Covent Garden, a vibrant district known for its world-class theatres, chic boutiques, and thriving culinary scene, is also a haven for coffee enthusiasts. Whether you’re attending a matinee at the Royal Opera House or exploring Seven Dials, this charming area boasts top-rated coffee shops serving everything from precision-poured flat whites to unique vegan pastries and Japanese patisserie delights. These cafés offer not just great coffee, but also exceptional ambiance, outstanding service, and a true taste of London’s diverse café culture.
What Makes a Coffeeshop One of the Best in Covent Garden?
A standout coffee shop offers more than just a caffeine fix. We considered the following when selecting the best spots in Covent Garden:
- Quality of coffee: Excellence in espresso and innovative brews, from the beans to the barista skills, is paramount.
- Atmosphere and aesthetic: Instagrammable interiors, cosy nooks, and welcoming vibes enhance the experience.
- Food pairings: Flaky pastries, wholesome brunch plates, or unique treats like churros or artisanal gelato add to the appeal.
- Service and reviews: Friendly, knowledgeable staff and positive feedback indicate a great experience.
- Accessibility and location: Proximity to key areas like Covent Garden Market or Neal Street makes visiting easy.
The 16 Best Coffeeshops in Covent Garden London
Here are our top picks for the best coffee shops in Covent Garden, whether you’re after specialty brews, vegan delights, or a cosy corner to unwind:
1. EspressoBase Speciality Coffee
Why visit: For expertly crafted espresso using quality beans and precision brewing techniques in a peaceful courtyard near the British Museum.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Calm, minimalistic, and a well-kept secret with outdoor courtyard seating.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: High-grade single-origin espresso is the focus. Praised flat whites and long blacks with seasonal coffees, accompanied by simple pastries.
- Cost range: £3–£5
- Location: St Georges Court, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SE
- Website and socials: Instagram – @espressobase
2. Drury 188-189 Covent Garden | Café & Brunch
Why visit: One of Covent Garden’s best-kept secrets for consistently great coffee and a satisfying all-day brunch in a cosy atmosphere.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Rustic charm with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a relaxed, welcoming feel, ideal for various occasions.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Smooth espresso-based drinks, matcha lattes, and teas. Popular food menu with vegan pancakes, poached eggs, and house-baked pastries; prominent vegan and veggie options.
- Cost range: £4–£12
- Location: 188-189 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QD
- Website and socials: Instagram – @drury188_189, Website – drury188-189.co.uk
3. Cream Dream Vegan Pastry Cafe
Why visit: A must-visit for plant-based indulgence in the heart of Covent Garden, known for innovative and Instagram-worthy vegan pastries paired with artisan coffee.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Bright, quirky, and inviting with pastel interiors and a youthful energy.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Carefully crafted espresso drinks with free oat, soy, and almond milk. Signature vegan croissants, cinnamon rolls, and layered cakes.
- Cost range: £3–£7
- Location: 46 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HA
- Website and socials: Instagram – @creamdreamvegan
4. Baaria – Italian Café, Wine and Cocktail Bar
Why visit: Craving a taste of Italy? Baaria blends a traditional Sicilian café with a modern wine and cocktail bar, offering bold espresso in the morning and elegant spritzes in the evening.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Sophisticated yet relaxed, with sleek European design, suitable for coffee catch-ups and aperitivo.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Rich, full-bodied espresso and macchiatos using Italian roasts. Sweet treats like cannoli and cornetti. Transforms into a wine and cocktail bar with Sicilian small plates later.
- Cost range: £4–£10 (coffee, pastries, and light bites)
- Location: 20 New Row, London WC2N 4LA
- Website and socials: Instagram – @baarialondon, Website – baariabar.co.uk
5. Fair Shot Café
Why visit: More than just coffee—a social enterprise making a difference by providing training and employment to young adults with learning disabilities, while also serving top-tier coffee.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Bright, airy, and beautifully designed with a balance of modern minimalism and warmth.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Specialty coffee beans for smooth, balanced drinks. Artisanal sandwiches, colourful salads, and freshly baked cakes, including gluten-free and vegan options.
- Cost range: £3–£10
- Location: 3 Slingsby Place, St Martin’s Courtyard, London WC2E 9AB
- Website and socials: Instagram – @fairshotcafe, Website – fairshot.co.uk
6. Cafe de Provence
Why visit: For a charming, French-inspired coffee experience, offering a slice of Paris in Covent Garden with classic décor and fresh pastries.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Romantic and relaxed, reminiscent of Montmartre with vintage posters and mosaic tiles.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Traditional espresso drinks made with robust French-style coffee. House favourites include almond croissants and pain au chocolat, with light quiches and salads also available.
- Cost range: £3–£8
- Location: 14 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5RB
- Website and socials: @cafedeprovencelondon
7. Aguamiel Churros Mexicanos
Why visit: A vibrant café dedicated to authentic Mexican churros and artisan coffee, a must for sweet tooths and lovers of global flavours.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Playful, colourful, and buzzing with life, with tiled counters and cheerful music.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Cinnamon-dusted churros dipped in dulce de leche paired with velvety mochas or iced lattes. Popular Mexican hot chocolate. Rich and slightly sweet coffee.
- Cost range: £3–£6
- Location: 24 Wellington St, London WC2E 7DD
- Website and socials: Instagram – @aguamiel.churros
8. Sakurado Japanese Patisserie London, Covent Garden
Why visit: Offers a refined dessert and coffee experience with a distinctly Japanese flair, famous for delicate mille crêpe cakes and matcha creations.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Chic and minimalistic, feeling serene and sophisticated with soft lighting and beautiful pastry displays.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: The star is the earthy and creamy matcha latte. Quality espresso drinks are also served alongside Japanese desserts like mochi and signature mille crêpe cakes.
- Cost range: £4–£8
- Location: 38 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HA
- Website and socials: Instagram – @sakuradolondon, Website – sakurado.co.uk
9. Lever & Bloom Coffee
Why visit: A small but mighty Artisan bakery known for top-notch brews and personable service, ideal for quick, quality coffee on the go.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Lively and community-focused despite being takeaway-only. Regulars chat with the friendly barista.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Expertly brewed espresso drinks from rotating premium beans. Popular V60 pour-over. Coffee is always smooth and strong.
- Cost range: £2.80–£4.50
- Location: 222 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8EB
- Website and socials: website – leverandbloomcoffee.co.uk Instagram – @leverandbloom
10. Dark Woods Coffee x Ruffians
Why visit: A unique coffee experience in a high-end barbershop, offering seriously good coffee from award-winning roasters.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Sleek, modern, and stylish, blending a design-led boutique with a specialty coffee bar.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: High-quality and consistent coffee from carefully sourced and roasted beans. Limited seating, best for takeaway or a quick catch-up.
- Cost range: £3–£5
- Location: 27 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7JS
- Website and socials: Instagram – @darkwoodscoffee, Instagram – @ruffians
11. Amorino Gelato – London Covent Garden
Why visit: Famous for beautifully sculpted gelato roses, but also offers satisfying coffee and luxurious affogatos for a sweet pairing.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Chic and elegant with Parisian charm, inviting you to linger with warm lighting and marble counters.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Bold and aromatic espresso, perfect on its own or in an affogato with vanilla gelato. Also offers cappuccinos and coffee with sorbets or pastries. Vegan gelato options available.
- Cost range: £3–£6 for coffee, £4–£8 for gelato
- Location: 7 Garrick St, London WC2E 9AR
- Website and socials: Instagram – @amorinogelato_uk, Website – amorino.com
12. Stanfords Coffee House
Why visit: Located within the iconic travel bookshop, offering a tranquil escape to sip well-made coffee while browsing travel guides and books.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Bookish and calm with cosy seating and shelves of books, ideal for readers and those seeking a quiet corner.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Consistently good coffee with a smooth espresso blend. Small but quality menu of cakes, toasties, and pastries, including vegan options.
- Cost range: £3–£6
- Location: 7 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA
- Website and socials: Instagram – @stanfordsmap, Website – stanfords.co.uk
13. Bageriet
Why visit: A charming Swedish bakery hidden down an alley, offering a cosy escape and traditional Scandinavian fika with cinnamon buns and strong coffee.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Tiny but warm and welcoming, feels like stepping into a Nordic home kitchen with the aroma of fresh pastry.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Strong and unfussy coffee, paired perfectly with their star: cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), along with other delicious baked goods and open sandwiches.
- Cost range: £3–£8
- Location: 24 Rose Street, London WC2E 9EA
- Website and socials: Instagram – @bagerietlondon, Website – bageriet.co.uk
14. Hideaway Coffee House
Why visit: A hidden gem perfect for a peaceful break, known for smooth brews, cosy seating, and a chilled atmosphere.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Intimate and understated, ideal for reading or quiet conversations, a true tranquil retreat.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Well-balanced espresso drinks and hand-brewed filter coffee from sustainable beans. Favourite flat whites and cappuccinos, often paired with homemade cakes.
- Cost range: £3–£7
- Location: 7 Farrier’s Passage, London WC2E 8BE
- Website and socials: Instagram – @hideawaycoffeehouse
15. Fresko Yogurt Bar – Covent Garden
Why visit: Brings the authentic taste of Greek yoghurt to London, with a solid coffee offering and unique Greek-inspired treats for a lighter option.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Clean, contemporary, and Mediterranean-chic, a refreshing and cheerful stop.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Great espresso-based drinks, including freddo cappuccinos and Greek frappés. Standout creamy Greek yoghurt bowls with various toppings.
- Cost range: £3–£9
- Location: 44 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HA
- Website and socials: Instagram – @fresko.london, Website – freskoyogurtbar.com
16. Neal Street Espresso
Why visit: A beloved independent gem known for fast, friendly service and consistently top-tier espresso in a no-fuss setting.
- Atmosphere and vibe: Urban, efficient, and always buzzing with regulars, ideal for a quick caffeine hit with limited seating.
- Coffee quality and menu highlights: Bold, smooth, and perfectly balanced espresso is the main event, crafted meticulously by the baristas. Small selection of pastries from local suppliers.
- Cost range: £2.80–£4.50
- Location: 34 Neal Street, London WC2H 9PS
- Website and socials: Website – https://nealstreetespresso.com/nealstreetespresso.com/ Instagram – @nealstreetespresso
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffeeshops in Covent Garden London
Sakurado Japanese Patisserie and Cream Dream Vegan Pastry Cafe offer ultra-aesthetic interiors and photogenic treats.
Yes, Fair Shot Cafe, Drury 188-189, and Hideaway Coffee House offer reliable Wi-Fi.
Cream Dream Vegan Pastry Cafe is entirely vegan, and others like Drury 188-189 and Fresko Yogurt Bar have gluten-free options.
Weekday mornings before 10:30 AM or mid-afternoon between 2–4 PM tend to be quieter. Weekends are busiest between 11 AM and 2 PM.
Yes, many cafés like Fair Shot and Drury 188-189 are laptop-friendly, especially during off-peak hours.
Final Thoughts on the Best Coffeeshops in Covent Garden London
Covent Garden‘s diverse and high-quality café scene offers something for every coffee lover, from creamy flat whites to artisanal churros and plant-based pastries. Whether you seek a quiet nook or a bustling brunch spot, explore these options and discover your personal favourite.
Plan Your Covent Garden Coffee Tour!
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