Londoners like their coffee, tea, and alcohol. This provides London with a range of rooftop bars, historic pubs, cafés, tea rooms, and coffee shops to visit. We recognize that London has a whole lot more than drinks to offer… so for that info, you can scroll down to the bottom. For places to get caffeinated or intoxicated… read on.
Voyalific has put together a comprehensive list of places which serve some of London’s best.
First Step — Get Caffeinated.
COFFEE
Over Under Coffee – 181A Earl’s Court Road, London SW5 9RD, England
TAP Coffee – 193 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZF, England
Kaffeine – 66 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7QJ, England
Perfect breakfast spot just around the corner from Sanderson Hotel and the Berners Tavern. Serves French pastries, fruit, tea (from real tea leaves), and delicious coffee. The restaurant has great energy, an extensive menu, and strong coffee. It is a must visit for a true coffee lover in this part of London.
London Picks : Flat White
Look Mum No Hands! – 49 Old Street, London EC1V 9HX, England
This place is a very interesting combination of bike shop, cafe, bar, restaurant, and writer hangout – aka a hipster haven. Find a seat, order at the counter, and they bring it to you. Fresh, hot, and delicious food with a wide selection of beer to choose from. This place is so diverse, it is where you can find one of the best burgers in London, taste delicious scrambled eggs for brunch, great coffee, and biking enthusiasts galore. During the Tour de France, you could enjoy a nice lunch while watching it on a big screen. Although it largely attracts cyclists, you don’t have to be one to enjoy the food, drinks, and atmosphere.
London Picks : The Reveller, Southville Hop, Vegetarian Breakfast
London Velo – 18 Deptford High Street, London SE8 4AF, England
Bloomsbury Coffee House – 20 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RE, England
This is a popular location amongst University students from SOAS, UCL, and University of London. Menu features a large choice of cakes and coffees, with selections of avocado toast, gluten free bread, bacon and eggs. Super cozy to pick up coffee and breakfast to enjoy on the outdoor patio before exploring the city.
London Picks : English Plate, Avocado Toast, London Fog, Cappuccinos
MILK – 20 Bedford Hill | Balham, London SW12 9RG, England
The Coffee Traveller – 58 Thames Road | Chiswick, London W4 3RE, England
And the Grinds, all complete with Neon Signs…
London Grind – 2 London Bridge, London SE1 9RA, England
Also see Holborn Grind, and Shoreditch Grind.
High standard of food with impeccable presentation at an affordable price. Great vibes, serving delicious coffee and cocktails. Modern interior design, with neon signs that do not come off tacky. Sign reads : “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”
London Picks : Pancakes with whipped coconut, Scrambled eggs, Fish dip
TEA
To a Tea – 14 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, England
Serving diverse, fresh, and delicious food to pair with their divine selection of teas. Found in London’s financial district, it is the perfect venue to enjoy the British tradition of a perfect cup of afternoon tea. Good quality and reasonably priced, with an extensive variety of teas, beautiful crockery and seating arrangements. You choose from a fish option, meat or vegetarian and then you can add 2 – 4 salads from the list below, outstanding value, and good service.
London Picks : Chicken Milanese, Red Velvet Cake, Salmon en Croute
Scott & Banter Tea Rooms – 350 Oxford Street, London W1C 1BY, England
Modern twist on a traditional afternoon tea. You are provided with a choice of tea, and a choice of two options from a hot menu as well as your flavoured scones, sandwiches, and desserts. Great tea, food, atmosphere, and friendly staff. Elegant tea room, just off Oxford Street, is the perfect place to escape the shopping crowds and enjoy a lovely “very British” meal.
London Picks : Scones and Handmade Jam
The Orangery – Kensington Palace Green, London W8 4PX, England
A beautiful, bright, location in Kensington Palace with a fancy feel – perfect for afternoon tea. Extensive options of tea, delicious tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Great place to start out your day of touring the Royal Landmarks in the city, as the Orangery also serves a wonderful breakfast menu. You may enjoy the grounds before or after tea, walking along Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. We recommend making a reservation for afternoon tea – it’s popular.
London Picks : Scones with clotted cream and jam
ALCOHOL
The Eagle – 2 Shepherdess Walk | N1 7LB, London N1 7LB, England
A classic and historical pub with plenty of ol’ fashion character. Featuring vintage decor, a garden space, and a rooftop with a view. It’s a local watering hole that serves some great food too.
London Picks : Rump Steak Sandwich, Burrata, Lager
Boundary Rooftop – 2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD, England
Brooksby’s Walk – 77 Brooksby’s Walk Hackney, London E9 6DA, England
Cielo Blanco – 55-57 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL, England
Culpeper Roof Garden – 40 Commercial Street, London E1 6LP, England
Donostia Social Club – Pop Brixton 49 Brixton Station Road, London SW9 8PQ, England
Now that you are caffeinated you can go see the rest of the sights London has to offer!
If you’re intoxicated… maybe sleep it off and get some coffee before venturing to any museums.
In between your drinks, go see :
- Faraday Museum
- Barbican Conservatory
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Jermyn Street
- Hampstead Heath
- Peckham
- Hackney City Farm
- Maltby Street Market
- The Shard
- Hyde Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Westminster Abbey
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Or just stay at the pub… we get it.
Cheers, London
Featured photo by: @thiscitylifeldn
Written by: Nicole Roach