The first coffeehouse in London opened in 1652 – although the bitter brews found there were a far cry from the perfectly roasted coffees London is known for today. Nicknamed “penny universities,” these early coffeehouses were hubs of intellectual exchange, where men from all walks of life could participate for the penny it cost to visit. Fast-forward to the 1950s, when Soho ’s Italian immigrants introduced the now ubiquitous espresso, the stage for today’s vibrant café culture was set.
The 1990s saw the rise of global coffee chains, but London’s heart beats for the speciality third-wave coffee movement, which prizes independent roasters, single-origin beans, and artisanal methods. The explosion of speciality coffee shops in London over the past few decades can be at least partially attributed to what economist Douglas McWilliams calls the ‘ Flat White Economy’. The growth of internet-based creative startups, remote workers, and tech entrepreneurs – who often gather or work from coffee shops– provided the economic boost that has allowed ‘penny universities’ to flourish across London once again.
Today, London is the home of some of the world’s best coffee concepts, festivals, brands and people. In a city teeming with such innovation and passion, it’s no wonder there is such an abundance of incredible cafes. So, where should you start? While London is a city where you can find a great cup almost everywhere you turn, there are some iconic, unique, an.