Best Coffee Shops in Camden | 12 Cool & Quirky Cafes
The London coffee scene is brimming with independent speciality coffee spots and fantastic small-chain shops. With so many coffee shops in this city, you’re bound to find a spot (or two) that prepares coffee precisely the way you like it.
The lively Camden borough has some of the best coffee London has to offer. From small grab-and-go coffee bars to vegan-friendly cafes, you’re spoilt for choice.
The list below includes some quirky Camden cafes, spacious spaces, and sustainable brunch spots worth a visit.
Best Cafes in Camden
Whether you’re looking for a place to get some work done or a spot to get your morning caffeine on the way to work, this list has you covered.
Philippe Conticini Cafe Camden
Philippe Conticini, the renowned French pastry chef with a similar name, is one of the world’s top chefs and his first London patisserie will not disappoint.
The exquisite Macarons, Millefeuille, great coffee, and a variety of delectable desserts will entice your wallet if you’re familiar with French pastry.
Location: 198 Camden High Street Buckstreet Market Unit 1.26 Ground floor, London NW1 8QP
The Coffee Jar
The Coffee Jar is one of those spectacular spots that’ll have you wanting to return daily. The service, the coffee, the food, and the treats make this place well worth the visit. You’ll taste the passion and attention to detail with every sip and bite.
As implied by the name, the shop is on the quaint side, but seats are available outside. You’ll love watching the city buzz by as you get lost in the coffee aroma. They serve the classic Monmouth coffee (mentioned above), so you can expect a seriously delicious cup of joe.
The Coffee Jar has a wide variety of treats – including vegan-friendly and sugar-free cakes. Their vegan brownies are to die for, and their sandwiches are the perfect lunch pick-me-up.
Whether you’re heading to work or coming from Camden Market nearby, The Coffee Jar (and their cheese sticks) is worth a stop.
Location: 83 Parkway, London NW1 7PP
Doppio Coffee Warehouse
Doppio Coffee Warehouse is like a wonderland for coffee fanatics. Whether you’re looking to learn more about making coffee or need your coffee machine fixed up, Doppio is the spot in London.
Doppio sells some of the top coffee equipment brands on the market and regularly hosts barista workshops. So, it’s safe to assume they know a thing or two about making a good cup.
The large open warehouse is a great spot to get some work done — if you can focus with some jazz music in the background. Their classic Italian-style coffee will keep you fuelled and wanting to return the next day.
Their menu is slightly limited, so this spot isn’t suited for a lunch break – unless you run on cappuccinos and biscuits. If you’re not around Kentish Town, there are four other Doppio branches around London.
Location: 177 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PD
The Fields Beneath
It can be hard to find a decent, fully vegan coffee shop, but The Fields Beneath has managed to hit the mark when it comes to vegan-friendly coffee, pastries, and light meals.
The shop is quaint and cosy, with plants adorning the shelves and roof. There isn’t much seating inside, but the outdoor seating is great for warmer days.
Be sure to try out their almond croissants and banana bread with your cup of coffee. And if you’re non-vegan and aren’t a fan of alternative milk, ask for soy milk as its most similar to cow’s milk.
They’ve recently also started hosting natural wine-tastings every full- and new moon. So, if you can’t pop by during the day, you can stop by in the evening and try out some spectacular wine.
Location: 52a Prince of Wales Rd, London NW5 3LN
The Attendant
If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a bit of history and personality, The Attendant won’t disappoint. This coffee spot is a tastefully restored victorian-era men’s loo, built around the 1890s, and is tucked away underground.
It’s a cosy little coffee shop with warm, friendly staff and a fantastic atmosphere. Their food menu is unmatched, with the menu regularly adjusted to fit what’s locally and seasonally available.
It’s the perfect spot to escape from the bustling city and unwind with a cup of seriously good coffee or a hearty brunch. Seats are limited, and the shop doesn’t take bookings, so it’s best to arrive early.
This place may get a bit stuffy, especially on warmer days, in which case you might not be comfortable staying for too long. Luckily, the friendly staff are efficient and will quickly get your order to you.
Ironically, perhaps thankfully, there are no toilets available for use.
Location: 27a Foley Street, Fitzrovia W1W 6DY
The Espresso Room
The Espresso Room is an easy-going, no-fuss shop with efficient baristas who take the art of coffee-making seriously. If you prefer your morning caffeine pure and simple, you’ll love their smooth, flavourful espresso.
Each coffee is made with great experience and care — and usually topped off with an Instagram-worthy froth design. While space inside is limited, there are a few seats outside for sunnier days.
There is a selection of freshly baked pastries on offer, along with a few vegan treats. Their flat white and smooth espresso come highly rated, making this spot the perfect stop on the way to work.
They also sell coffee beans if you’d like to recreate their coffee at home.
Location: 31-35 Great Ormond St, London WC1N 3HZ
Ginger & White
Tucked away in a quiet alleyway, Ginger & White is a great place to have a satisfying coffee and wholesome breakfast. They have a range of sweet and savoury options to choose from — with their hearty shakshuka being especially adored.
Like many independent London coffee shops, Ginger & White is committed to sustainability. All produce is sourced from local farmers, producers, and roasters, so you can trust the food is fresh.
This spot can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible to get a seat. If you happen to end up in a queue, you’ll quickly forget the short wait once you take a sip of their small-batch coffee.
Location: 4A – 5A Perrins Court, NW3 1QS
Prufrock
This bustling spot, started by three coffee enthusiasts, is excellent for meeting up with friends or getting some work done. The shop is spacious and bright, with the scent of coffee embracing you from all sides.
Coffee aficionados have a range of coffee blends to choose from, for both espresso-based drinks and spectacular filter coffee. The coffee menu is always changing as they explore and find the next great blend.
While coffee is their speciality, the food is every bit as satisfying and worth it. The food may be a bit pricey, but you can expect fresh meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
Prufrock also has a selection of teas from Postcard Teas, a company that only sources tea from small farms around the world. This cafe in Camden is dedicated to supporting small producers, making it a great sustainable coffee spot.
Location: 23-25 Leather Lane, EC1N 7TE
One Shot
The almond croissants at One Shot have become somewhat of a city icon. Some might say it’s the best in London, but you’re going to want to pop by and try it yourself.
There’s a wide variety of home-baked goods to choose from, along with some lunch options, and the coffee is expertly prepared.
This spacious Camden Cafe is great for getting lost in a book or doing some work. It is a clean, simple, and welcoming spot, with sunlight pouring through the massive skylight. If you prefer a quieter cafe, One Shot is ideal, as there’s usually no music playing.
This bicycle-friendly spot is frequented by groups of cyclists looking for a post-ride drink — so you and your bicycle are welcome to pop by.
Location: 82 Parkway, London NW1 7AN
Saint Espresso
This coffee shop, which opened in 2011, has expanded into several different branches and has its own roastery. They’re dedicated to bean-to-cup perfection — served by the warm and friendly trained baristas.
This spacious and modern cafe on Camden High Street is a wonderful space to escape the busy city life or get some work done. Saint Espresso also serves up a mouthwatering seasonal brunch menu with tasty vegan-friendly options. It’s an ideal space for a brunch date or a lunchtime treat.
They don’t only prepare coffee; they also sell the beans and have a range of coffee equipment on offer. The baristas will be happy to help you pick the best beans or coffee grinder to enjoy the good stuff at home.
Location: 20 Camden High Street, London, NW1 0JH
Pamban Chai & Coffee House
While their aim is to bring authentic chai to the London coffee scene, Pamban is well worth a spot on this list.
The shop is named after the Pamban bridge and island situated between India and Sri Lanka. It symbolises the combination of the two founders’ origins and the coming together of different cultures.
Pamban offers authentic Asian chai you’re bound to fall in love with. There are few things that warm the heart (and soul) like a warm, perfectly spiced cup of chai on a cold day. But if that’s not your cup of tea, they won’t disappoint in the coffee department either.
The friendly staff are more than happy to make recommendations if you’re unfamiliar with Asian cuisine and drinks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with ample seating — although this popular cafe is often full.
Their modern space, situated in Camden Market, is available for rent if you’d like to host an event in the city. They’re also available to cater for events.
Location: Unit 90, North Yard, Camden Market, NW1 8AH
Hidden Coffee
Hidden Coffee is a fully vegetarian coffee shop – with some vegan options available. The coffee is splendid, the pastries sell out by midday, and the overall atmosphere is great. It’s a classic coffee shop, done right.
It may appear small from the outside, but this spot is adequately spacious and homey. It’s a wonderful place to get some work done – with many plug sockets and Wi-Fi available.
While this cafe can get busy, the friendly baristas consistently serve up perfect cups of caffeine (and tea) with a smile. They sell a variety of fresh sarmies and pastries, all of which are tasty and fly off the shelves pretty quickly.
If you’re looking to get some fresh air or just want to watch the world go by, there’s a lovely little porch out front.
Location: 47-49 Camden Rd, London NW1 9SL
Final Thoughts On the Top Camden Coffee Shops
Whether you’re looking for a Sunday brunch spot or a quiet space to cuddle up with a book, Camden has an array of options.
Commercial coffee chains generally don’t come with the character and attention to detail that you’ll find at an independent or small-chain coffee shop. Above that, many of the indie coffee shops are dedicated to supporting local farms and producers, with a heavy emphasis on sustainability.
While you’re in Camden, why not try out some of these epic Camden Town activities.