Best Coffee Shops, Brixton | 15 Top Spots & Cafes
Here are 15 of the best coffee shops Brixton has to offer. From independent coffee shops to artisan coffee houses, these are the top Brixton coffee shops you shouldn’t miss.
There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a freshly-made, aromatic cup of coffee. For many people, having a cup (or more) is a morning ritual.
This is especially true for Londoners. The city boasts a buzzing coffee scene and an amazing selection of upmarket cafes. The south London district of Brixton, in particular, has a quirky coffee vibe. Each cafe you’ll find in this area showcases an eclectic and energetic side of the city.
If you’re looking for the best coffee Brixton has to offer, then this guide will take you through the top 15 options.
Tip: If you’re looking for more on London or planning a trip to the Big Smoke, then read my London travel tips.
Whether you’re looking for a coffee shop with super-fast Wi-Fi, an independent cafe, or an authentic English greasy spoon, here are the finest options to find the best cafe Brixton boasts.
Best Brixton Cafes
If you’re in the mood for some of the best coffee in Brixton, be sure to check out these 15 cosy cafes.
Federation Coffee Brixton
Federation Coffee is a cosy corner cafe nestled in the heart of the bustling Brixton Village Market. This specialty coffee shop sits in a relatively small space, but it’s incredibly popular.
Quality is their number one priority. Their espresso beans are sourced locally from a nearby coffee roaster.
The beans are rotated with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try.
They offer a tasty range of menu items, but their espresso-soaked banana bread reigns supreme. Grab a slice and get the best of both worlds, baked goods and espresso.
You can choose from indoor or outdoor seating. The inside area is filled with large glass windows and plenty of potted plants. Grab a seat, vibe to some cafe music, and watch the world go by. Or, sit outside and fully immerse yourself in the lively market vibe.
Address | 77-78, Brixton Village and Market Row, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 08:00 – 17:00, Sat 9:00 – 18:00, Sun 09:00 – 16:00
Website | http://federation.coffee/
Stir Coffee Brixton
Stir Coffee Brixton is a cafe and craft beer bottle shop on Brixton Hill. It has a shabby chic aesthetic with brick walls, casually strung fairy lights and quirky artwork. The staff keep the vibe casual and laid-back. You can expect very friendly service from your fellow coffee snob.
Their espresso beans have a distinct richness and sweetness to them, and their milk is created specifically for baristas. You’ll find plenty of workspaces, Wi-Fi, and power outlets, perfect for digital nomads.
Stir Coffee is one of the best cafes to work in Brixton because you can grab a deliciously strong cup of coffee that will power you through your workday. They also cater to vegans and are environmentally conscious.
Their takeaway cups are completely biodegradable, and a slight price reduction is given to patrons who bring their own cups. Plant milk and plant-based goodies are also on the menu. This Brixton cafe has everything you could possibly want in a coffee shop.
Address | 111 Brixton Hill, Brixton, London SW2 1AA
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 07:00 – 17:00, Sat – Sun 08:00 – 17:00
Website | http://www.stircoffee.co.uk/
Caya Brixton
Caya is one of the best coffee shops in Brixton for digital workers. In the back of the cafe, you’ll find a designated quiet area with ample co-working space. There are wide tables, plenty of power outlets, and comfortable sofas.
The Wi-Fi is incredibly fast, and customers also have access to a printer. For just £2.00 an hour, guests can enjoy the use of this quiet work area along with bottomless filtered coffee and tea – keep caffeinated and beat writer’s block!
Besides drinks, baked goods and sandwiches are also on the menu. From pastrami toasties to vegan brownies, this London coffee shop caters to all your dietary needs.
Address | 344 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8QH
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 07:30 – 18:30, Sat – Sun 08:30 – 17:00
Website | http://www.cayaclub.com/
F. Mondays
F. Mondays is an atmospheric coffee shop with a lovely backyard garden. The cafe prides itself on its high-quality, local ingredients. They serve direct trade espresso from a local London roastery. If you’re looking for one of the best cafes in Brixton, you won’t be disappointed with this one.
Their menu ingredients are also sourced locally, including their vegetables that come directly from Covent Garden Market. All of their vegan treats are made by The Conscientious Cook.
If you’re looking for cafes serving the best brunch in Brixton, you’ll find a tasty selection of simple yet delicious menu items.
This cafe is one of the few Brixton coffee shops that doesn’t offer Wi-Fi. This gives it a friendly and casual atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you go to meet up with friends and enjoy just being present in the moment.
Address | 112A Brixton Hill, London SW2 1AH
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 07:00 – 16:00, Sat – Sun 08:00 – 17:00
READ MORE | BEST SHOREDITCH COFFEE SHOPS
Brockwell Blend
Brockwell Blend is a London coffee shop with an Italian twist. Their coffee comes from specialty coffee roasters in London. Their menu features cakes, sweets, and Italian specialities, like pizza, focaccia, and Italian cured meat and cheeses.
This non-pretentious coffee shop has a homely feel to it that invites you to stop in and stay for a while. There is a garden out back that’s the perfect area to relax on sunny days. The free and fast Wi-Fi tops it all off.
Address | 19 Tulse Hill, Brixton, London SW2 2TH
Opening Hours | Mon – Sun 07:00 – 16:00
Website | https://www.brockwellblend.co.uk/
Blackbird Bakery
The Blackbird Bakery is a relaxed cafe and bakery in Herne Hill. Their coffee is locally roasted and always freshly ground. They respect the tradition of making everything from scratch – without artificial flavours and preservatives.
This includes their bread, cakes, pastries, breakfast cereals, jams, and marmalades.
They have a shaded seating area out front that provides a nice spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. There is also a small decked area at the back of the cafe for sunny days.
Indulge in a slice of their spiced apple cake or vegan lemon drizzle and a creamy flat white. Don’t forget to grab a loaf of fresh-baked bread to take away with you afterwards.
Address | 230 Railton Rd, Herne Hill, London SE24 0JT
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 07:00 – 19:00, Sat – Sun 08:00 – 18:00
Website | http://www.blackbirdbakerylondon.co.uk/
San Marino Brixton
San Marino is a Sicilian-inspired family-run cafe. Along with Arabica coffee, they offer a great breakfast and lunch menu. From traditional English fare to classic Italian specialities, this is the kind of place you’ll want to visit with an appetite.
Breakfast is served all day. Try their traditional full English breakfast – also available in a vegetarian and vegan version. It’s a generous portion size that will definitely fill you up.
Head in for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and enjoy a hot meal at their lively outdoor terrace.
You can expect friendly service from the staff that will treat you like family.
Address | 413 Brixton Rd, Stockwell, London SW9 7DG
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 06:30 – 18:00, Sat – Sun 07:00 – 18:00
Website | http://sanmarinobrixton.com/
READ MORE | BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH IN SHOREDITCH
Brixton Blend
Brixton Blend is a cosy and casual coffee shop in the heart of Brixton. The cafe provides a relaxing environment to enjoy a good cup of coffee and a range of cakes – including vegan and gluten-free options.
You can taste the quality of their coffee in every cup. The cafe uses local coffee suppliers who ethically source their beans, and the milk is designed specifically for coffee. Their cakes and pastries are also brought in from local suppliers.
They’re located right across the street from the Brixton tube station. So you can grab a flat white for your commute.
If you’re looking for a cafe to work nomadically, head up the spiral staircase to the quiet second-floor work area.
Address | 8 Tunstall Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8BN
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 07:00 – 17:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00, Sun 09:30 – 17:00
Website | http://www.brixtonblend.co.uk/
Balance Coffee
Balance is a small independent coffee shop and juice bar. They offer a selection of blends and single-origin coffee, as well as freshly pressed juices and smoothies. You even have the option of adding in a superfood or protein powder for an extra health kick.
On the food front, they offer fresh sandwiches, wraps, and salads. If you’re craving a sweet treat, they offer a nice selection of pastries and cakes – it’s all about balance, after all.
This is your typical small and friendly Brixton cafe.
You won’t find a lot of seating, just a small counter inside and a bench, plus a couple of small tables outside.
Address | 179 Ferndale Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8BA
Opening Hours | Mon – Fri 07:00 – 13:00, Sat 09:00 – 16:00
Website | https://www.balancesw9.com/
Express Cafe
Express Cafe is a proper English coffee shop. It has a cosy, no-frills aesthetic, with a small seating area and large windows to look out onto the passing street. There’s nothing pretentious about it.
They do a mean English fry-up, so if you’re looking for a good breakfast in Brixton, grab a seat here. Order their set breakfast with all the fixings and a cup of coffee to wash it down.
The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable. This is one of the best coffee shops in London to really soak in the local vibe of the city.
Address | 15-17 Market Row, Brixton, London SW9 8LB
Opening Hours | Mon – Sat 07:00 – 16:30
Habesha Village
Habesha Village is an Ethiopian cafe and restaurant. It’s an intimate space with a very sociable atmosphere.
They’re open until 22:00 every night except Mondays when they close at 17:30. Head in for lunch or dinner and order one of their sharing platters that come with a little bit of everything.
They use fresh ingredients and just the right amount of spice.
Ethiopian coffee beans are often considered of the highest quality in terms of value and flavour. Make sure to order a cup of this steaming speciality to enjoy alongside your meal.
Address | 55 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8PS
Opening Hours | Mon 11:30 – 17:30 Tues – Fri 11:30 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 22:00
Blue Turtle Oasis
Blue Turtle Oasis is a cosy little gem in Loughborough Junction. It’s an independent coffee shop with a homey feel. The decor is bohemian eclectic, and low acoustic music casually plays in the background.
The cafe provides a great place to work, with super-fast Wi-Fi. They also have board games you can enjoy with friends. If you’re in the mood for food, they offer a simple breakfast menu and homemade sandwiches and salads.
Try the banana pancakes with a turmeric latte and fresh-squeezed orange juice. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is health-centred.
Address | 210 Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8SA
Opening Hours | Tues – Fri 07:00 – 14:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 16:00
Katakata
Katakata is a quirky cafe with a wholesome and earthy feel. The food is fresh, and the portions are generous. The inside is decorated with vibrant colours, and the small area out back is perfect for socialising.
It’s one of the best cafes Brixton has to offer for vegetarians and vegans. The menu is full of nourishing and creative menu items. Try their banoffee twist sweet crepe or jerk goat savoury galette. Pair it with a latte or fresh beetroot and ginger tea.
Address | 132A Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RS
Opening Hours | Mon – Sun 10:00 – 22:00
Website | https://www.katakatabrixton.com/
CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEO ON THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRIXTON
Visit a Coffee Shop in Brixton
Brixton is rich with amazing specialty coffee shops that will cater to all your caffeine needs. This London neighbourhood’s vibe is reflected in many different ways across its cafe scene.
Whether you’re in search of a friendly local dive, a popular brunch hangout, or quiet cafes to work, Brixton has plenty of options. After you’ve satisfied your caffeine cravings, take a private tour with a Brixton local to explore this quirky area.
If you’re looking for more coffee shops in London, check out this guide on the best coffee shops in Canary Wharf.