for a meal at the Park Grand restaurant.
But they also serve up much more than just a good cup of coffee when you’re in need of a little pick me up; with stylish interiors and a delicious menu for breakfast, lunch or snacks, it’s worth spending a little time to unwind and relax in here. Kaffeine also offers special classes to take you behind the scenes of life as a busy barista, where you can learn to make latte art, and discover what goes into making the perfect cup.
Monmouth Coffee Company – Covent Garden
Located in the bustling and hectic throng of Covent Garden, you’ll find one of London’s finest coffee brands, tucked away on a side street. It’s not hard to spot though, as the busy queues show just how popular this local institution is, and with their fantastic locally roasted selection of organic coffees, you’ll soon want to get in line for your own cup.
Monmouth specialises in creating well crafted and seasonal blends, sourcing small batches of beans from quality farms. Don’t expect frothy, syrup-laden cups of coffee in here – this is a place committed to the real thing. Indulge in a delicious pastry while you’re in there, and afterwards, treat yourself to a bag of beans to take home too.
Timberyard – Seven Dials
Coffee shops can be a great place to get on with a bit of work, and if you’re looking for somewhere that delivers great cuppas along with fast Wi-Fi, this central London location is ideal for this.
Timberyard offers a dedicated workspace where you can get down to business while enjoying a serious cup of coffee to keep you perky. They also have an excellent selection of food and snacks, making sure you’re never left feeling too peckish. If you need to catch up with colleagues and friends, it’s also worth checking out their meeting spaces which can be reserved ahead of time, providing the perfect place to enjoy a conversation, while still enjoying their great range of drinks and food.
Department of Coffee and Social Affairs – multiple locations
While the staid-sounding name might raise a few eyebrows, this stylish coffee brand has stealthily been growing all over the world and is always worth a visit when you’re in the city. Each of their coffee shops has its own unique sense of style and personality, and their laidback spaces are a great place to relax with a drink and a snack.
While the classic Indian Afternoon Tea is always a delicious late-afternoon pick-me-up, the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs has a tempting range of freshly made pastries and sweet treats, that provides a lovely alternative when you need something quick. With a number of locations all across the capital, it’s a reliable alternative to the bigger chains.
Second Shot Coffee – Bethnal Green
While a fancy cup of coffee is sometimes seen as a luxurious indulgence, you can feel a little more positive about your late afternoon latte, with this lovely East London coffee outpost. Combining great coffee with social action, Second Shot Coffee is a community-based store, that aims to tackle the city’s homelessness crisis, one cup of coffee at a time.
As well as enjoying a delicious fresh brew, you can choose to pay it forward by buying a cup or meal for someone else to enjoy, free of charge, and know that you are making a positive change to someone else’s life by being here.
