Exploring a new city can become a fuss for coffee lovers. We know it well; when the cappuccino foam is not good enough, or the first sip tastes way too bitter or rancid… your mood can go down like a ton of bricks. Shoreditch is not an exception.
Google offers many places, but not every place can be worth visiting. If you don’t want to struggle anymore and want to enjoy a mouthful cup of coffee in the East End of London, look no further. Here are the best cafes in Shoreditch.
Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Shoreditch
The Attendant
Tired of shopping on Oxford street? Coffee break is just around the corner… literally. Since its opening in 2013, The Attendant Shoreditch has been a place not only for a good cup of coffee but also for the community! With its elegant interior design, you will experience the ultimate Zen vibes and enjoy a break from the busy London life.
And here is the point where it gets to the next level. The combination of wooden floor, whitewashed walls, green & white tiled bars, and verdancy are definitely recognizable (and, let’s be honest, Instagrammable, too!).
But what’s on the menu? Breakfast, lunch and brunch are made out of ingredients coming primarily from local & British suppliers. There are two different seasonal menus – for weekdays and weekends only. No need to worry; you can find classic avocado toast in both of them! We recommend Avocado & Halloumi Roll or one of the seasonal salad bowls (weekdays only).
The Attendant in Shoreditch not only makes a good coffee but also honours the producers. The coffee they roast (yes, their roast coffee by themselves!) is sourced with quality and sustainability in mind.
Are you planning a date and don’t want it to become “another boring meet-up”? Come here for a brunch date! The location is great, the place is elegant and stylish, and the food is tasty. And you will get an extra point for a creative idea!
PS – don’t forget to bring your card; the Attendant is cashless!
- Location: 27A Foley St, London W1W 6DY
The Grind
The Grind has tens of coffee shops around London, but the Shoreditch Grind is the place where the story began. The Grind is everything you might need during the whole day – even during the times when the difference between espresso and espresso martini is only one call with your boss.
It is an espresso bar (much appreciated by the night owls), cocktail bar (enjoyed when you are coming from work) and all-day restaurant (for eternal foodies). Londoners and coffee lovers from all around the world come here to enjoy the cup with the view from the 50s-style window or while sitting on the red benches in front.
Besides coffees and cocktails, The Grind also offers a generous breakfast and all-day bottomless brunch menu. Reservations are available for groups of up to four people, and the table is yours for 90 minutes. Even though the bookings are recommended, they always have a few tables for walk-ins. There is always space for coffee lovers!
- Location: 213 Old St, London EC1V 9NR
Ozone Coffee
The rumour says the Aussies know their coffee. And talking about Ozone coffee Shoreditch, there is definitely some truth in it! This London gem has an excellent brew, top-notch flat whites and a cold drip that is smooth and aromatic.
The interior is very modern and industrial, with brick walls, wooden flooring, and the option to sit on the long wooden tables facing the window or comfy boots. All of that is accompanied by upbeat music playing in the background.
A service that takes time to bring the best experience to every customer is just a small price to pay for the perfect meals and fantastic coffee. Don’t be surprised if there is a queue in front; this place is great if you want to get takeaway coffee, have a drink or two with friends or just simply spend a rainy afternoon by yourself while reading a book.
Shoreditch’s Ozone serves coffees and drinks but also many options for breakfast, lunch or dessert. If there is only one thing you want to get with the coffee, make it banana bread. And don’t forget, Ozone is a card-only place.
- Location: 11 Leonard St, London EC2A 4AQ
Look Mum No Hands!
One of the trendiest Old Street coffee shops is Look Mum No Hands!. You won’t forget it anytime soon – and not only because of its pretty unique name, but also the concept. Besides the coffee shop, Look Mum No Hands! also includes a bar, exhibition venue and a bicycle workshop. You won’t be surprised that this place is a bike (and pet) friendly! Founded in 2010, LMNH! became London’s trailblazer ever since!
The interior looks exactly how you would expect – with wheels hanging from the ceiling, simple furniture, plants in the corner and a project to watch Tour de France or other cycling competitions. Avocado-smoked salmon brioches, sandwiches, and various granolas make this place a hipster paradise.
We must admit that Ryan Hudson-Peralta, the founder, came up with a pioneering idea that slowly but surely spread worldwide. Now you know that whether you are looking for a pour to fix your bike, this place serves you well.
- Location: 49 Old Street London EC1V 9HX
Kahaila
Somewhere on the way between Whitechapel and Shoreditch, you can find the space where the local community has the most significance. If you want to support locals, it doesn’t matter if artists or a baker; this place is what you were looking for.
Kahaila is something between the coffee place, charity and church. It has delicious coffee, excellent (big portion) cakes, amiable staff and a relaxed and warm-feeling atmosphere.
The menu varies but is very simple, not too fancy and pretty affordable. They always have some vegetarian and vegan options, as well as pastries or cakes for a sweet tooth.
Kahaila is one of the best cafes Spitalfield can offer for meeting and getting to know people. And apparently, they’re doing a great job because they’ve been around since 2012. But you don’t need to get social here if you don’t want to. Kahaila is the place to go when you need to get your work done, with plenty of plugs and working wifi.
- Location: 135 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB
Origin Coffee Roasters
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In 2004, the owner Tom Sobey, highly influenced by his father’s coffee business, had decided to blend two of his passions – coffee and travelling. He had created Origin coffee – an independently owned speciality coffee roastery. And they take it very seriously – the coffee is sourced and traded directly from farmers around the world.
The interior is well designed and very minimalist, with the seating option for a long table and high chairs, a massive mirror on the wall and a tremendous painting behind the bar stand; this place boosts your creativity to the maximum.
What Tom had made so far can be called a dope hipsterish hub. There is no doubt that guests will experience the finest coffees with artistic influences written all over them.
Besides the one in Shoreditch, Origin coffee has locations all around London and Cornwall. And if you want to upgrade your home coffee experience to the next level, their online store will supply you with everything you might need – from grinders and kettles to reusable cups and ceramics!
- Location: 65 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3PE
Long & Short Coffee
Found by accident, came back on purpose! This is how many describe their visit to this place. Although not very well known, Long & Short Coffee is one of the best cafes in Shoreditch.
Not only because of their artsy approach but love for coffee blends too. They claim they work only with fresh coffee, harvested and landed in the UK within 6-8 months. Their primary focus is to sell via their website and in-person in the cafe, but they warmly welcome you if you just come to enjoy your regular dose of caffeine in their relatively small but very cool-looking coffee place. It is evident from the interior – vintage clothes stalls surrounded by plants – that there is a commitment to artsy expressions.
Everything from music choice to aesthetics makes you feel like a cool kid on the block. Doesn’t matter if you came to chit-chat over a cup of coffee (or drink later) with your friend or you need to get some work done.
- Location: The Tea Rooms next to Urban HQ and the Backyard Market, inside the arches, London E1 6QL
Lantana
Very near Old Roundabout Street, there is a great choice to enjoy delicious meals accompanied by a cup of coffee. The menu offers variety – whether you are looking for quick breakfast, healthy lunch meals, or mouthful dinners. There are plenty of house-made cakes for dessert lovers and those craving sweets. Besides the food and coffee, Lantana offers a wide range of drinks, smoothies, craft ales and wines.
Lantana is an ample architectural space with an urban feel with the minimum decor but with a lot of plans and daylight from windows. The tables are pretty tight, which makes the atmosphere even cosier, but it is not the best choice if you are looking for a quiet spot. However, Lantana is an excellent choice for after-work drinks with colleagues, brunches with family or meetups with friends you haven’t seen in a while!
Do not forget to book a table ahead if you are planning to visit during the weekend or are a bigger group. Besides the one in Shoreditch, the Lantana chain has locations in three different areas around London.
- Location: Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1HQ
Read More: 25 Best Restaurants in Shoreditch, London
Brick Lane Coffee Shop
Hipster meets shabby in Shoreditch local cafe Brick Lane Coffee Shop. The family-run coffee&dessert shop serves fresh and organic food with halal and vegan options and high-quality drinks at competitive prices.
The menu is no short of delicious breakfast options like churros, Dutch pancakes, paninis, crepes and waffles, and the usual suspects include bubble tea, coffee and smoothies. The Brick Lane coffee shop is known for its warm and friendly customer service, making sure each guest has a wonderful stay at the cafe.
If you prefer to seat outdoors they have a beautiful garden in their backyard, perfect to watch a football match or just to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few moments.
- Location: 47 Brick Lane, London E1 6PU UK
Friends of Ours
If you are looking for a place to spend your Saturday afternoon with your friends, look no further. Another Aussie-inspired coffee place, Friends of Ours, is a small, vibrant cafe that mixes good coffee with tasty meals and friendly services. They went a long way, from serving just friends and family on the first opening day to winning “Best Brunch in Hoxton & Shoreditch” in 2018.
Nothing is forbidden here, even drinks just right after your breakfast! Talking about food, their menu won’t make you bored. Even though it is seasonal, they always choose local producers and sources.
Just try Bacon focaccia or Kimchi fried rice on the menu currently. It is everything but dull! Even brunch cocktails are fun – don’t be afraid to try Asian Spiced Bloody Mary or Peach Bellini instead of the regular mimosa.
But if you are doing “Dry whatever-the-month-is”, you can choose between Kombucha, Raspberry Limeade or various cold-pressed juices. Besides dine-in, there are options for takeaway and delivery!
- Location: 61 Pitfield Street, N1 6BU
Paper and Cup
Paper and Cup is an award-winning social enterprise cafe that offers coffee, tea, snacks, cakes, secondhand items, and local artwork. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind, Paper and Cup is ideal due to its relaxed atmosphere.
The interior is comfortable and homely, making it a great place to read a book, catch up with friends, and warm yourself up with a hot beverage. And if you’re after a unique gift for yourself or a special someone, Paper and Cup sells a wide range of secondhand items like clothes, homeware, books, and accessories.
- Location: 18 Calvert Ave, London E2 7JP
Allpress Espresso Bar
Allpress Espresso Bar makes artisan coffees and small bites to eat from, the former of which are produced using beans straight from the exporter. This Shoreditch coffee shop has been roasting beans for over 30 years, so they know how to make a good coffee.
So, if you’re a coffee connoisseur, Allpress is the cafe for you! It has a warm, cosy, and friendly vibe, allowing you to fully unwind with a cup of joe. And if you want to taste the flavours of Allpress coffee at home, why not purchase a bag of their freshly roasted beans?
- Location: 58 Redchurch St, London E2 7DP
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Final thoughts
Shoreditch neighbourhood has a lot to offer – whether you are looking for top-notch services, trendy galleries, tasty cocktails, local markets or great restaurants. But the coffee game here definitely became next level. Known for its coffee culture, this area of London has become the to-go destination for coffee lovers.
If you consider drinking coffee your ritual, you will have numerous options. Are you more of a reading while sipping coffee person? Do you drink coffee while socializing or getting your work done?
Doesn’t matter the preference; we put together a list of places that fit every taste and definitely won’t make your experience bitter-sweet. But if you feel more like strolling around the area, we guarantee there are many more places worth exploring.