11 Of London’s Quirkiest Coffee Shops For Your Next Caffeine Break

London loves coffee and what’s more, we love drinking it in the quirkiest coffee shops in town…

I mean, it makes for a more interesting Instagram feed, right? Here are some of the capital’s quirkiest coffee shops that are sure to have you blinking twice at the surroundings.

1. Jacu Coffee, Westminster

Decor-wise, Jacu Coffee is a pretty, although otherwise unremarkable coffee shop compared to the others on this list. In fact, it’s down to one brew that’s earned it a spot on our quirkiest coffee shops list: the titular Jacu Coffee, whose beans have come to London via the digestive tract of Brazil’s Jacu birds. Yes, it’s a coffee made with bird droppings, and it is, reportedly, incredible. Intrigued? Read all about it here.

2. Coffee Addict, Victoria

People travel far and wide to visit Coffee Addict 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. See more here.

3. Saint Aymes, Marylebone and Tyburnia

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.

4. 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.

5. Amar Café, Turnham Green

Okay so this one technically isn’t large enough to be classified as a ‘shop’ but it’s certainly quirky. This independent coffee kiosk is in an unused red telephone box, which naturally makes it a must-visit for Instagram fans and coffee fiends alike. Speciality coffee from Colombia is on offer at this definition of a ‘hidden gem’, which sprung from a really cute lovely story. Read all about it here.

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. The Twisted Fork, Stoke Newington (currently closed due to Covid-19)

The coffee isn’t the only magic thing here, because The Twisted Fork is the frequent haunt of magicians. Unsurprising, given that the owner belongs to renowned magic society The Magic Circle! Expect illusions, deception, and the greatest trick of all – a wake up call from a cup of joe. Read all about it here.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Look Mum No Hands!, Old Street

What may look like a super cute café is actually also a bar and bicycle workshop, as if in direct response to “get you a cafe that can do both”. It’s all about keeping the cycling population of London booming alongside great craft beers, roasted coffee and some great lunch deals. Oh, and furry friends are welcome too!

Caffeine fiends will also love our guides to the best coffee shops in Covent Garden and East London!

Feature image: @mr_columbustravel

Also published on Medium.