A piece of London with an NYC feel but with a business buzz all around. Canary Wharf is one of the hottest areas in London, located on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
If you came here for a few days, strolling around or working in the office, sooner or later, you might ask about a dose of caffeine fix.
If the smell of coffee is what keeps you alive, we put together a list of the best places in the area. Some are small, and others are local chains, but the coffee they serve will taste good and do its magic. Let’s get into it!
Coffee Shops Canary Wharf
Notes
If you ask locals to think about the coffee place in the area, there is a high chance they will mention Notes cafe. Notes is an iconic coffee chain with numerous spots all over London. It is popular among the general crowd working 9-5, so it’s mainly busy in the morning and after lunch.
After work, the public is back, usually coming for cocktails, craft beers or even sparkling wine. While waiting for the afternoon, you can get some work done there as well; they offer free wi-fi and indoor and outdoor seating.
Why is it so popular, you ask? Notes serve gourmet coffee with the beans sourced directly from local farmers. The coffee changes every season, so there is always something more to try. Also, you can always get some of the fresh pastries they offer daily.
- Location: Citigroup Centre, Canary Wharf Jubilee, London E14 5AB
- What they are known for: Local-sourced coffee in 13 different locations in London
Black Sheep Coffee
When Gabriel and Eirik met in university, they didn’t know they would run a multi-million business in a few years. What started as a small stall in Camden is now an independent coffee chain. Black Sheep is a to-go destination for coffee lovers in Canary Wharf.
With their personal approach towards coffee production and processing, it is no surprise they have two places within one shopping centre. Each place has anything you could ask for – working wi-fi, power sockets + USB outlets, AC; they are dog friendly and have access for the disabled.
The interior in both of them is very modern and spacious, with plenty of room to choose from whether you prefer small rounded tables or booth-style seating.
Good vibes and music in the background (which you can search for on their website!) creates a calming atmosphere. Even though they serve various coffee-based cocktails and liquors, people swear on their salted caramel latte. For caffeine-free days you can go with iced matcha.
- Location: 45 Bank St, London E14 5NY
- What they are known for: Iced matcha, coffee-based cocktails
Mouse Tail Coffee Stories
If you want to meet one of the friendliest services, visit Mouse Tail Coffee Stories. The name ‘mouse tails’ is a barista term referring to the smooth tail that comes with a flawlessly made espresso. The story started in 2013, and until today, they have opened places in 5 more locations.
This tiny cafe doesn’t offer much sitting space, but it is well-known for its tasty coffee. Besides roasting their coffee, they also have a house blend that changes frequently. You can try various tastes – from butterscotchy Costa Rican to redcurrant Ethiopia. If you like their current blend, you can buy it in-store or online.
Another good thing is they won’t let you leave hungry, either. The coffee place offers delicious lunches (salads or sandwiches) and pastries daily, prepared by their house chef.
This place is an excellent choice for sipping a cappuccino while reading a book, grabbing a to-go coffee while walking a dog or on a date.
- Location: London E14 4AY
- What they are known for: Espresso, fresh meals prepared daily by their in-house chef
640East
People usually wouldn’t go to get a coffee in the shipping container, but 640East is an exception. In the beginning, there were two shipping containers measuring 640 sq ft in total. Today, it is a speciality cafe and restaurant during the day and a cocktail bar at night.
During peak hours, there are long queues, but it’s worth the wait. Usually, they serve coffee beans from the local London craft coffee producer who sources and roasts in specific locations in Ethiopia, Colombia and Rwanda. You can get various hot and cold coffees, but also matcha or turmeric latte.
Regarding pastries, 640East serves croissants, brownies, muffins or even Portuguese-style Pastel de nata. For the times when a sweet bite is not enough, they always offer some delicious meals as well!
By night the menu switches from I-need-caffeine to I-need-a-drink. You can choose from the regulars like Espresso Martini or Mojito (usually appx. £10) or Whitley Neill Gin Specials like Parma Violet Gin Served with blueberries or Rhubarb & Ginger Gin Served with a juicy lime wedge.
The options are almost limitless – from spirits, cans, bottles, and local craft beers to some softs and juices. The overall ambience is very relaxed but vibrant.
- Location: Montgomery Square, Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
- What they are known for: coffee place by day and bar at night
Café Brera
Do you want to feel like you’re in Rome? Café Brera is an Italian-rooted place located in Canary Wharf. It is a to-go place for breakfast in the neighbourhood, even for those early raisers. All thanks to the early opening hours, every weekday from 7:30 and weekend from 8:30.
The coffee menu varies – from Mocha, Cortado, and even CBD Flat White. For tea-lovers, there are specials like Pumpkin and Turmeric or Christmas blend. Brave ones can get an impressive charcoal latte!
Besides the delicious artisan coffee, this place has its own bakery. The bread and dessert bring the taste of Italy no matter the time of the day. Just try “Full Italian” breakfast or simply any of the options on the menu – fabulous Benedict or Carbonara with poached eggs.
If you come later, you can choose from the lunch menu – they are well-known for their rich and tasty lasagnas.
The atmosphere in Café Brera is very cosy and relaxed. The place is bright and beautifully decorated and slightly noisy.
- Location: 31 Westferry Circus, London E14 8RR
- What they are known for: Coffee specials – Spiced Chai, Turmeric, Beetroot or Charcoal Latte
Le Pain Quotidien
The name which people usually have a problem pronouncing means” the daily bread” in French. However, Le Pain Quotidien is a Belgian bakery and restaurant serving great coffee and mouth-watering meals made of high-quality ingredients.
The place has beautiful decor and a lot of seating options. With its laid-back atmosphere and good service, this has really become one of the hidden gems in Canary Wharf.
According to one of their mantras, the food they prepare should be simple, delicious, and nutritious. That’s why their Breakfast & Brunch menu includes a wide range of organic bread, yoghurts, pastries and even organic coffee. Y
ou never go wrong with Croque Monsieur with Hepburn’s free-range ham and cheese served with a mixed green salad or Scrambled eggs with avocado and toasted bread.
Le Pain Quotidien also offers various vegetarian and vegan options. It doesn’t matter what you like; you will find everything here: a strong espresso, a latte with cinnamon syrup, or Belgian hot chocolate. It is also very rare to see non-dairy options free of charge.
Besides staying in-house or ordering to-go in person, you can order your favourite coffee/breakfast online and pick it up later.
- Location: Jubilee Place, London, E14 5NY
- What they are known for: Organic coffee, Alternative milk free of charge
Read More: The 10 Best Cafes in Mayfair, London
Caffè Nero
Cafeè Nero is the third biggest coffee chain in London. This family-owned brand opened its first coffee place more than 20 years ago. There are over 800 coffee houses in the UK and across Europe.
Considering the award-winning blends and pleasant ambience, Caffè Nero deserves a spot on this list. After the renovation, this particular store has very limited space to sit. Still, if you are lucky enough, you might get a spot.
However, they still offer free wi-fi, so they get you covered if you need to check out some news or listen to a podcast while sipping the coffee.
Hungry? Nero offers various savoury deli and panini/sandwiches. Don’t miss out on the Cotto ham & cheese toast with mozzarella, Cheddar and Regato cheese and mascarpone. It might sound very simple, but your taste buds will go to heaven!
- Location: Unit 8, 45 Jubilee, London E14 5NY
- What they are known for: One of the biggest coffee chains in the UK.
Crosstown Canary Wharf
Most people consider Crosstown a store focused on premium sweet treats like fresh doughnuts, cookies and ice cream. And they are not wrong. But many don’t know that Crosstown also offers excellent speciality coffee. If coffee is not your thing, warm your soul with a cup of hot cocoa or matcha latte.
Like many doughnut-focus stores, this brand launched just as a market stall on Leather Lane in 2014. And they went a long way – currently with stores all around the area, with options for walk-in, to-go or ordered online for Pickup or On-Demand delivery.
There are 8 places to sit and two tables with chairs in front of the shop. But even if you are stopping by for your to-go cuppa, pick one of the doughnut flavours with you. The selection is broad, with many vegan options, so you probably wouldn’t know where to start.
And for the days you don’t want to sugar-overdose, you can try their signature hybrid sourdough – the world’s first yeast-raised sourdough base. And they also offer its vegan version! Prices are reasonable, and the doughnuts are delicious. Just stop by and try it for yourself; what is it about!
- Location: Lower Mall, Level -2 64 Jubilee Place, E14 5NY
- What they are known for: the best doughnuts in the area and numerous vegan options
Read More:
Final Thoughts
The coffee shops at Canary Wharf each have their own secrets, blends and unique atmosphere. Because of the location, most coffee shops offer way more than regular coffee – you can find everything from a charcoal latte to full-size lunch.
Some places are an excellent option while running errands; others invite you to stay in and have a cuppa in the peaceful, calm atmosphere.
There is no right or wrong answer here, whether you are willing to try every option possible or find the one place and become a regular. In Canary Wharf, you can definitely do both!