Coffee Shops East London | Dalston, Shoreditch & More
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London is one of the most incredible, unforgettable cities in the world. It’s eclectic, exciting, and downright iconic and begging to be explored.
It’s also a city filled with a lot of coffee snobs! Very proud coffee snobs, I might add.
And to enjoy all that this city has to offer, you’ll need to get your caffeine fix first.
And since every bit of London is an experience, you shouldn’t just be grabbing an average cuppa at a chain store that you can visit in most other parts of the world.
Coffee itself is an adventure in the city of London. And if you’re staying in or visiting East London, you’re in for a treat.
To start your day right, pop into one (or a few) of the best coffee shops East London has to offer. I’ve found all the very best ones for you so that every morning can have a blissful start.
Best Coffee in East London
There’s just nothing like a rich, bold cup of coffee. Whether you like to start your day with a medium roast or prefer a mid-afternoon cappuccino, these cafés will fit the bill.
You can choose to sit down for breakfast or brunch, or just enjoy a coffee while relaxing for a bit before moving on.
From cafés in Shoreditch to coffee shops near Old Street, you can explore the whole of East London between refuelling at these coffee shops and cafés.
Best Cafés in Shoreditch
This arty area is just begging to be explored. There is so much to see and do in Shoreditch, that you’ll need the caffeine and some breakfast to go with it.
Then you’ll have plenty of energy to check out the Shoreditch street art.
Attendant – Great Eastern Street
You’ll be spoilt for choice at this lovely little café. With a great, airy atmosphere, you’d be forgiven for plopping onto a chair and staying put for hours.
Beautifully presented, their brunches never fail, and the coffee is heavenly. You can even find vegan options, so they are well suited to all kinds of explorers.
Nkora Coffee – Hackney Road
As a cosy little spot, Nkora is unassuming, but one of the best coffee shops Shoreditch boasts.
Their coffee is delicious and can be paired with their tasty banana bread, a croissant, or a number of other light meals.
Best of all, you can gaze out at the urban life of London while you sip your morning coffee.
Their flat white with oat milk is rich, nutty and creamy, and even their humble black americano is beloved by all.
With such talented baristas and high-quality beans, it’s no surprise that many think that Nkora has the best coffee in London.
Kahlia Limited – Brick Lane
This rustic spot is one of the most popular places to get coffee on Brick Lane. Grab a fresh pastry or a piece of cake with your coffee and sit down to enjoy the great vibe and the even better playlist.
Customers enjoy coming here with friends or to sit down for a little work. You can also just pop by for a takeaway of the good stuff.
Their friendly staff easily make everyone feel at home, and their excellent quality ensures that everyone who stops by, always wants to come back. Plus, they’re a charity-run cafe that focuses on ethically sourced coffee.
Best Hoxton Coffee Shop
Directly adjacent to Shoreditch is the hip neighbourhood of Hoxton. It’s creative, fashionable, and downright cool.
Friends of Ours – Pitfield Street
If you’re a fan of food with your coffee, it doesn’t get much better than Friends of Ours.
Their menu is constantly changing, so you can keep coming here again and again, without ever getting bored. And once you taste their delicious treats, you’re sure to want to return.
The presentation of the dishes is every bit as delectable as the bites. If you want to be adventurous, try the duck breast benedict with your morning coffee.
The Reuben sandwich is also a classic. But as previously mentioned, things are always changing. So, pop in for a visit, and roll the dice with the menu. You’re sure to hit gold.
This spot is found in a quiet area of Hoxton, away from the hustle and bustle. They do takeaways and pastries, so you can also grab something to go before adventuring on.
Top East London Tech City Cafés
This area is just what you would expect from the name – full of high-tech companies and start-ups.
It also has some of the best coffee shops East London has to offer. So, if you’re a local in need of a new home café, or just passing through, these coffee shops near Old Street are sure to suit you.
Look Mum No Hands – Old Street
This interesting café is located within a bicycle workshop. So, if you’re an avid cyclist, this is sure to be your happy place.
If you’re taking a London bike tour, stop by this café to get a little energy before continuing on your way, or to get inspiration and advice before the tour.
This comfy café has a good vibe and tasty coffee and food. Plus, the mechanics are excellent and friendly, always able to fix any problem before you ride on.
If you’re a London local and a cyclist, this is a really great place to chill and chat with friends.
Ozone Coffee Roasters – Leonard Street
If you’re looking for really exceptional coffee, look no further. Ozone coffee makes creamy, silky cappuccinos, and brilliant brunches.
Their food is simple, but very well made and always of the highest quality ingredients.
But it’s their coffees that really stand out from the crowd. Particularly since it’s consistently excellent.
After all, there’s nothing as disappointing as having a wonderful experience on one occasion, and an extremely average one the next.
Shoreditch Grind – Old Street
Looking for something unique while travelling to London? This coffee shop has their blends roasted exclusively for them according to exact specifications, making their coffee something to be experienced.
Their fresh fruit juices and fruit-infused waters are just as popular as their coffee, and so are their high-quality breakfasts.
And since this spot is just outside the Old Street Tube station, it’s easy to enjoy a leisurely repast here before exploring the city.
Top Coffee Shops in Spitalfields
This lively area is home to creatives, quirky shops, trendy bars, and a great vibe. Since there is a large Bangladeshi community, you’ll find plenty of curry houses filling the air with rich aromas.
And you know what goes beautifully with a hot curry? A cold ice coffee. If you’re not tempted to try the local curry, the other at these cafés is just as appealing.
Trade – Commercial Street
If you’re coming to Trade for the coffee, you’re sure to leave happy. But if you’re coming for the breakfasts, you’ll be truly impressed.
Try something healthy and filling, or something smothered in chocolate and peanut butter. Either way – happiness awaits.
The space is stylish and welcoming with a great buzz. You can seat yourself on one of the stools in front of the windows and watch the world go by or get a little comfier on one of the dining chairs.
If you’re a meat-lover, try the Gruber sandwich. Interestingly, their humble cheese toasties are one of the most beloved items on the menu.
And if you’re here for the coffee and the coffee alone, their café lattes are super smooth and popular.
Grounded – Whitechapel Road
This value for money café is a great choice throughout the day, but their brunch is where they really shine.
Their French toast is sure to hit the spot, and they also offer vegan pancakes and other assorted treats.
All of their meals are halal, so this coffee shop is able to cater to just about anyone. And if you’re getting a little nervous – yes, they have bacon. Turkey bacon!
Their coffee itself is, of course, excellent. So, whether you’re here for the morning, or you’re just popping by for a hot cappuccino, Grounded is always a good idea.
Top Dalston Coffee Shops
Yet another trendy neighbourhood in East London, Dalston offers visitors a chance to really experience London like a local.
The Ridley Road Market is one of London’s loveliest local markets. If you’re feeling a little flat while exploring this area, the following are the best coffee shops Dalston has to offer.
Brunswick East – Gillett Street
At Brunswick East, coffee is the focus. They source interesting and excellent coffees from all over the world and serve them up hot.
But it doesn’t end there, because this DIY-styled simple space also makes incredible food, which you can enjoy inside or, if it’s warm, in the cosy outdoor area.
You can find the breakfast classics here, and a couple of more exploratory dishes. If you’re feeling brave, try the hummus and fish with poached eggs on toast.
It may sound a little unusual, and it is, but you’ll be surprised at the delicious taste explosion.
Allpress Espresso Roastery – Dalston Lane
If you are a coffee enthusiast, Allpress is a must. They focus on single-origin artisan coffee from house-roasted beans, making this coffee drinking experience an absolute pleasure.
And best of all, if you find a bean that you really love, you can take a whole lot home with you, as this is also a wholesale roastery.
The airy space is complemented by wooden furniture and a touch of greenery. You can settle into one of the booths or a small table for a flat-white and a delectable breakfast.
Alternatively, their cake is perfectly suited to an afternoon cake and coffee date.
Best Cafés in Hackney
Hackney is a fast-growing, character-filled borough in East London. It’s known for its great food and exciting nightlife. It’s also just next to Dalston, so you can easily make it the next stop on your London itinerary.
Climpson & Sons – Broadway Market
This passionate team shows their knowledge and capability through their incredible coffee.
Climpson & Sons café is popular with the locals and tourists alike, so don’t be too surprised if you see a queue lining up in front of their doors. But trust the queue – the coffee is well worth the wait.
If you’re looking for a big hearty breakfast, other Hackney coffee shops may serve you better.
But if you’re wanting big, buttery croissants to go with your excellent V60 pour-over or flat white, this is the place to go.
The comfortable atmosphere is perfect for slowly sipping great coffee. Just note that they use throwaway cups on the weekend.
So, if you’re on a mission to be more eco-friendly, bring your own mug along.
E5 Bakehouse – London Fields
If your focus is more on the food and you’re wanting perfection, stop in at this wonderful little bakery and café.
An ideal dish cannot even be recommended, because there are simply too many popular options to choose from.
But if you really cannot pick from amongst the rows of delectable goods, you can’t go wrong with their sourdough.
This spot is very popular with locals, so if you’re wanting to order food with your coffee, you may want to call ahead of the time to order.
Sit down to enjoy your meal in the industrial dining space. It’s nothing fancy, but the atmosphere and excellence more than make up for it.
Summary of the Best Coffee Shops East London Boasts
There are so many fascinating parts of East London to explore that you’ll need all the energy you can get for the adventure.
Coffee and brunch spots make for the perfect opportunity to refuel while having a lovely gastronomic experience.
These local hangouts are also the perfect places to get a feel for this historic part of one of the world’s greatest cities.
And if you’re a local in need of a new regular coffee shop, you’ll love the warm and welcoming atmospheres of these spots.
They are, after all, the best that East London has to offer.