Written by Rebekka Barootes (Astor Hyde Park)

DOPPIO COFFEE WAREHOUSE – EAST LONDON

90 Hanbury Street, Shoreditch

If you are looking for real the real deal Doppio Coffee Warehouse in Shoreditch is where it’s at! This place takes coffee seriously. The Warehouse has (most importantly) an espresso bar, beautiful showroom and a workshop where you can learn how to make all the yummy goodness yourself.
These people know coffee and you can spend hours learning all about beans, machines and styles of beverages all in the same convenient spot.

The walk to Doppio Coffee Warehouse is amazing too! Just off Brick Lane it is surrounded by streets and alleys with amazing and jaw-dropping street art this is a must visit when you require your caffeine fix in East London.

HOMEGROWN CAFE – SOUTH LONDON

Inside Pop Brixton: 49 Brixton Station Road, Brixton

Located in Pop Brixton, a shipping container pop –up shop haven, Homegrown Cafe offers wonderful Americano and even better snack options. The environment is unique and the cafe offers all kinds of dairy alternatives; which for the poor unfortunate lactose intolerant people like me is needed.
After warming up with a great cup of coffee you can wander around the rest of Pop Brixton and grab a bite from one of the unique food stalls (Homegrown included), fantastic craft beer and one of a kind small shops.

WATERSIDE CAFE – WEST LONDON

Warwick Cresent, Little Venice

A quick jaunt from Paddington Station this quant and picture perfect area hosts a unique cafe on one of the river boats floating along the sides of the canals. Waterside Cafe is small but the scenery is beautiful, the experience is unlike any other in London and it’s like taking a trip far from the hustle and bustle of the busy city without ever leaving the city.
Waterside Cafe has good espresso and WONDERFUL gluten/dairy free lemon loaf. The coffee is consumable and the location is fantastic.

CROSSTOWN DOUGHNUT AND COFFEE BAR – CENTRAL LONDON

4 Broadwick Street, Soho

If you require something sweet and tasty with your delicious coffee swing by Crosstown Doughnut & Coffee Bar. They know both coffee and doughnuts which are a fantastic combination. Their numerous excellent reviews from Canadians (who consume the most doughnuts per year in the world) is enough said in my books but if you do not trust the reviews test it yourself. The coffee is grand but is taken to the next level combined with one of the many doughnut options.

WHAT ABOUT THE TEA?!

We cannot forget about the other delicious, caffeine filled, option: Tea. Tea and England go hand in hand and if you want to experience an affordable afternoon tea Muffin Man Tea Shop (12 Wrights Ln, Kensington) is the place to go. Established in 1963 this Tea shop is just a 2 minute walk from High Street Kensington Station and has everything you require for an afternoon tea, and more, for an affordable price. The tea variety is on point and the cakes and toasties are delicious.