In the last few years London has been inundated with a mind-boggling array of locations to grab an artisan brew. While we struggled to narrow down our picks to just six places, we guarantee that every destination on our shortlist combines an awesome atmosphere with a truly superb cup of Joe.

Lantana

Bringing a taste of authentic Antipodean coffee culture to Fitzrovia, Lantana has an unpretentious atmosphere that makes it the perfect lazy morning hangout. Skilled baristas serve up a super-smooth flat whites, and the brunch menu is delicious. All of it.

13 Charlotte Place, W1T
lantanacafe.co.uk

Workshop Coffee

Now boasting four locations across London, since its 2011 launch Workshop has become one of the most recognisable haute coffee joints in the city. Make sure you buy some of Workshop’s house-roasted coffee beans so that you can practice your barista skills at home.

27 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5RN
http://www.workshopcoffee.com/pages/clerkenwell-cafe

Bar Italia

If we’re honest, the charm of Bar Italia is less its coffee than the excellent people-watching opportunity it provides. The legendary 24-hour Soho establishment first opened its doors in 1949, and is a favoured haunt of everyone from David Bowie to Kylie.

22 Frith Street, W1D
baritaliasoho.co.uk

Notes

An A-list café where the coffee is as strong as its fanbase—and conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Somerset House. Expect a laid-back atmosphere combined with a serious approach to the art of caffeine.

31 St Martin’s Lane WC2N 4ER
http://www.notes-uk.squarespace.com/

Monmouth Coffee

Sharp elbows are essential for visiting this tourist-jammed London coffee stalwart. Monmouth has been creating its excellent espresso-based brews since 1978 and its still worth the pilgrimage for coffee obsessives. We love the Borough Market branch; choose your single-source coffee bean, grab your brew and watch the world go by.

2 Park Street, SE1 9AB
monmouthcoffee.co.uk

Milk Bar

Milk Bar’s older Soho sibling Flat White may get the majority of attention, but we think that this newer offshoot is just a little cooler than the original. Expert Square Mile’s legendary coffee beans prepared with near-obsessive care.

3 Bateman Street, W1D 4AG
www.flatwhitecafe.com/milkbar