United Kingdom

London

Coffee

Food

Brad Morrison and Jamie Strachan

London's coffee scene has flourished in recent years with a rise in independent cafés and coffee houses committed to producing top quality brews. Whether a flat white or an oat-milk latte is your drink of choice, Dark Arts Coffee, a cult specialist-roasters based in Hackney has the place for you. Read below to discover some their most highly-rated coffee joints from around the city.

"Back when i started working with Brad we would often complain about the ubiquitous nature of the London coffee scene. Sitting down to write this list was a reminder of how many coffee shops currently exist with a strong personality of their own" - Jamie Strachan

Of course, we recommend coming to see us in our roastery in Homerton. We have a takeaway counter where our head barista has been developing incredible seasonal drinks. Come in now and get the Cold Brew Orange Mocha Frappuccino. We're takeaway only, but you'll be glad of that when you hear whatever music the production team is blaring that day, always space for some curb-side hangouts for the very brave though.

One of the first, if not thee first, 3rd wave (specialist) cafes in London. Get a, um, flat white from any of the veterans working there Ask for Liam and tell him Jackson C Frank is overrated.

The stand out thing at Hand Cafe is the greek ‘inspired’ pies: some quite traditional and some grecophile interpretation. Look out for one of the owners, Dom, probably wearing a hat that reads ‘Tinos’, and ask him who he thinks is the best basketball player in the league and when he tells you ‘Giannis Antetokounmpo’ ask him why.

Tip: Grab a filter and order the vegan Dom 2.0 with added vinegar pickles and burnt jalapeño sauce. Trust me. (Oh, and make sure you have a napkin).

Look Mum is such a unique place. It's one of the first places I worked when I moved to London, and 8 years later I still love the atmosphere there. Try and find Dave in the workshop and he’ll chat to you about hip hop, or Sam actually. Or you could speak to Lewin about his favourite disco 12's and ask him who he thinks is the best basketball player in the league and why it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Sit at the bar, grab an espresso and order one of everything on the food menu, the kitchen is insane! After that get Haris to make you a mezcal old fashioned.

A long-standing East London favourite. The cafe always has a fast-paced and fun vibe. I know that avocado on toast is a coffee shop trope but I still think Climpsons are the best to ever do it.

The most striking thing here is the location. Previously a private golf course, Beckenham Place Park is now open to the public. Go at the weekend and grab a flat white from Chris on the cart outside and pair it with one of the in-house-made pastries.

This vegan cafe has a long history in the London punk scene, with the current owners also being part of the co-op in its previous incarnation as Pogo Cafe in the same location. Come here, utilise the zine library, try to find all the band references in the poster display and order whatever stew head chef Nacho has prepared that day. All the food here is great but I think that his stews are the highlight.

It’s hard to miss with the bright yellow shopfront right outside Brockley station. Home of the best cinnamon buns in London. Look out for the owner Erin who will be the one with the biggest smile.

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