I mean, it makes for a more interesting Instagram feed, right? Whether it’s colourful lattés or a to-go hotspot with art books and magazines, so many incredible coffeehouses across the capital possess unique quirks and whimsy oddities.
So without further ado, here are some of London’s quirkiest coffee shops that are sure to have you blinking twice at the surroundings—including converted toilets, repurposed newsstands, and more.
London’s quirkiest coffee shops
1. Saint Aymes, Marylebone
Photo: @bei.bei.wei via Instagram
Want to make your coffee break even more special? Nip over to Saint Aymes, who top their beverages with edible 24ct gold. Add a steady diet of pinks, purples, and pastels in their design – plus the flower-bedecked exterior – and you see why it’s easily one of the quirkiest coffee shops in town. Find out more here.
📍59 Connaught Street. London W2 2BB
2. Attendant, Fitzrovia
You wouldn’t think drinking coffee in an old Victorian toilet would be so fancy, but Attendant will rapidly change your mind on that. Located just five minutes away from Oxford Street, this old toilet has been transformed into a lovely little brunch and coffee spot complete with decorative urinals and Victorian tiles. Definitely one for the bucket list.
📍 27A Foley St, London W1W 6DY
3. News & Coffee, King’s Cross and Holborn
Newsstands have somewhat become a thing of the past, but there’s one speciality coffee shop transforming these relics of our urban history, and giving them a contemporary makeover. News & Coffee have taken over two of London’s former newsstands, serving up top-notch coffee that they import and roast themselves, as well as a fabulously curated selection of books and art mags. For more information, click here to read our article.
📍Granary Square, Canalside Green Steps, Regent’s Canal Towpath, London N1C 4PQ.
📍Holborn Station, Kingsway Newsstand, London WC2B 6AA.
4. CA Japanese Pancakes , Victoria
Photo: @nailahbisou via Instagram
People travel far and wide to visit CA Japanese Pancakes and check out their intricate latte art, colourful coffees and creative garnishes. Electric blue and hot pink lattes will spice up your life with some colour, and pep up your Instagram feed to boot—of course, the pancakes are out of this world too.
📍324 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V
5. Fuckoffee, Bethnal Green
This naughtily-named coffee shop comes complete with quirky decor and mismatched tables, and offers everything from banana coffee frappes to fresh strawberry and kiwi juices. However, their frankly brilliant loyalty cards might just be the best thing about this place! They now boast three locations across the city—two in Bethnal Green and the other on Bermonsey Street south of the river.
📍 215 Bethnal Grn Rd, Greater, Bethnal Green, London E2 6AB
6. Host Cafe, City of London
Holy brews await you here. Inside the church of Saint Mary Aldermary – which just about survived the Great Fire of London, and was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren – awaits one of the city’s most amazing coffee shops. The Host Café’s coffee is provided by local roasters, Mission Coffee Works; the cakes and breads come from The Artisan Bakery; the pastries come from Little Bread Pedlar based in Bermondsey; and the teas are from Londoners, We Are Tea. All in all, it’s simply divine! Discover more about it here.
📍 St Mary Aldermary, Watling St, City of London, London EC4M 9BW
7. Sacred Grounds, Soho
Photo: @my.cup.of_ via Instagram
Specialising in coffee and pastries, Sacred Grounds is a must-visit pit stop for a quick (or completely chilled) pick-me-up in the heart of Soho. This much-loved spot is unique as it’s the only coffee shop in Soho that has its own garden, making it a great option if the sun is shining. However, the interiors are just as great, with quirky seating and a buzzy atmosphere.
📍 54 Dean St, London W1D 6AE
8. Starfish Loves Coffee, Palmers Green
Unless you live in north London, this one might be a bit of a trek. However, lying at the end of said trek is one of the best brunches in town – Australian-inspired, so think smashed avo and beef brisket benny – and a downright dangerous prosecco tap… Find out more here.
📍 92 Aldermans Hill, London N13 4PP
9. Algerian Coffee Stores, Soho
A £1 espresso? In London? That’s got to count as a quirk, right? Algerian Coffee Stores, which has been open on Old Compton Street since 1887, makes it possible – and the cappuccino only clocks in at £1.20, too. With eighty types of bean from all over the world, discerning drinkers will find the perfect brew here. See more here.
📍 52 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4PB.
10. Bar Italia, Soho
While we’re on the topic of Soho, the 24-hour eatery and coffee shop Bar Italia has opened a brand-new location at the immersive art space Outernet, now boasting two quirky locations in the area. This exciting expansion was done to celebrate the restaurant’s 75th birthday, making it another historic coffee hotspot in Soho—with their new Outernet location enveloped in video installations and digital art. For more information, read our article here.
📍 22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF
📍 Outernet, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 8LH.
11. Bad Coffee, Hackney Wick
Ignore the name; there’s no bad coffee at the beloved Bad Coffee. This female-owned coffee shop and micro-roastery is an unassuming gem, with a humourous name that always makes the newbies look twice. Their beans are sourced from smallholder farms worldwide, promoting sustainable agriculture and unique blends. They also have fire merch so be sure to show the love if you’re a fan of their coffee.
📍 Oslo House, Prince Edward Rd, London E9 5LX.