LONDON HAPPENINGS: COFFEE EDITION
Calling all coffee connoisseurs…
Whether you are after a no-nonsense espresso with a side of Italian charm, a mission driven flat-white or just a stylish spot to sip and think, London has a brew for every mood. From Soho's timeworn legends to purpose-led gems and design-savvy hideouts, here are the coffee shops worth knowing, and sipping in.
COLOMBIAN COFFEE COMPANY, soho
LOCATION: 22 Greek St, London W1D 4DY
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 7 Minutes
More than just Fairtrade, Colombian Coffee Company has brought high-grade, single-origin beans from the mountains of Colombia to the heart of London, with profits going straight back to those who grow them. Born from a mission to support farmers displaced by conflict, the café celebrates the much-loved Latin American culture with incredible coffee made from local beans, and also serves up Colombian soul through their empanadas, barraquito’s and traditional hand-whipped raw cacao.
ALGERIAN COFFEE STORES, soho
LOCATION: 52 Old Compton St, London W1D 4QE
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 5 Minutes
Proudly taking the name as the city’s oldest coffee shop, Algerian Coffee Stores is a feast for the eyes and senses. First opening its doors in 1887, it is a treasure trove of exotic beans, speciality teas and blended coffees from across the world. Whether you're searching for an exquisite gift, or just want an excellent espresso for as little as £1.20, this Brewer Street classic delivers both history and caffeine in generous measure.
BAR ITALIA, SOHO
LOCATION: 22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 6 Minutes
Cementing itself as a hub for London’s Italian community since starting out in 1949, Bar Italia serves up traditional Italian coffee, no thrills attached. Expect punchy espressos, cortados and cappuccinos in a buzzy setting of terrazzo flooring and vintage décor. Visit a little later, and your espresso could turn into its more boozy counterpart, thanks to the bars late opening times.
HIDEAWAY COFFEE, SOHO
LOCATION: 7 Farrier’s Passage, London W1D 7DP
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 5 Minutes
Tucked away on a quiet courtyard just seconds away from Soho’s usual stir, Hideaway Coffee feels like a secret reserved only for locals and those in-the-know. Pop in for a takeaway (or your very own beans to take home with you) or linger with a book, a brew, and the rare pleasure of stillness in the city.
OLD SPIKE, SOHO
LOCATION: 15-16 Sherwood Street, W1F 7BJ
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 6 Minutes
More than just a caffeine fix, Old Spike pours with purpose by actively helping tackle homelessness across London through barista training and the kind-heartedness of passers-by. For each coffee bag bought or brew sipped, profit goes towards housing and employment programmes for individuals affected by homelessness.
FAIR SHOT CAFÉ, COVENT GARDEN
LOCATION: 3 Slingsby Place, London WC2E 9AB
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 13 Minutes
At Fair Shot Café, every flat white carries weight. Behind each cup is a powerful mission: equipping young adults with learning disabilities and autism with the skills, support and confidence to step into the world of work through their Supported Internship Programme. Powered by Curious Roo beans and a belief that we all deserve a fair shot, this is coffee that truly gives back.
BAR JACKIE, SOHO
LOCATION: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8TH
DISTANCE FROM BROADWICK SOHO: 0 Minutes
No list of central London’s finest coffee spots would be complete without a nod to our very own Bar Jackie. Named after hotel owner Noel Hayden’s mother, Bar Jackie is a flamboyant Italian café-bar where every corner sings character. Ideal for a morning coffee and freshly baked cornetti, take a seat on the street-level terrace and watch the world go by, one sip at a time.
