15 Best Coffee Shops In Shoreditch | A Local’s Guide (2024)

Looking for the best coffee shops in Shoreditch, East London?

The United Kingdom first became acquainted with coffee in the 17th century, and since then, the Kingdom has never looked back. Today, Shoreditch is a guaranteed winner for top-quality coffee in London.

Whether you’re looking for a cup on the go, or a place to enjoy good coffee with a friend, they have it all. Here’s your list of the best coffee shops in Shoreditch for even the most discerning coffee snobs.

Like most people in London, I love coffee, and as a local for over 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to try many of the coffee shops around Shoreditch.

Now one of the places I frequent most with friends for a great cup of joe!

Shoreditch is at the forefront of London’s coffee culture, so much so that the Truman Brewery hosts the annual London Coffee Festival on Brick Lane. I attended the coffee festival last year.

And if you are a coffee amateur like me trying to graduate to a coffee snob, then this is a festival you don’t want to miss.

So, whether a classic frothy cappuccino appeals to you or you’d prefer a simple long black Italian blend, Shoreditch is the perfect place for the perfect cup of coffee.

This guide takes you through the best coffee shops Shoreditch has to offer for all your caffeinated needs in East London.

If you’re looking for more on London or planning a trip to the Big Smoke, then read my guide on the best London travel tips.

Best Coffee Shops in Shoreditch!

1. The Shoreditch Grind – Café – Bar

The Shoreditch Grind, located on the famous old street roundabout, is the original ‘G’ of coffee houses in Shoreditch and has been there since 2011.

It was born out of Melbourne’s coffee culture and started off serving only coffee and pastries, but in 2015 a full kitchen was introduced, serving up some amazing breakfast and brunch options.

If you’re heading to The Shoreditch Grind for breakfast, try their house coffee with a bit of oat milk and the one-pan eggs, chorizo, spinach, and yogurt dish with a side of avocado.

My favourite thing about the Shoreditch Grind is that this coffee shop transforms into a bar serving cocktails in the evening.

So, now a Sunday brunch can morph into drinks with the girls, with espresso martinis flowing, and you never have to move from that one spot.

As with all things Shoreditch, the Grind is witty and pioneering, introducing an international-grade recording studio above the cafe.

They even have a Grind app that allows you to order and pay ahead for food and drinks, helping you to skip the dreaded queues.

The Shoreditch Grind is a landmark in Shoreditch, and in the heart of Shoreditch, you’ll find their HQ.

2. Ozone Coffee Roasters

Ozone Coffee Roasters is one of the first coffee houses in Shoreditch to roast their coffee beans in-house.

This place can get crowded on the street level floor, so head down to the basement level to watch their beans roasting as you wait for your cup of coffee.

If it’s your first time, try one of their ‘slow brew’ specials like the Colombia Agustino forest and their buttermilk pancakes with a side of crispy belly bacon.

You will not regret it (my personal recommendation).

3. Department Of Coffee And Social Affairs

The Department of Coffee and Social Affairs was born from a collaboration of designers, artists, and coffee professionals who wanted to build a social hub for people who love great coffee.

This coffee shop also offers its own brand of coffee and an espresso course, ‘The Craft & Science of Espresso’, for those looking to learn the art of espresso coffee making.

The staff at each location are knowledgeable and can offer you suggestions on what blend to try if it’s your first time visiting their coffee shop.

I recommend the house blend ‘Smoking Gun Vol. II’ with notes of sour cherry, red toffee apple and vanilla. This shot of caffeine is all you need to get you up and running for the morning.

4. Nude Espresso Shoreditch

More than just a place that serves some of the best coffee in Shoreditch, with a passion for specialty coffee, Nude Espresso is the perfect spot to indulge in a bold cup of coffee.

They serve espresso and filter coffees and even beans you can buy and take home with you if you fancy recreating their freshly brewed coffee at home.

The Shoreditch shop is the original branch of Nude, so they are serious about their coffee. So significant that they also double up as a training school, where their expert coffee team holds masterclasses on a Saturday.

The staff here is enthusiastic about the quality of coffee due to their years of training and experience. Nude Espresso has the right blend of excellent staff, music, and interior that gives off a local coffee shop vibe.

You can try either their signature East Blend, rotating single origins, and both slow brew and batch filter options.

I told you they were serious about their coffee! The great ambiance and premium coffee quality appeal to local and first-time visitors looking for cafes in Shoreditch.

No wonder Nude Espresso is one of the most frequented coffee shops in Shoreditch.

READ MORE | BEST BRUNCHES IN SHOREDITCH

5. Kahaila Café

Opened in 2012, Kahaila Café set up a space where anyone could escape from the hustle and bustle of London and make you feel like you belong, regardless of who you were.

It’s a charity-run cafe for ethically sourced coffee in an urban setting filled with art and mix-and-match furniture but still maintains a reputation as one of the best cafes in Shoreditch.

They also do events, cinema clubs, art launches, and poetry nights.

It is a fabulous coffee shop on Brick Lane, where visitors and residents get a treat of coffee that is 100% locally sourced. The café is a great place to relax, get to know people, and enjoy a fantastic entertainment.

The good news is, the prices are very reasonable, you won’t even believe you were still in London.

You also won’t be able to resist the mouth-wateringly delicious pastries they have at the counter. They even offer a vast range of vegan and gluten-free offerings, covering very common dietary needs at one of the best cafes in Brick Lane.

6. Paper And Cup

Paper and Cup is a not-for-profit shop created by the Spitalfields Crypt Trust, a locally-based charity organisation.

It is a little hideaway and is one of the best cafés Shoreditch has around, offering a range of delicious coffee and books.

This small coffee shop is beloved by London’s hardcore Instagrammers. And I usually see someone sitting outside with a small dog, sipping a cup of coffee early on a Saturday morning when I’m coming from the gym.

As well as its delicious coffee, Paper & Cup offer a range of scrumptious treats. They also make delicious vegan cakes. It’s a great place to chill and catch up with friends.

The cafe is small and less busy early in the morning but gets active from 11 am when locals visit with their laptops to do some work.

7. FIX 126 (FWD Coffee)

FIX 126 is a favourite spot for those who prefer to grab some of the best coffee Shoreditch has before heading to work in the area.

If you are a first-time visitor to Shoreditch and a budding photographer, FIX 126 is an absolute must-visit.

Its school-like design and exposed brick walls give the coffee shop a communal feel and unique edge, setting it apart from the rest.

So, treat yourself to some uplifting Fix blend coffee Origin (50% Santissimo Brazil and 50% El Carrizal Guatemala) produced exclusively by Climpson and Sons for Fix making it one of the best best cafes in Shoreditch.

8. Trade Coffee

Located near the historic Spitalfields Market, Trade is an independently managed coffee shop with a fantastic menu offering as well as a jaw-dropping interior space.

Their lovely outdoor terrace is also a great spot if you’re looking to relax and savour your morning coffee.

With a fantastic array of blends, artisanal sandwiches, and baked goods served in cosy industrial digs. Why not give Trade a go on your next coffee run and enjoy their tasty treats with their amazing coffee?

9. Origin Coffee

Origin Coffee is home to an extensive range of specialty coffee features. With an illustrative mural and a brew bar taking centre stage in this coffee shop, guests can expect best-in-class pours and coffees with artistic influences written all over.

The interior is minimalistic, but the carefully sourced, single-origin coffees here have all the flare and razzle-dazzle of a Strictly dancer.

10. Lantana

Australians are known to be some of the best coffee brewers in London. They have turned coffee making into a beautiful art form.

To get a feel of the typical Australian café culture, head to Lantana. A bare-walled cafe and restaurant serving unique coffee blends.

You’ll love your daily caffeine ritual all over again as the coffee served here is a perfect blend.

They also do a killer brunch and are open seven days a week. So make your way to the Lantana and enjoy the coffee and the atmosphere.

11. Look Mum No Hands (Permanently Closed)

Located in the vibrant Old Street, Look Mum No Hands doubles up as an exquisite coffee shop as well as a bicycle workshop, a bar, and an exhibition space.

So, if your bicycle needs a specialist touch, there are four full-time mechanics readily available to help you as you guzzle down your tasty cup of coffee from Square Mile Coffee Roasters.

The quirky décor and welcoming vibe at Look Mum No Hands is a perfect setting for a delicious cup of specially prepared coffee after a hard cycle session.

They even hold workshops and other events for cycling enthusiasts.

And it is also one of the coffee shops near the famous London underground station, Old Street Station.

READ MORE | BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRICK LANE

12. Attendant Shoreditch

Shoreditch’s Attendant coffee roasters might not be as fancy and Instagrammable as their famous Fitzrovia location, but it’s holding its own amongst its older boy.

Located on the busy Shoreditch Triangle in East London, the people of Shoreditch inspired the look and feel that the café has.

This Australian-inspired brunch café offers an impressive mix of coffee.

They are pulling their own seasonal espresso blend direct from the Attendant Roastery through their La Marzocco Linea PB, as well as single-origin filters from around the world via V60 Drip or Aeropress.

You’ll be impressed by the mix of blends at this Shoreditch cafe.

Their breakfast menu is also worth a look and is fresh and wholesome. Attendant offers home-style breakfast and brunch options, including almond bircher muesli, vanilla-dipped French toast, and avocado smash.

It’s also one of the best Shoreditch cafes to work from in the area.

13. AIDA Shoreditch

AIDA is an independent concept store in Shoreditch, combining Scandinavian-inspired men’s and women’s clothing, homewares, and barista.

At the front of the store, you’ll find AIDA’s coffee shop. It’s a great place where friends meet and relax with their favourite cup of coffee.

But it’s most well known for its specialty lattes: Matcha, Turmeric, Chai, and the infamous Rose.

You probably would have seen their candy-coloured lattes populating your IG feeds and wondered where you could get your paws on a cup. Now you know (You can thank me later).

14. Climpson & Sons

Climpson & Sons are pioneers in the evolving London streets specialty coffee scene. This roaster has grown from strength to strength and is known in East London for its range of espressos, blends, and single-origin beans. Making it a top coffee shop in Shoreditch to visit.

If you are a hardcore coffee addict, you won’t be disappointed with the blends at Climpson & Sons.

15. Alchemy

Alchemy is another one of Shoreditch coffee roasters that serves some of their craft coffee in a unique, somewhat gimmicky fashion – in a flask that makes you feel like you’re back in high school science lab.

Despite the gimmicks, they serve some of the best coffee Shoreditch has to offer, and you can find delicious single-origin brews and classic espresso drinks at Alchemy.

At their Paul Street location, they also have a decent selection of cakes and light brunch options if you are looking for a small breakfast at a cafe in Shoreditch.

Final Thoughts On Shoreditch Coffee Shops

The obsession with quality coffee in London shows no signs of slowing down whether you’d like a single-origin filter, a Jamaica Blue Mountain Reserve, or an artisanal blend cup of coffee in Shoreditch.

So next time you are looking where to find the best coffee shops in Shoreditch is where it’s at, and there is somewhere to feed your coffee craving in the famous district and even more places nearby like Allpress Shoreditch, Friends of Ours Shoreditch and the many Brick Lane cafes.

To find out more about the beauty and adventure that London holds, you can browse the rest of my top things to do in East London content.

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