Quirky Coffee

A journey of two friends on the hunt for the best coffee in London... Follow us on Instagram

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Double Shot Coffee Co.

Ideally located in the heart of London’s theatreland, Double Shot Coffee Co. is a great meeting place before going to a play or when you are having a break after spending quality time discovering Covent Garden. The décor is quite elaborate for a cafe but it definitely gives them a unique edge, which you cannot find in the usual cafe chains. Chandeliers and golden frame mirrors as well as beautiful artworks through out would probably make you feel like you are in a glamorous theatre. The cafe offers comfortable leather armchairs and sofas, and if you fancy a game of chess or Scrabble you can always relax in the area downstairs. Double Shot is also good for a casual business meeting or studying, as the music is not distracting and there is also Wi-Fi. A great variety of cakes and sandwiches are on offer, as well as a full menu at breakfast and lunchtime. However, while the cappuccino was alright, it did not really live up to their claim of being the best coffee in London (it was too milky in my opinion). Despite this, Double Shot Coffee is still worth a visit if you happen to be in the area and are looking for a place to unwind and recharge.

Address:  38A Tavistock Street, London WC2E 7PB

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Fork Deli

We stumbled upon Fork on our hunt to find a nice place to study, which means apart from good quality coffee and delicious food, fast Wi-Fi connection is a must. This cafe ticks all the boxes. You cannot ask for a more relaxing and welcoming settings, with quirky wooden tables and decorations. Being in the Bloomsbury area, Fork is ideal for students looking for an alternative to the library. The cafe is not too big but you would not feel cramped because the tables are spaced nicely, leaving just enough room for about 30 people to sit down. There is a big window in the centre of the ceiling to let natural light in, so the space feels even more open. On the occasion of a heatwave in London, the seating area outside is definitely a popular option. During lunchtime they serve a wide range of healthy salads and sandwiches, all freshly made on site, and the portion is very generous. Delicious sweet pastries and great coffee (with Monmouth coffee beans) are available all day, so you are welcome to sit down and take your time. A personal favourite is the warm and buttery banana loaf. If you decide to bring your laptops to do some studies, the soft music would not distract you and there are sockets to charge your devices as well. But if you are busy on your way to work or university then opt for their takeaways, the baristas are very quick and friendly. This is an all-round cafe that deserves regular visits!

Address: 85 Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AL

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Camera Cafe

Is it a camera shop? Is it a cafe? Or is it a gallery? The answer is, the Camera Cafe is all three! Photography enthusiasts would be delighted at the sight of Hasselblad cameras and lenses on display. At the back of the shop is the cafe itself with a simple design and cosy lightings. There are also more seats downstairs where you would find yourself in very comfortable sofas that make you feel like you are relaxing in a charming living room. This cafe is welcoming, and with a bonus of fast Wi-Fi, it is definitely a good space to do some work and stay around for longer. You can even play board games or read a magazine from their ‘library’ shelves. They offer good quality coffee as well; the honey latte is a house special with just enough sweetness to balance the bitterness of coffee. A helpful coffee chart is at hand if you cannot make up your mind. Before you leave, don’t forget to have a look at the gallery where the works of some very talented artists are exhibited from time to time. Just a few steps away from the British Museum, why not pay this hidden gem a visit on your next museum excursion?

Address: 44 Museum Street, London WC1A 1LY

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Bar Termini

This café by day/bar by night is a venture of leading mixologist Tony Coniliaro and the man who first introduced Illy coffee to London, Marco Arrigo. It strives to bring a classy Italian style in a charming setting with rustic brick walls and long leather sofas. If you don’t have time to linger around then have a shot of extra strong espresso at the bar to really start your day. When you do have a spare moment though, pick any coffee item on their unique menu. The bianco is essentially a cappuccino but more foamy, and the latte is perfect for those who prefer the milky taste. You can also try an affogato and be amazed when the sweet vanilla ice cream melts under the hot coffee. Also on offer are some small plates and traditional pastries like cornetto, just right for when you feel a bit peckish. This menu certainly showcases both of the owners’ Italian background and their take on the most basics items that make a great cup of coffee. However, you do have to pay higher prices compare with your average independent cafes, so perhaps save this one for a more special occasion. Maybe come back another time to give their cocktails a try, but do take note that the place can get pretty cramped with just 25 seats, and they expect a rather quick table turnover.

Address: 7 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JE

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Bar Italia

This cafe is so immersed in the cultural history of Soho that it has become part of the aesthetic of this area. On the mirrored walls you could see posters of what seem like years of memorabilia and snippets from the past as well as photos of beaming movie stars. It is hard to not meet the moody eyes of Robert de Niro's macho stare on a life-size poster of him on a raging bull behind the bar. Huge draping Italian flags hang from the ceiling remind us of this cafe’s proud heritage (as if one could forget!). The staff seems to have just walked off the set of a Ferilli film: "colourful", spirited and vicarious. It is definitely the people who run this heart-warming cafe that give Bar Italia its truly unique character. The coffee itself is strong and will not disappoint; after all, it is one of the few cafes in the heart of Soho that can guarantee to bring you an authentic Italian experience. If you come on the rare occasion of a sunny day in London then an added bonus is the outdoor seating area on the pavement. Try to nab a prime people watching spot or just enjoy your newspapers while sipping a cup of espresso in the sun.

Address: 22 Frith Street, London W1D 4RF

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Curators Coffee Gallery

Tired from a day of hard-core shopping? Curators Coffee Gallery provides a tranquil heaven away from the teeming tourists on Oxford Street. The modern, art- deco interior, with beehive tiles, wooden counters, hanging plants and skylights creates the illusion of being in a chic garden in the heart of Fitzrovia. The space in Curators also doubles up as a gallery showing two floors of local artists work - which can be enjoyed whilst indulging in their special house blends, making a perfect base for any types of coffee. Treat yourself to the enticing baked goods - a new creation like the peanut butter cookie sandwich or a deliciously desirable slice of warm buttery banana bread. There are plenty more on offer and they are changed seasonally, so you will be spoilt for choice. This cafe could easily be your next ideal spot for creativity in London.

Address: 51 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SG

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Wild & Wood Coffee House

In order to win the award of London’s Best Coffee Shop of the Year 2014, you would expect nothing less but wonderful coffee and tasty food. Wild & Wood Coffee House definitely lives up to this title, if not more. The wood panels and 50s music provide the perfect atmosphere for you to relax and forget about your busy day at work. Strong coffee is a must; their beans come from Monmouth Coffee (which we have reviewed not too long ago), perfectly brewed by one of the friendly baristas. The numerous choices of cakes might make it rather difficult for you to make up your mind; in case that happens, we would recommend a slice of the delicious almond cheesecake. The creamy yet light texture is the perfect complement to a cup of cappuccino. Wild & Wood is furnished with antique church furniture, so if you have time, have a seat at the snuggly and warm ‘nook’, consists of only 6 seats, to fully immerse in the cozy atmosphere.

Address: Unit 19, 1 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BA

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The Attendant

The Attendant defiantly falls under the category of a ‘quirky’ coffee shop. From the outside its entrance is almost missable to the unknowing eye. Venture down the covered stairway and you will find yourself in a restored 19th century gents toilets. The first noticeable thing is that it’s small, barely big enough to fit in tables and coffee machines. This however adds to the authenticity of the surroundings and the experience of the Attendant. Urinals supplying seating and small high tables have somehow been squeezed into the minimal space, providing surprisingly comfortable and private spaces to sit. The original white tiles of the former toilet line the walls, these, added with the bright lights make it easy to forget that you are underground and helps create the illusion of space and opens up the room. The coffee is strong and made with organic beans, which they pride themselves on. All the food is fresh and made on the day; from their sandwiches to soups that all change seasonally. A small tip – treat yourself to the S’more brownie, we promise, this will not disappoint! It is no wonder that this unique cafe has attracted film crews, tourists and a crowd of coffee lovers seeking something more than the average, unoriginal coffee chain stores that are taking over the streets of London.

Address: 27a Foley Street, London W1W 6DY (you simply cannot miss this quirky entrance!) 

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Monmouth Coffee Company

It is hard not to notice the long queue outside of Monmouth Coffee Company, a cafe that has been  at the heart of Seven Dials since 2007. Their history goes back to 1987 where they first began roasting and selling coffee beans, and they still continue that tradition until today. You can smell the coffee even before stepping into the small shop, and will be greeted by a whole array of coffee beans. The beans come from different regions of the world, from Brazil to Ethiopia and Indonesia; they vary according to the crop seasons. Detailed information of the beans being sold can be found in the information sheets on each table, that is if you decide to sit down at the communal tables and enjoy your cup of coffee there. Most people opt for a takeaway simply because the place is always packed, but either way you still get to see how the baristas carefully strain each cup at a separate counter and inhale the strong and wonderful aroma. Their cafe au lait tastes amazing with one of the sweet pastries, a perfect treat for a cold winter day, although it would have been even better if the space was less cramped and you do not feel like you are taking someone else’s seats. Perhaps it is not the best place to take your time and relax, but if you are looking for high quality coffee on-the-go, you must visit Monmouth.

Address: Monmouth Coffee Company, 27 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden WC2H 9EU

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TAP coffee

TAP coffee, previously called Tapped and Packed, gives you a great atmosphere the moment you step into their shop. The spacious sitting area is full of sunlight from the conservatory-style windows, so you do not really have to worry about finding a place to sit down, whether it is by one of the tables or higher up on the stools next to a shelf full of homemade coffee blends. There is a rustic charm about the settings, maybe it is from the simple wooden furniture, or maybe it is the hanging lamps or the vintage posters on the wall. All these make you want to unwind and be free from any stress, because sometimes you just need to get away from your usual scenery. The food is made fresh daily, ranging from different types of salads, quiche and soup. They are served in big portion by the friendly and knowledgable staff. You can also opt for some kinds of sweet treats like a small brownie. And of course, let’s not forget about the coffee, after all, high quality coffee is what we are looking for. If you like strong and creamy coffee, try their espresso, but if you prefer a drink with more milk, then a cappuccino or a latte is just right. Even the spoons are vintage, each bearing a unique little badge. This cafe is perfect for a nice lunch to catch up with your friends, or just to enjoy an afternoon away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. The American band One Republic has mentioned TAP as their ‘absolute favourite coffee shop in London’, so keep an eye out for them, you never know who you might bump into next time you go for your coffee break.

Address: TAP No. 193 Wardour Street W1F 8ZF

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Milkbar - Soho

Just off a side street of the bustling Soho is the Soho icon, The Milkbar. The minimalistic style with rustic furniture and simple menu written on a black board seem to make us pay attention to the coffee even more. After all, it’s what we came here for right? And they did not disappoint. The flat white was perfectly served in a small, colourful ceramic cup. Their coffee is made with a confidence, strong, with a thin layer of creamy milk to add to the perfection in a cup, finished off with a pretty coffee art (yes, it can seem so precious that you might hesitate to stir your cup!). The all-day menu, laden with eye-catching sweet treats is impossible to ignore. We gave the brownies a go (one ‘Blondie’ and one dark chocolate); any inclination of being healthy went straight out of the window - they were smooth but sickly sweet. The location of this café feeds the atmosphere; it’s impossible to not overhear hushed conversations about the latest film releases and upcoming projects that are in the making. Time seems not to exist here, customers mill around for as long as they like, listening to the tunes of the 50s - It is hard to not feel a guilty burst of happiness when the first cords of Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B Good’ starts to play. This cafe really attracts all - whether you need to get out of a hectic office to a chilled environment to have a meeting with a good quality coffee and a naughty pastry, or if you just need some alone time with a book and strong latte, the Milkbar is the place to go.

Address: Milk Bar, 3 Bateman Street, Soho, London W1D 4AG