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Best Cafés in London (2026)

London's cafés reflect its history as much as its modern coffee culture. Bar Italia in Soho has served espresso since 1949 and stays open until the small hours, Maison Bertaux on Greek Street has been baking French pastries since 1871, and the Regency Café in Westminster preserves the tiled interior and hearty breakfasts of a classic post-war caff. For a more formal treat, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly serves afternoon tea with a pianist playing in the background, and booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Specialty coffee has a strong following too. Monmouth Coffee's shop on the edge of Borough Market lets you taste beans before you buy, though queues build on Saturday mornings and payment is by card only. Prufrock Coffee on Leather Lane, founded by a former World Barista Champion, combines a café with a training centre and is a calm stop near Holborn and Farringdon. Opening hours vary widely, from early-morning coffee bars that close mid-afternoon to all-night espresso, so check times before you go, and remember that many traditional cafés do not take bookings.

6 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 cafés in London

  1. Monmouth Coffee Borough Specialty coffee, SouthwarkA specialty coffee shop and roaster's outlet at Borough Market, serving filter and espresso coffee and selling beans that can be sampled in store.
  2. Bar Italia Italian espresso bar, SohoA family-run Italian espresso bar on Frith Street, opened in 1949 and open from early morning until the small hours.
  3. Prufrock Coffee Specialty coffee, HolbornA specialty coffee bar on Leather Lane near Farringdon, known for carefully prepared espresso and filter coffee and its barista training.

Café

2. Bar Italia

Italian espresso bar$Soho

A family-run Italian espresso bar on Frith Street, opened in 1949 and open from early morning until the small hours.

View details — Bar Italia

Café

5. Regency Café

Traditional British caff$Westminster

A traditional Art Deco caff in Westminster, serving fry-ups, omelettes and mugs of tea since 1946 and a familiar backdrop in British films.

View details — Regency Café

Café

6. Maison Bertaux

French pâtisserie and tea room$$Soho

A small French pâtisserie on Greek Street, founded in 1871 and often described as London's oldest, serving cream cakes, scones and pots of tea.

View details — Maison Bertaux