Five of the best independent coffee shops in London

From cappuccinos to flat whites and mouth-watering pastries and sweet treats, there are plenty of places to get your caffine fix across the city. Here are five of the best independent coffee shops in London.

Algerian Coffee Company

Old Compton Street, Soho

There aren’t many independent spots left on Old Compton Street but this excellent coffee shop never goes out of style. Fittings date back to 1887 (when it first opened) and the customer service is equally traditional. Sisters Daniela and Marisa are the third generation of the Crocetta family to steer the ship and are always happy to chat you through the selection of 80 coffees and more than 120 teas displayed in glass jars. There’s nowhere to sit, but if you’re looking for a pick me up on the go you can’t beat this one on atmosphere – or price. Cappuccinos are a steal at £1.20.

The Towpath Cafe

De Beauvoir Crescent, Haggerston

In a borough filled with cafes, it takes somewhere special to have as much of a cult following as this dreamy spot on Regent’s Canal. Owner Lori De Mori spends half the year in Tuscany and there’s something distinctly Mediterranean about the waterside setting and seasonal home cooking. The coffee is a 10-arabica, one-robusta bean blend from Caffe Piansa in Florence, and they refuse to offer takeaway unless you bring your own cup – although if you get the chance to sit in you absolutely should. There’s no need to book, visit the Towpath website to find out more about the cafe and for information on opening hours.

Parissi

Atlantic Road, Brixton.

With its handful of upcycled tables and vines trailing from the ceiling, this cosy cafe has a real community feel. Owner Spyros Parrisis grew up baking with his grandmother on the Greek island of Lesvos and crafts all the pastries himself. The cinnamon buns – flakey, caramelised swirls of goodness – are well worth the journey alone. Throw in a killer soundtrack, secret garden and Allpress beans and you’ll begin to understand why this is one of our favourite places for a south London coffee break.

Old Spike

Peckham Rye, Peckham

Does this cool roastery, cafe and social enterprise in Peckham make the most ethical cup of jo in London? We suspect so. Not only do they offer job training for homeless Londoners, they also plant a tree for every bag sold. The coffee itself is sourced directly from farmers and is consistently excellent, particularly when paired with one of their delicious pastel de nata. The Peckham Levels site is filled with comfortable mid-century chairs, ideal for a stylish morning of ‘working from home’.

Kiss The Hippo

George Street, Richmond

A slice of Scandinavia in leafy Richmond, this sleek cafe is a real west London destination. Its two floors are always buzzing with locals catching up over gooey chocolate tarts and orange polenta cake. Through a glass wall you can see coffee being roasted on a top of the range Loring roaster – their George St blend (named after their home street) is always a well-rounded option. They also have a cold brew tap for those elusive warmer days.