14 Best coffee shops in Kensington & Cute Cafes
Are you looking for the best coffee shops in Kensington? You’ve come to the right place. This blog post is all about uncovering the hidden gems that Kensington has to offer when it comes to great coffee shops – from cosy cafes in Kensington to trendy hangouts.
You can delight in locally-roasted beans, freshly-made snacks, and an atmosphere where you can sit back and relax. We have rounded up our top picks for coffee lovers like you.
Best coffee shops in Kensington
Here are the best coffee shops and Kensington cafes to visit.
1. Fait Maison
Enjoy the taste of classic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean delicacies prepared with a modern flare at Fait Maison in Kensington.
Executive Chef Yvonne Osman invites you to tantalise your taste buds with her delicious creations.
Like quenching your thirst with any one of the impressive speciality coffees and teas available: try the Rose Latte with fragrant rose-scented syrup or their Turkish coffee to savour a deliciously thick sludge at the bottom of your cup. French coffee crafted with carefully coarsely ground beans, French press, or Moroccan tea served in traditional style.
Read my guide on things to do in Kensington London
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, have a try of the aromatic Arabic Coffee (Dala).
Their food menu serving delicious breakfast is not to be missed either. It includes breakfast items like French toast, Spanish omelettes, Turkish breakfast, classic Shakshuka and other sweet treats. Fait Maison also offers an afternoon tea menu in their restaurants.
Fait Maison is one of the cutest cafes in Kensington and a great place to people-watch.
⭐ RATING: 4:3 out of 5 Stars (1893 TripAdvisor)|📍50 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4QT | ☕ website
2. Hjem Kensington
At Hjem Kensington, you’ll find all that a coffee connoisseur and pastry aficionado could ever want! With its Scandinavian design, this Danish-inspired bakery and coffee shop in Kensington has something for everyone.
Start your day with one of their speciality coffees or smoothie bowls made from organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Hungry for lunch? They offer traditional smørrebrød’s (open-faced sandwiches) with an assortment of toppings to choose from.
Their one-of-a-kind sandwiches, made with traditional Danish HJEMmade sourdough rye bread, will make your taste buds dance.
And if everything they’ve already got wasn’t enough, they also have classic Brazillian coffee on offer, ‘The Baron’, from renowned Climpsons & Sons roasters in East London. Each sip of this flavourful beverage is worth savouring – trust us!
And you can’t go wrong with their matcha lattes, chai teas, macchiatos, Darjeeling Oolong and more. So head down to Hjem Kensington and experience a taste of Denmark in the heart of Kensington.
⭐ RATING: 4:4 out of 5 Stars (336 Google Reviews)|📍 3 Launceston Place W8 5RL Kensington, London UK | ☕ website
3. Gail’s Bakery
Gail’s Bakery is a paradise for food lovers. They offer freshly made breads, pastries, cakes, breakfasts and lunches – all hand prepared with care and according to the season.
From flat whites and macchiatos for a perfect start to your day to French pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat and cinnamon buns, you’ll be able to satisfy any sweet craving you have.
For the health-conscious among us, the Chia seed pudding is a unique choice combining chia seeds in coconut milk, yoghurt, mango purée and coconut flakes creating a powerhouse of flavours.
World-class drinks such as their daily dose of orange juice (cold-pressed in Battersea) and their daily dose of hot shot offer refreshing and fiery highlights.
⭐ RATING: 4:0 out of 5 Stars (156TripAdvisor)|📍240-242 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6ND, United Kingdom| ☕ website
4. Cafe Phillies
Café Phillies, just off High Street Kensington near Holland Park, is your ultimate destination for a morning pick-me-up. Treat yourself and your friends or family to a delicious brunch in Kensington.
They offer delicious coffee, tea and juices freshly served from their Japanese cast iron teapots – and don’t forget the added bonus of being able to sample their 100% organic and vegan cannabis tea.
Their homemade cakes and pastries are available from the counter starting at 5 in the evening – perfect for a light snack or dessert.
For breakfast, you will be spoilt for choice with a range of options like muffins, croissants, porridge pancakes, and refreshing granola yoghurt bowls with fresh fruit (vegan options also available) plus avocado toast with eggs and feta cheese.
Café Phillies provides the perfect atmosphere for getting together with friends and family, catching up with colleagues or just stopping by to enjoy a delicious coffee.
⭐ RATING: 4:4 out of 5 Stars (657 Google Reviews)|📍2A Phillimore Gardens London W8 7QB| ☕ website
5. The Italian Gardens Café
If you’re looking for a fantastic dining experience surrounded by nature, then stop right here!
The Italian Gardens Café should be your first choice. Located in Kensington Gardens and next to Queen Anne’s Alcove, it is an oasis of calm.
Colicci operates this Kensington cafe with a living roof supporting biodiversity in the Garden – impressive! But there’s more.
Choose from a delicious range of food and drinks, including light breakfast options, salads, sandwiches, cakes, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and gluten-free offerings.
Plus, grab a sweet scoop of gelato in the summer from their Gelato cart as a cooling treat in the sun. And when it comes to seating – you have indoor or outdoor tables with stunning views across the tranquil water gardens.
⭐ RATING: 4:1 out of 5 Stars (471 Google Reviews)|📍Kensington Gardens, London W2 2SD | ☕ website
6. Labakery Coffee & Deli
From their strong Allpress coffee to their freshly made focaccias and tiramisus, Labakery is a truly special find for anyone looking for quality food. It’s also one of the best Kensington coffee shops to visit.
Tried their avo brunch with smashed avo on sourdough garnished with lemon, a Scandinavian or Italian bagel washed down with an English breakfast tea, or a strong cappuccino.
Not to mention that they are dog friendly too! The fantastic atmosphere of this independent Kensington cafe is cosy yet uplifting; it’s an ideal setting to have breakfast, brunch or light lunch without having to leave the Kensington area.
⭐ RATING: 4:8 out of 5 Stars (181 Google Reviews)|📍246 Kensington High Street, Kensington London W8 6NH United Kingdom | ☕ website
7. Lift Coffee
Lift Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in London, this speciality coffee shop in a modern and minimalist space makes it an ideal spot for studying or working.
They also serve some of the most unique coffees, teas, and espressos you’ll ever taste. From their signature flat white with Oatly to their special matcha latte, your morning sip will surely lift your spirits.
To top off your morning beverage, grab one of their homemade almond croissants – they provide the perfect amount of sweetness to accompany your cup of joe.
Visit Lift Coffee soon and experience an excellent café atmosphere and good food.
⭐ RATING: 4:8 out of 5 Stars (216 Google Reviews)|📍133 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LP London United Kingdom
8. Coco Momo
Coco Momo Kensington is a café, bar and British brasserie located in London that serves delicious Mediterranean, British and European cuisine.
They are the perfect spot for a social gathering or just a quick bite with friends. Start your day with one of their award-winning Union Coffee, sourced ethically and hand-roasted to perfection. You can be sure that every cup of they brew packs a flavourful punch or try an indulgent hot chocolate or cappuccino.
Tantalise your taste buds with one of Coco Momo’s popular dishes like the full English breakfast, their signature eggs Benedict, made with the finest Burford Brown eggs from Clarence Court or buttermilk pancakes.
There’s something for everyone in this coffee shop ranging from light bites such as Bircher muesli.
⭐ RATING: 4:3 out of 5 Stars (791 Google Reviews)|📍25 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, SW7 4PL| ☕ website
9. Guillam Coffee House
When you step inside Guillam Coffee House, located on Gloucester Road, you’ll be welcomed into a modern and cosy setting perfect for savouring all kinds of coffee.
The staff is well-versed in coffee culture, preparing a helpful guide through the nine different single-origin coffees available from around the globe. Each cup of filter coffee is served in Abdel’s (one of the founders) own custom carafe, making it an experience to remember and showing their attention to detail in each step of the process.
Don’t forget the homemade delights waiting for you on the counter! The pastries are made with top-notch ingredients and crafted every day from scratch by a small team of talented chefs.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (791 Google Reviews)|📍24 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4RB
10. Caffe Concerto
Caffe Concerto is the perfect place to indulge all of your cravings! Located in the eclectic Kensington High Street district of London, this European-style restaurant chain brings comfort and class to its 18 branches around Greater London.
Sit down for a relaxing meal in their elegant gorgeous French-style decor dining room, or grab something for takeaway so you can explore nearby attractions without missing a beat.
Each visit to Caffe Concerto is sure to be extraordinary, as they offer breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner along with speciality items like patisserie and wedding/celebration cakes.
Indulge in delectable pasta, wood-fired pizzas and rustic Italian dishes from the restaurant menu. Not to mention the rich desserts that fill the display cabinets that will have you drooling with every visit.
They also understand that everyone is different, so they can cater for vegan, vegetarian, Halal (Islamic law), and gluten-free diets. Over time, their success has led them overseas – they have expanded to countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Make sure to check out one of their many branches today!
⭐ RATING: 3:8 out of 5 Stars (1115 Google Reviews)|📍88 Kensington High Street, London W8 4SG
11. Cafe Nouvelle
Café Nouvelle on Abingdon Road Kensington is the perfect place to grab a delicious cup of coffee or light lunch while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city street.
Step inside this luxe cafe and be greeted by the pleasant aroma of coffee beans, freshly-baked pastries and delicious treats. Enjoy your day with friends over sumptuous dishes from the menu, such as bagels piled high with smoked salmon or melt-in-the-mouth strawberry tarts sprinkled with icing sugar.
Plus, this Kensington cafe is only a few minute’s walk from Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum.
⭐ RATING: 3:8 out of 5 Stars (1115 Google Reviews)|📍69 Abingdon Road Kensington, London W8 6AW England South Kensington
12. Montparnasse Café
Step into Montparnasse Café in Kensington, and you’ll be welcomed with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and an array of delicious pastries.
Start your day off right with one of their luscious croissants or éclairs, or if you’re in a fruity mood, try their Tarte aux pêches.
If you’re looking for something savoury, they have you covered, too with light breakfasts such as crêpes and omelettes.
Best of all, this French café is independently owned, so you know you’ll get a fully personalised service in a warm and homey atmosphere.
Whether you want to relax indoors enjoying a cup of rich coffee or take in the sunshine outdoors while savouring sweet pastries, come on by Montparnasse Café.
⭐ RATING: 4:5 out of 5 Stars (343 Google Reviews)|📍22 Thackeray Street, London W8 5ET England
13. Ole & Steen
Spending an afternoon at Ole & Steen in Kensington London is a treat you won’t soon forget. This Danish bakery and café has everything from traditional treats to delicious sandwiches, salads, soups and coffee.
Start your day with a traditional Danish breakfast complete with their signature brioche, smørrebrød, rye bread and gravlax – all washed down with a hot cup of coffee.
They serve slow-roasted, hand-crafted single-estate coffee from Columbia, Brazil, and beyond.
Their freshly-baked pastries are especially divine; you can savour specialities like cinnamon rolls, danishes, ‘Dulate’ nut bars and homemade focaccia.
Based on seasonality, Ole & Steen also serves Swedish waffles with berry compote for those seeking something unique. All of their ingredients are sourced locally to ensure premium quality and freshness.
⭐ RATING: 4:5 out of 5 Stars (343 Google Reviews)|📍92 Kensington High St, London W8 4SH
14. La Piccola Deli Pasticceria
Looking for a great breakfast spot in West London? Look no further than La Piccola Deli Pasticceria. Not only do they offer all your favourite breakfast and lunch staples, but they also have an added flair of Italian cooking to top it off.
Sip on one of their deliciously roasted coffees. At the same time, you enjoy a plate of Eggs Royale with avocado, Spicy Nduja from Spilinga, and crispy pancetta – ready to entice and delight your taste buds. And if you’re looking for more Italian specialities, you can also pick up some fine Italian groceries in-store.
⭐ RATING: 4:6 out of 5 Stars (440 Google Reviews)|📍270 Kensington High St, London W8 6ND